In an exclusive interview with Telecom Review, Mohammed Al Ramsi, TDRA Deputy Director General for the telecommunications sector elaborated on the UAE regulatory body’s efforts in implementing frameworks that will ensure the telecom sector’s smooth pathway to excellence in a fast-paced digital era.
Please give us a brief update on the TDRA's key initiatives in 2024 that align with the UAE's vision to become a global model for ICT development.
TDRA always works on initiatives to boost the UAE’s progress to become a global model for ICT development. The year 2024 has been especially productive because of the launch of a number of innovative initiatives, many involving AI.
One of the prominent initiatives was the launch of the ICT Regulatory Sandbox. It provides regulatory exemptions and reduces entry barriers, giving participants the freedom to test their products and services with temporary regulatory approval. This framework enables artificial intelligence (AI), Internet of Things (IoT), augmented and virtual reality (AR/VR), blockchain, and other cutting-edge technologies to be developed and tested in a secure and regulated environment. It is an essential part of aligning with the UAE’s strategic vision of becoming a global hub for technological advancement under the ‘We the UAE 2031’ and ‘Centennial 2071’ visions.
The sandbox plays a crucial role in attracting foreign investments in its ICT sector. By lowering barriers to innovation and providing a streamlined framework for testing and development, the sandbox has made the UAE an attractive destination for global ICT players looking to innovate.
The other tangible outcome of the ICT Regulatory Sandbox is its contribution to the development of 6G technologies. TDRA has taken the lead in 6G research and development (R&D), working alongside Khalifa University and global standardization bodies like the ITU and IEEE. The ICT Regulatory Sandbox has been instrumental in providing the spectrum resources and regulatory frameworks needed to facilitate 6G trials. This, in turn, will enable the UAE to become one of the first countries to adopt 6G networks, positioning it as a global leader in telecommunications.
TDRA unveiled the UAE’s 6G Roadmap. It covers an extensive strategy to spearhead research and studies concerning the advancement of ‘International Mobile Telecommunications’ technology (IMT-2030)—also called the sixth generation of mobile networks (6G).
6G is poised to introduce a suite of new capabilities, encompassing applications in artificial intelligence, network virtualization, sensing, and comprehensive coverage. Simultaneously, the existing capabilities of 5G will undergo enhancements, targeting improved efficiency in frequency spectrum utilization, connection density, and traffic management. These advancements aim to optimize performance within specific regions and reduce the response time significantly. The UAE aims to upgrade to 6G by 2030.
The UAE ranked first globally in the Telecommunication Infrastructure Index (TII), according to the UN E-Government Survey 2024. Please give us insight into the role the TDRA played in achieving this remarkable recognition.
The TDRA has introduced and implemented a series of policies and initiatives that have significantly fostered and enhanced competition in the telecommunications sector. These include the bitstream policy, the universal services policy, the price control policy, the procedural policy, and the national numbering policy. Telecom operators fully co-operated on implementing these policies. As a result, there has been a reduction in prices and a high uptick in telecommunication services, both of which are key components of the Telecommunication Infrastructure Index (TII). Additionally, the TDRA regularly conducts household surveys to gather relevant indicators related to the TII and timely submits both ICT infrastructure and survey data to the ITU—the source of the TII.
In addition to that, the TDRA has introduced a QoS framework within the telecom sector to foster competition and provide superior coverage and services to customers. The framework includes a QoS policy that sets different network and quality KPIs that need to be achieved and exceeded by service providers. It also includes implementing annual QoS benchmarking exercises to benchmark different QoS KPIs in relation to the services providers and the identified areas for improvement. The Coverage Center is also one of the main components within the TDRA QoS framework, which is an integrated center that enables early and advanced detection of the coverage quality of service providers’ networks in the country. The Center conducts field surveys to test, measure, and analyze the quality of service providers’ networks, and simulate user experience.
The launch of the Coverage Center is part of TRA's strategy to develop telecommunications services and improve customer happiness by consistently improving the quality of services offered in the United Arab Emirates. The coverage center aims to identify and address network and coverage vulnerabilities in coordination with the service providers. TDRA sends analytical reports to service providers about their weaknesses, suggests avenues to improve the quality of the provided services, and follows up with them regarding the provided reports. The Center contributes to ensuring the continuous development of quality services provided in the UAE to achieve leadership and excellence in the telecom sector at both regional and global levels.
Could you explain how the 2023 World Radiocommunication Conference (WRC) in Dubai has influenced the development and rollout of 5G and next-generation wireless technology in the GCC, the wider Middle East, and globally?
The outcomes of the 2023 World Radiocommunication Conference (WRC) held in Dubai significantly impact the development and deployment of 5G and future wireless technologies in the GCC, Middle East, and globally. Key results from the TDRA’s IMT initiatives in the UAE, aligned with WRC-23 resolutions, highlight these advances.
For instance, the 600 MHz band was allocated for IMT use, enhancing sub-1 GHz coverage and capacity. The UAE considered assigning this band to MNOs, promoting efficient usage in a critical band for expanding rural and indoor 5G coverage. Also, the 6 GHz band was allocated for IMT advanced services, positioning the UAE as the first country to allocate this band, which supports high-speed data services and increased network capacity. This allocation is crucial for meeting the demand for 5G and next-generation wireless applications, especially in dense urban areas and high-demand sectors like industry and logistics.
This initiative prepares the UAE to support IMT-2020+ technologies, including private 5G networks and future wireless applications. The structured allocation of bands ensures the country can handle the rising demand for advanced mobile services, particularly in sectors requiring private 5G, such as healthcare and industrial IoT.
These strategic allocations and spectrum management practices establish the UAE as a leader in adopting WRC-23 outcomes, setting a model for other GCC and Middle-Eastern countries to support the ongoing evolution of 5G and prepare for next-generation wireless networks.
Please tell us about TDRA's involvement in the World Telecommunication Standardization Assembly 2024 (WTSA-24). How will this engagement support the UAE in shaping the future of the telecommunications sector, including telecommunications infrastructure and technological applications?
TDRA’s engagement in WTSA-24 underscores the UAE’s commitment to influencing the global telecommunications landscape. By participating in WTSA-24, TDRA aims to contribute to the development of international standards that align with the UAE’s strategic objectives in telecommunications and digital transformation.
TDRA engages with global experts to discuss and reach a consensus on formulating decisions regarding new and emerging technologies (like, AI, metaverse, and digital public infrastructure), facilitating their integration into the UAE’s digital transformation ecosystem and aligning with global initiatives that emphasize sustainable digital transformation, supporting the UAE’s vision for a sustainable future. TDRA also adopts and implements global best practices to advance the UAE’s telecommunications infrastructure, ensuring it meets the highest international standards.
TDRA has involved ICT industry and ministerial leaders in many dialogues concerning innovative ecosystems and technologies including artificial intelligence (AI) and the metaverse, and their enabling technologies. Also, to achieve a 'shared vision for a better world,’ the #Standards4SDGs campaign endorses the value of telecommunication/ICT standards as tools to hasten action in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
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The UAE proudly secured three leadership positions at the International Telecommunication Union (ITU): Dr. Jasim Buosaibah, assigned as Vice Chair of the Telecommunication Standardization Advisory Group; Eng. Omar Al Nemerm, assigned as Vice Chair of Study Group 3, who will focus on economic and policy issues; and Eng. Rashid Al Mamari, assigned as Vice Chair of Study Group 2, who will focus on numbering operations. This positioning itself will play a crucial role in guiding the ITU's standardization initiatives and align these efforts with international telecommunications objectives. The UAE continues to solidify its leading role on the international stage, driven by the active role of the skilled Emirati talents in the telecommunications sector.
TDRA has also submitted ten contributions to the WTSA2-4, which were all adopted. The adoption of the contributions underscores the UAE's influential role in shaping international telecommunication policies and standards by addressing critical issues encompassing emerging technologies, industry engagement, numbering operations, study group restructuring, and the sharing of best practices in testing and combating counterfeit ICT devices. The UAE continues to support the ITU's mission to foster innovation and collaboration across the global telecommunication landscape.
