Page 35 - SAMENA Trends - September 2023

ARTICLE SAMENA TRENDS

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5G and Beyond: The Middle East's Journey to a Connected

Intelligent Future

In the fast-evolving world of telecommunications, 5G technology
undeniably claimed the spotlight. The 5G promises not only faster
connectivity but also promises a new age of infinite possibilities,
transforming the way we connect, communicate, and even perceive
our digital surroundings. The impact of 5G is not just about speed;
it's about a more interconnected and responsive digital world.

Remarkably, the Middle East has not only kept pace with the
technological wave but has also positioned itself as a nucleus
of this evolution. Steeped in historical richness and diversity, the
region has done more than just tap into 5G's potential. Since the
initial rollout of the 5G network in 2019, the Middle East has seen
over 24 million 5G users, and 2.5 million 5G home broadband users
utilizing fixed wireless access (FWA). It has become a shining
example of innovation and commercial success. A testament to
its forward-thinking is its achievements in Fixed Wireless Access
(FWA). While FWA – which offers internet connectivity through
wireless networks rather than traditional cables – is not new, its
relevance has grown in the 5G era. Many regional telecom giants
now view FWA not as a mere option, but as a pivotal revenue
cornerstone, reshaping their business paradigms and growth
blueprints.

However, technology evolution never stops, even as the world is
still getting acquainted with the fantastic capabilities of 5G. There
are waves of the upcoming 5G Advanced or 5.5G technology.
Having among the leaders of first wave deployment, and seeing
the benefits of innovative development, the operators in the middle
east region are paving the way towards the 5.5G era, aim to make
it a reality in the next two years. Anjian
President Middle East & Central Asia
In tandem with these advancements, we are also seeing the Carrier Business Group
emergence of exciting new digital services transitioning from Huawei
concepts to reality. Such as naked eye 3D, which allows for three-
dimensional visual experiences without the need for special
glasses; XR, an umbrella term for augmented, virtual, and mixed
realities; Redcap and Passive-IoT, are all pushing the boundaries
of smart services what's possible. These innovations demand
networks that are not just faster in speed, but also intelligent and
more resilient. They challenge our existing infrastructures and
compel us to envision a future that's not just connected but hyper-
connected. It's a future where the lines between the digital and the
physical blur, leading us towards the promising and awe-inspiring
prospects of a 10G society.

35 SEPTEMBER 2023