Page 73 - SAMENA Trends - September 2019

ARTICLE SAMENA TRENDS

IOT is expected to be by the Kuwait Financial Centre “Markaz” services in the countries. Operators have
already started negotiating with local
estimates only, the cost savings in oil
a multibillion-dollar and aviation industries to reach around and international partners to launch such
industry in the GCC. A 20Bn USD. Many countries in the region services.
report published by the are working towards the diversification We believe that the first service
of their economies, strengthening of
Kuwait Financial Centre private sectors and the development of propositions will be focused on SCADA
“Markaz” estimates only, knowledge economy. IOT, big data and 5G type applications for utility companies with
therefore, occupy an important position in
E-health and smart vehicle type services
the cost savings in oil and the national policies of these countries. following them. More advanced services
aviation industries to reach Consequently, many GCC countries are like autonomous vehicles etc. are not
around 20Bn USD. Many working to establish a strong ITO industry. expected before a widespread penetration
of 5G. There will be a lot of potential of
For example, Du (UAE) showcased it’s
countries in the region smart city solutions at IoT Middle East revenue generation in oil and gas sector
are working towards the 2019 Conference. Etisalat launched its IoT and operators will face fierce competition
(Internet of Things) gateway solution to
in this vertical.
diversification of their connect customers’ remote organisational
economies, strengthening assets securely to the enterprise network More advanced IOT
in 2018.
of private sectors and the services are expected
development of knowledge In KSA, IoT is estimated to become a USD to be launched after the

economy. IOT, big data and 16.01 billion market by 2020. Hence, Saudi availability of 5G services
government has paid special attention to
5G therefore, occupy an it in the vision 2030. MCIT has established in the countries. Operators
important position in the Saudi IoT, an annual event focusing on the have already started
growth and development of technology in
national policies of these the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. It is a once a negotiating with local and
countries. year event for customers, service providers international partners to
and technologists. Saudi’s Regulator
(CITC) is working on the development of launch such services.
IOT has become a hot topic nowadays, regulations and has already issued its
due to the almost ubiquitous availability of “Rules and Conditions for MVNO Services Saudi operators will have to overcome
wireless connectivity, widespread adoption and IOT-VNO Services Provision”. A several challenges for establishment of
of IP technology, advancement in data consultation paper has also been issued a thriving IOT market. Most important
analytics and the rise of cloud computing. about draft Regulatory Framework on of these challenges could be regulatory
The imminent launch of 5G services is Internet of Things (IoT) and draft special ambiguity, entrance of established
also a very important reason behind the conditions for class licenses Type (B) to big players from abroad and lack of
heightened interest in IOT. 5G is expected provide Internet of Things (IoT) Services technological now how in the local market.
to finally, provide the level of speed, latency using license-exempt frequency. At the same time, national complicated
and security which will potentially enable security requirements will also create
the provision of services like autonomous Saudi Operators are gearing up to enter some hurdles. Operators should start
vehicles, smart homes and wearable for this lucrative market. At present, Mobily developing technical capabilities and
various health and other applications, to offers POS, fleet management and other alliances while working with Regulator and
name a few. M2M services. other government bodies to facilitate rules
and regulations related with IOT.
IOT is expected to be a multibillion-dollar More advanced IOT services are expected
industry in the GCC. A report published to be launched after the availability of 5G

73 SEPTEMBER 2019