Page 31 - SAMENA Trends - September 2021

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Batelco Phases Out 2G Network to Make Way for Transformation Towards

Advanced Mobile Development

Batelco has announced that as part of its services.” “Batelco began this strategic infrastructure over the years, leading to
ongoing network transformation, the 2G initiative in 2019 and since then has been recognition by multiple organizations, both
network, which has been in service for over working closely with the 2G customer base national and international, with a recent
27 years, will be phased out by the end of to manage the transition by supporting example being the prestigious Ookla
November 2021 to make way for higher them with upgrading from 2G to higher Awards, when Batelco was named as the
technologies that offers higher speeds and technologies. During the past two years, highest rated Mobile Network in Bahrain.
better quality. Batelco has been reaching 3G and 4G coverage enhancements The advancement in our networks is aimed
out to its 2G customers to ensure a smooth have been carried out in several areas at delivering faster mobile data speed and
transition process, and customers who as well as the expansion of Batelco’s 5G better call quality to enhance customer
use 2G have been invited to switch to a 3G, network in support of transformation experience across the entire network. Also,
4G or 5G compatible device to continue plans.” “Additionally, the phase out of the evolution of our mobile network will
benefitting from the best Batelco services. the 2G network will lead to a reduction in enable us to deliver advanced functions
When discussing the subject, Batelco’s electricity consumption contributing to the such as IoT and smart city technologies,
Network General Manager, Rashid environment by reducing CO2 emissions in line with Bahrain’s endeavors to grow
Mohamed, stated, “As telecommunication by an estimated 827 metric tons annually, as a leading ICT hub.” Batelco’s customer
technology continues to evolve within the which according to environmental migration support includes very attractive
local industry, Batelco strives to ensure studies is equivalent to the affect that offers on new compatible 3G and 4G
the delivery of the most up-to-date approximately 30,000 trees would have on devices and the vast majority of Batelco’s
services for its customers. The capacity the environment. This supports Batelco’s 2G customers have already migrated
currently being used for 2G services will be sustainability efforts especially in the area to higher technologies. Customers who
reallocated to support the growth of 3G, 4G of energy consumption,” Mr. Mohamed are still using 2G devices are requested
and 5G networks to meet the ever-growing added. “Batelco has been investing to finalize their transition by the 30th of
demand for better and wider mobile data extensively in its telecommunication November 2021.

Cisco Commits to Net Zero Greenhouse Gas
Emissions By 2040

Cisco announced that it is committing Future for All. Cisco's efforts to advance goals like today’s net zero commitment.
to reaching net zero for greenhouse gas this purpose will encompass investments “The devastating effects of the climate
(GHG) emissions across all scopes by and initiatives related to closing the digital disasters over the past few weeks could
2040, 10 years ahead of when climate divide, advancing social justice, building not be a clearer sign of the urgent need
scientists say the planet must reach net partner ecosystems of impact, and setting to address climate change now,” said
zero to avoid the worst impacts of climate and achieving ambitious sustainability Reem Asaad, Vice President, Cisco Middle
change. Cisco’s net zero goal will be
supported by ambitious near-term targets,
including to reach net zero for all global
Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions by 2025.
Other near-term targets will cover the
company’s most-material Scope 3
categories, such as use of sold products
and supply chain emissions, and will be
made public as they are finalized later in
2021. The new greenhouse gas reduction
goals will follow the latest climate
science, and Cisco will report progress
on these targets in its annual Corporate
Social Responsibility Impact Report. This
announcement marks a major milestone
in Cisco’s journey to Power an Inclusive

31 SEPTEMBER 2021