A staggering 5.44 billion, or 67.1%, of the global population has embraced internet usage via mobile phones, as revealed in a recent study by Statista, highlighting significant connectivity progress through 5G-Advanced (5G-A) while underscoring persistent digital disparities.
The internet, the cornerstone of information, has united people, governments, and businesses, fostering an interconnected world and transcending geographical boundaries over the decades. Constant innovation has since been driven by our dependence on technology, resulting in transformed lifestyles and business operations.
This global advancement has been facilitated through the advent of 5G-A, the latest generation of networks, and a technology game-changer. 5G-A serves as a beacon of hope for unconnected communities, promising a transformative change that could aid in driving productivity and economic growth.
Despite the worldwide integration of 5G-A and the unwavering efforts being implemented to bridge the gap, the digital divide persists, affecting economies and individuals, particularly in regions where access to connectivity networks remains limited or non-existent.
The 5G-A Landscape: Connecting the Unconnected
Over the years, the digital divide has become broader, primarily due to a wide array of factors, including limited access to technology, affordability, and a lack of digital skills and awareness.
Bridging the digital gap demands improved networks offering enhanced bandwidth and broader coverage. The deployment of 5G-A will substantially close these gaps, augment connectivity, and support diverse applications that will benefit underserved communities.
High-speed and reliable connections, offered by 5G-A, will empower businesses and organizations, fostering economic growth and social inclusion that will enrich the lives of unconnected individuals through access to online services and communication tools.
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Telecommunications companies are making significant strides in ensuring connectivity and connecting the unconnected through various innovative initiatives. The integration of 5G Non-Terrestrial Networks (NTN) marks the dawn of a new era in sky-high connectivity, extending coverage to remote and underserved areas. Across 35 cities and regions, a unified launch of 5G-A connectivity is heralding a new era of seamless digital experiences for millions.
stc Group's commitment to seamless connectivity is connecting millions, ensuring that more people have access to reliable digital services. e& is enhancing connectivity with Equinix’s Equinix Fabric® in two key markets, and has partnered with Cato Networks to boost next-gen connectivity and SASE capabilities alongside SmartHub, further improving network performance and security.
Zain’s latest sustainability report highlighted the company’s efforts in providing meaningful connectivity, focusing on inclusive and sustainable digital access. Additionally, the Oman-IX is set to accelerate the Sultanate’s global interconnectivity, fostering a more connected and digitally inclusive world.
Improved connectivity will generate more job opportunities and improve economic conditions, leading to a more digitally inclusive society.
Furthermore, 5G-A will play a pivotal role in expanding network coverage and connecting people in areas where digital infrastructures are currently lacking.
According to a statistic, as of April 2024, 89.4% of the Central African Republic remains virtually non-existent. Other countries facing significant challenges in internet accessibility include Burundi, South Sudan, Niger, Yemen, Afghanistan, Ethiopia, Burkina Faso, and Madagascar. This significant barrier will be resolved through the affordability of 5G-A.
Furthermore, 5G-A is expected to offer 20% higher data rates compared to standard 5G networks, according to Nokia. This enhancement will further improve user experience and support advanced applications requiring low latency such as communication tools, augmented reality (AR), and virtual reality (VR).
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A More Intelligent and Connected World
The digital era has profoundly shaped countless lives, accentuating its role in embracing the modern world and successfully combating the digital divide.
Ericsson projects that by 2029, over five billion people will be connected to 5G network—approximately 85% of the global population. This emphasizes the rapid growth and expansion of 5G and 5G-A and highlights the efforts that need to be taken to close the digital barrier.
The deployment of additional infrastructures in rural areas is certainly underway, however, it is imperative to acknowledge that equipping people with digital awareness, access, and skills training also play substantial roles in advancing communities and building a more digitally connected world. Addressing digital infrastructure and socioeconomic limitations is important to keep pace with the rest of the world.
Moreover, implementing long-term and sustainable solutions, including programs equipping the unconnected with digital skills essential for the modern world, could successfully narrow the digital knowledge gap.
The 5G-A rollout and other global initiatives aimed at closing the digital divide depicts a promising future, yet efforts should remain consistent. With the world’s total population continuously increasing, unswerving action should be taken to prevent the digital divide from spreading further.
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Telcos Implementing and Embracing 5G-Advanced Technologies
Telecommunications companies across the Middle East, and globe, are at the forefront of implementing 5G-Advanced technologies, breaking digital barriers, and creating a more connected world.
Nokia has entered the 5G-Advanced era with the world's first immersive voice and audio call, marking a significant milestone in enhancing digital communication experiences. Their innovations promise to make digital interactions more immersive, as highlighted by Nokia’s Aji Ed, who emphasized the transformative potential of 5G-Advanced in creating richer, more engaging digital experiences.
In the UAE, du is committed to establishing the nation as a leader in 5G-Advanced technology. At MWC 24, du announced its commitment to building the UAE as a 5G-Advanced country and is spearheading the commercial deployment of these technologies. This initiative is set to enhance the nation's digital infrastructure, making advanced digital services more accessible to both enterprises and government sectors. Moreover, du’s efforts in delivering global smart networks are pivotal for the UAE's digital transformation.
Ooredoo Kuwait has achieved a significant breakthrough with its 5G-Advanced mmWave technology, enhancing the capabilities of its network and providing users with faster and more reliable connectivity. Similarly, Zain KSA has shelved a major 5G expansion plan with a SAR 1.6 billion investment, underscoring the strategic importance of 5G-Advanced in Saudi Arabia's digital future. These advancements are crucial for supporting high-speed, low-latency applications and services.
China Mobile is pioneering the future with its commercial 5G-A deployment, setting a benchmark for other telcos worldwide. Their efforts are driving the adoption of 5G-Advanced technologies, ensuring that users benefit from enhanced network performance and new digital services.
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Notably, Vodafone Qatar’s 5.5G trial achieved remarkable speeds of over 10 Gbps, showcasing the potential of 5G-Advanced technology in revolutionizing internet connectivity. This breakthrough paves the way for ultra-fast internet speeds and more robust network performance, contributing to the digital advancement of the region.
MYCOM OSI is delivering assurance, automation, and AI capabilities to enterprise networks, ensuring that the deployment of 5G-Advanced technology is seamless and efficient. These capabilities are vital for managing the complex and dynamic nature of modern networks.
Finally, Rosenberger's high-performance connectivity solutions boast 5G-Advanced infrastructure, supporting the deployment and expansion of next-generation networks. Their technology is crucial for building the backbone of a more connected and digitally integrated world.
These initiatives by telcos around the world highlight the transformative power of 5G-Advanced technologies. By breaking digital barriers and fostering a more connected world, these companies are not only enhancing their network capabilities but also driving global digital progress.
Also Read: 5G-Advanced Is the Future of Communication
Final Thoughts
The advent of technologies like 5G and 5G-Advanced, which offer faster speeds and increased capacity, hold immense potential that could actively narrow the digital divide. The evolution of network technology underscores its pivotal role in bringing people closer together and establishing global economic growth and social movement.
The world is moving at an unprecedented speed of progress and the transformative power that 5G-A holds will enable a driving force to advance our generation to a more connected and intelligent world, ensuring no one gets left behind in the pursuit of global progress.
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