UAE to Become World’s First Nation to Auction 5G Network

UAE is all set to lead the world into the future by becoming the first country to see a nation-wide auction of the 5G spectrum in time for the Expo 2020 exhibition.

 

“We are ready to take the big leap into the future of the telecom industry with the UAE becoming the world’s first nation to roll out the 5G network.”

Ahmad Julfar, CEO of Etisalat Group, said.

He said this at the GSMA Mobile 360, Middle East conference on ‘Building Connected Societies’. Julfar confirmed that Etisalat is in official discussions to alter the Expo 2020 site as the first and smart district of the future. He also said that the operator has wide ICT expertise and digital value proposition to provide end-to-end, scalable and innovative infrastructure that will help in accomplishing the leadership’s vision to host the ‘best Expo that the world has witnessed.’

UAE to Become World’s First Nation to Auction 5G Network

Julfar also said that the planned smart transformation of the Expo 2020 site, will build on Etisalat’s strategies to introduce the 5G mobile network in the UAE, just early enough to host the 25 million visitors expected to visit the expo, the Emirates247 reported.

The Expo in Dubai requires a world-class telecom system which will improve visitor experience and position the UAE as the best in the world.

Julfar said this will also enable to achieve the objectives of the UAE Vision 2021 to rank the nation first in the overall ICT infrastructure, Online Services Index and the Network Readiness Index as the UAE celebrates its 50th year of formation in 2021.

He also added that the UAE has set evidently distinct objectives and formed a world-class telecom infrastructure that is far ahead of any other country in the region.

“The introduction of the 5G network will significantly enhance the standard of government service delivery and bring unmatched value to industry and the public.”

Julfar said that the chance for growth and expansion, specifically in the emerging markets of the Middle East, Africa and Asia, are incredible.

“Three key factors will catalyse the growth of the telecom sector: The low penetration levels in the fast-growing markets of Asia and Africa; the youth demographic in these markets; and the power of the telecom sector to leapfrog development and move entire communities to enjoy the benefits of the latest ICT technologies without carrying the burden of legacy systems.”

He noted that the telecom industry has progressed from aiding as an enabler of growth setting the agenda for human evolution and development by opening doors to the digital economy.

“A 10 per cent growth in broadband penetration can bring up to 1.2 per cent additional growth in GDP. Within the next 10 years, ICT-related activity will account for over 50 per cent of the world’s growth adding trillions of dollars of economic benefit.”

Julfar concluded.