Within the telecom and ICT sectors, four concepts are being focused on when it comes to advancing service delivery, livelihoods and interconnectedness within societies. When availability, accessibility, affordability, and adaptability are all present within an operating environment, the benefits can be realized for its greater purpose.
Across the world, and impressively across the Middle East and GCC countries, the success formula within the telecom industry is rigorously promoted, driven by significant investments, smarter processes, and an efficient workforce.
Key Principles Driving Growth, Efficiency, and Customer Satisfaction
For those living in urban areas, the availability of accessible, affordable, and flexible connectivity networks is abundant, whether it be a public Wi-Fi network in malls or personal data packages from a reputable telecom operator. In contrast, rural areas remain to be an area requiring improvement when it comes to the digital divide.
The ITU emphasizes that advancing universal connectivity requires a focus on creating ICT infrastructure, services, and applications that are accessible, affordable, high-quality, interoperable, and secure.
Availability: Ensuring that telecom networks and services are consistently available to customers is critical. High availability means the network boasts minimal downtime, reliable service delivery, and robust infrastructure to handle demand.
From smartphones to smart home devices, spectrum powers seamless connectivity, enabling the Internet of Things (IoT) and supporting the interconnected web of modern gadgets. As a key innovation driver, the availability and effective management of spectrum fuels advancements like high-speed 5G networks.
In the Middle East, network performance and availability are generally strong, though they face real challenges in densely populated gatherings. Major events like Dubai’s Expo, Qatar’s FIFA World Cup, and Saudi Arabia’s Hajj intensify demands on networks, requiring 100% availability to maintain connectivity for large crowds.
According to the latest Ericsson Mobility Report, the MENA region is on track for the fastest growth in 5G adoption globally, with an expected annual increase of 51%. This rapid uptake is driven by broader network coverage and the growing availability of affordable 5G-enabled smartphones.
In Jordan, Umniah’s new data center will leverage advanced Tier III technologies and security systems to provide high availability and ultra-fast speeds. Meanwhile, in Saudi Arabia, center3’s data centers and connectivity infrastructure are strengthening the local digital ecosystem and supporting regional content delivery networks (CDNs).
From an international perspective, Tarana’s next-generation fixed wireless access (ngFWA) technology recently launched in the United Kingdom, with further deployments expected across the EU by the end of 2024.
Accessibility: Providing easy access to telecom services for all customers, regardless of location, device, or network involves expanding coverage, improving network reach in underserved or rural areas, and offering user-friendly interfaces and customer support. Accessibility also includes ensuring services are inclusive for users with disabilities as well as the elderly.
In the ICT and telecom sectors, digital accessibility plays a fundamental role in achieving successful digital transformation. By developing strategies and programs that ensure ubiquitous accessibility to digital services, inclusivity across society can be achieved, regardless of individuals’ abilities or locations.
To drive a knowledge-based digital society and economy, the UAE’s Telecommunications and Digital Government Regulatory Authority (TDRA) emphasizes the importance of following the principles outlined in the National Digital Accessibility Policy. This policy ensures that digital services are easily accessible to all societal sectors, including individuals with disabilities and senior citizens.
Similarly, Oman has been recognized by UNESCWA for its outstanding commitment to digital accessibility for people with disabilities. The government’s dedication to inclusivity shines through its National Digital Access Policy, which enables electronic access for all members of society.
On the telco side, Vodafone is committed to adapting to the changing needs and lifestyles of its customers and supporting continued growth and broader connectivity for all. This is evident in the company’s commitment to expanding its core services and extending the reach of its 5G Next Level network, which aims to cover more than 90% of the population.
Moreover, to bridge the internet accessibility gap, Fixed Wireless Access (FWA) has become a popular solution, although, its implementation varies across regions due to unique geographical, economic, and technological factors. However, significant investments in 5G infrastructure by major telecom providers are already paving the way forward.
The accessibility of RedCap and passive IoT terminals is also anticipated to expedite the adoption of IoT technologies, which are revolutionizing sectors such as agriculture, retail, and logistics in the region.
On the fintech side, one of the most recent entrants is du pay, the innovative digital financial solution that is poised to play a pivotal role in enhancing financial inclusion, accessibility and security.
Affordability: Offering telecom services at a price point that is accessible to a wide range of customers is crucial in today’s digital-driven era. Affordability is now key for customer retention and market penetration, especially in highly competitive markets.
According to the GSMA’s State of Mobile Internet Connectivity 2024 report, 43% of the global population is still unconnected to mobile internet. In low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), key barriers to internet adoption include device affordability and digital literacy, with entry-level, internet-enabled devices costing roughly 18% of an average monthly income.
In the smartphone industry, MediaTek continues to prioritize enhanced user experiences, especially by providing affordable 5G solutions. The company attributes broad 5G adoption to accessibility and affordability and is investing in entry-level 5G technology to lower costs and retain its position as the world’s leading 5G CPE supplier.
In 2023, mobile and fixed broadband costs fell across regions and income groups, yet affordability remains a major barrier to connectivity. In low-income countries, entry-level mobile broadband costs 8.6% of the average income—22 times more than the 0.4% recorded in high-income nations.
An Ookla report from Q2 2024 highlighted that, while factors such as geography, competition, and government policies influence fiber deployment in the Middle East, affordability remains a significant barrier to widespread gigabit adoption. Despite robust gigabit-ready infrastructure in some Middle Eastern countries, high costs and income disparity limit the uptake of high-speed broadband.
While 1 Gbps fiber plans are available for as little as USD 30 per month in places like Hong Kong and Singapore, similar plans cost more in the GCC: USD 100 in Qatar, USD 150 in the UAE, USD 250 in Saudi Arabia, and USD 345 in Bahrain. Bridging this affordability gap is crucial to accelerating high-speed broadband adoption across the region.
Apart from wireless networks, by leveraging open-source software and hardware, ground station networks can offer cost-effective solutions for satellite communication. This affordability makes satellite data more accessible to a broader range of users, including those with limited financial resources.
Adaptability: To quickly adapt to changing market conditions, customer demands, technological advancements, and regulatory environments, the ‘telco-to-techco’ transformation among telco players has been adopted. This involves embracing innovation, upgrading network infrastructure, and maintaining a tech-centric, agile approach when launching new services and features.
Traditionally, service delivery models involved long-term, costly projects, but the focus has now shifted to flexibility and adaptability to keep pace with fast-changing markets. Agile and iterative development models enable this shift, especially as businesses increasingly embrace digital services over physical products.
As the demand for high-speed data and connected devices rises, MIMO has become essential across various applications, from cellular networks and broadband systems to IoT, defense, navigation, and radar. Its adaptability highlights its importance in our interconnected world.
Accordingly, scalability is a critical yet challenging factor for SMB growth, requiring solutions that can evolve with changing business needs. Addressing this, etisalat by e& leverages technology, analytics, and innovation to provide sustainable, customer-focused experiences powered by data-driven insights.
According to the du CEO, operational efficiency is a top priority for them as they strive to optimize processes and resources. By embracing structural efficiencies, the digital telco remains agile and cost-effective, enabling them to adapt quickly to the challenges of a constantly evolving digital landscape.
To ensure adaptability, the readiness of government entities and institutions to embrace the digital realm is also important. This involves initiatives such as digital literacy programs, upskilling efforts, and a supportive ecosystem for innovation.
Given the accelerated GenAI adoption, small language models (SLMs) have become an alternative since the model can be tailored to specific industries, yielding more relevant and accurate outcomes. The model can also be updated and implemented expeditiously, enabling rapid adaptation to new data and trends.
In 2024, the evolution of the hybrid cloud within the telecom industry has been recognized for its adaptability to varying workload demands, improved security measures, and integration with emerging technologies like AI and edge computing.
In this context, CIEM practices are crucial for organizations, including telecom companies, as they navigate the complexities of increased digitalization and multi-cloud adoption. These practices provide the security, efficiency, compliance, and adaptability needed to support their digital transformation initiatives.
Together, these "Four A's"—Availability, Accessibility, Affordability, and Adaptability—represent a crucial formula for achieving success in the dynamic and competitive ICT and telecom landscape.
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