ConnecTechAsia delivering best-in-class virtual experience - How the ICT industry has become a future-defining "Geostrategic Contest"
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Issue 179
September
Etisalat How the ICT
ready to industry has
become a
serve the future-defining
‘New Normal’ “Geostrategic
Contest”
ConnecTechAsia
delivering best-in-class
virtual experience
ICT spend growth to accelerate 2-3x over
the next 5 years, riding on the strongest
ever wave of digitization in history
COVID-19
Emerging ICT
use cases
Digital-driven
(e-healthcare,
e-education, …)
Telcos &
Consumers Enterprises
Permanent Ensure network
change capacity/
towards redundancy;
digital re-optimize
operating models,
Support develop partnerships
ICT
Economy
Digital-driven growth
post-COVID-19
Government
Enable ICT sector Contact us to learn how the Hughes JUPITER™ System powers broadband satellite solutions like Community Wi-Fi
to build a digital Hotspots, Cellular Backhaul, Satellite Internet, and Aeronautical and Maritime Mobility across 40+ satellites worldwide.
economy
GlobalSales@Hughes.com | Hughes.com
Whitepaper full report here:
https://www.rolandberger.com/en/Publications/Post-COVID-19-opportunities-
in-the-Middle-East.html © 2020 Hughes Network Systems, LLC. All Rights Reserved. The HUGHES logo is a
registered trademark of Hughes Network Systems, LLC, an EchoStar Company.
15 09 September 2020
15th year of publication
"Best IT & Telecoms News Outlet Award 2020"
Scan to download PDF version Chief Editor Khalid Athar
Managing Editor Nasreen Akhtar
Technical Editor Toby Ruckert
Associate Editor Gulraiz Khalid
Assistant Editors Jassem Hariri
TELETIMES MEDIA LLC. Aftab Raza Khan
P.O. Box 239031, Technology Writer Ken Herron, Dean Sackett
Dubai - UAE Consultant Khadim Hussain
Sub Editors Fakher Dawar, Mustafa Khan
Director Sales (MEA) S.A. Burney
Special Correspondents
Dubai Masood Kahout
Cape Town Peter Stoffberg
Barcelona Mohammed Tanveer
Ontario Nasir Kharl
Jeddah Akram Asad
Melbourne Jeveria Hashmat
Amman Eng. Mohammed Sirrieh
Doha Ashraf Siddiqui
Brunei Imran Ul Haq
Farah Muhammad
Bureaux
• KSA
P.O. Box 100598, Jeddah, 21311
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Legal Advisor - Hashmat Ali Habib
A Teletimes Media LLC. Publication
Marketing Coordinator - Imran Rasheed
Editor’s Note
Dear Reader,
Welcome to the latest edition of Teletimes International!
Whilst we still remain in a COVID affected state, it is safe to
say that the worst is most likely now past us. As we pick up
the pace from where we left off in Q1, we are now somewhat
adjusted to a ‘New Normal’ and we have the ICT industry to
thank for that. Following up on a series of virtual gatherings of
ICT professionals that have been taking place around the region
during the last month, we now have ConnecTechAsia to look
16
forward to. The event will feature some 200 exhibitors, several of
which are taking part for the first time, showcasing the latest 5G
technologies and enterprise solutions. This group includes AT&T,
SPTel, Qualcomm, ServiceNow, StarHub and Verizon. Teletimes,
just like the many past years, is a media partner and we will be
bringing you the latest news and updates from the event.
Articles TELECOMMUNICATION
Gearing up to support businesses and the public during these
33
10 Demand for data in Africa is increasing. difficult times, Etisalat has been doing an outstanding job as a
Could this be a solution? 14 Etisalat ready to serve the ‘New Normal’ accelerating national telecom carrier. Highlighting Etisalat’s readiness and
digital transformation and adoption
By: Anthony Okenwa resilience to support this new normal is an editorial by Dr. Ahmed
16 DEWA & Huawei reinforce AI & digital transformation Bin Ali, Senior Vice President, Corporate Communications at
12 From vision to reality: The journey towards with the launch of network operation center Etisalat Group.
cognitive and zero touch network operations
By: Mohamed Elsokkary 19 PM Imran Khan appreciates the support of Huawei
to realize the objectives of “Digital Pakistan” I would also recommend two other interesting pieces from this
13 How the ICT industry has become a edition, “From vision to reality: The journey towards cognitive
future-defining “Geostrategic Contest” 20 Etisalat supports business continuity and zero touch network operations” by Mohamed Elsokkary,
By: Khalid Athar initiatives for SMBs
Head of Managed Services for Ericsson Gulf Countries and
17 The role of 5G in healthcare during 22 stc announces deployment of 5G stand-alone “The role of 5G in healthcare during COVID-19 and beyond” by
COVID-19 and beyond Saurabh Verma and Gourab Banik from Frost & Sullivan.
23 Microsoft report: 16% of Saudi institutions
By: Saurabh Verma, Business Head, ICT and Gourab Banik, Senior consider AI a top priority
Research Analyst, ICT at Frost & Sullivan As always, you will also find the latest news and updates from all
24 Etisalat participates in WSIS Forum 2020 major industry players in this edition of Teletimes International.
45 Africa in Motion: Accelerating its digital future
By: Fadi Pharaon 26 ICT's Pivotal role in Post-COVID-19 Your feedback is welcome on
"New Normal” in the Middle East khalidathar@teletimesinternational.com
28 Huawei launches latest digital OptiX network
Enjoy Reading!
solutions in the Middle East
Khalid Athar
SATELLITE Events Chief Editor
33 Ooredoo with Es’hailSat to launch Inmarsat satellite 08 ConnecTechAsia reveals details of event to deliver
voice and data services to enhance business best-in-class virtual experience
communications
31 AfricaCom and AfricaTech 2020: Digital Playground
34 Intelsat launches Galaxy 30 Satellite and Northrop - A key to Connecting the Next Billion in Africa
Grumman’s MEV-2
31 35
36
Yahsat boosts Thuraya’s next generation capabilities
Satellite Antenna Diversity Scan to download PDF version
39 Connectivity demand booms as leisure vessels Follow @TeletimesIntl on Twitter
become safer places to work and rest
Furthermore, the exhibitor metrics
dashboard will give them valuable real-
time data and insight into their customers’
behaviour by capturing multiple touchpoints
and providing a multi-dimensional view of a
visitors’ journey, allowing for more effective
outreach and follow-up.
Networking opportunities are an integral
part of any event experience and have
also been enhanced through a powerful AI
business matching platform. Attendees will
receive personalised meeting suggestions
based on their interests and profile. On a
consolidated dashboard, visitors can view
connections, find out who is interested in
setting up a meeting with them and arrange
for one-to-one video meets via virtual
meeting rooms.
Conference delegates will have the full communicate on the same platform. Showcasing their 5G capabilities across the
benefits and experience of a live conference, exhibition and conferences, Xu Su, Chief
available right at their fingertips using their Ivan Ferrari, Event Director, Tech, Media & Marketing Officer of Carrier BG, Huawei Asia
ConnecTechAsia reveals details
device of choice. This includes live keynotes, Entertainment Events, Informa Markets, Pacific Region said, “As global 5G deployment
Q&A sessions and breakout rooms. Content who spearheads ConnecTechAsia said, “The begins to ramp up, we need to strengthen
will also be available on-demand 24/7 for disruption we’re facing today has pushed our focus on industry applications as this
delegates based in different time zones. our community to dramatically accelerate will help unleash the full potential of 5G.
of event to deliver best-in-class
ConnecTechAsia is a platform for Asia Pacific
telecom operators and industry partners, to
come together to discuss the build-out of
Comprising long-time favourites BroadcastAsia 5G networks and explore potential business
and CommunicAsia, ConnecTechAsia2020 will development.”
virtual experience feature new entrants SatelliteAsia and TechXLR8
Asia staging their respective exhibitions and
“The business case for 5G is not just better
connectivity. When technologies like 5G,
computing, cloud, and AI come together,
conferences. Inaugural Asian editions of they reinforce each other and create
Event to provide stellar user experiences through virtual exhibition AccelerateHER and Elevating Founders, will also
numerous opportunities across five major
tech domains: connectivity, AI, cloud,
be key highlights of this year’s event, bringing computing, and industry applications. The
hall, interactive conference sessions and AI business matching with them the big names from the women-in-
pandemic has reshaped how we live and
work and has dealt a heavy blow to the world
tech and start-up worlds. economy. Together with our partners and
customers, including carriers and enterprises
Informa Markets announced new details Roland, Sony and SingTel Satellite, to • Martin Huang, MD Southeast Asia, of all types, we can use technological
for ConnecTechAsia2020, the first virtual name a few. SenseTime solutions to effect a positive impact on our
Infocomm, Media and Technology event held • Euan Smith, CEO of TV & Group COO, Astro Comprising long-time favourites digital transformation which was already communities. We look forward to sharing
in partnership with Singapore’s Infocomm Six group pavilions bringing with them BroadcastAsia and CommunicAsia, underway. With that same spirit in mind, more at the event this year,” he added.
Media Development Authority (IMDA), from companies from the European Union, Best in Class Virtual Platform ConnecTechAsia2020 will feature new at ConnecTechAsia we have worked hard
29 September to 1 October 2020. France, Great Britain and Northern Ireland, entrants SatelliteAsia and TechXLR8 Asia on identifying and investing in those exact Participating for the first time in a virtual
Israel, Korea and Ontario are also taking part. With more than 10,000 attendees staging their respective exhibitions and virtual features that we believe can grant tradeshow in the technology and media
The event will feature some 200 exhibitors, expected to connect to the virtual event, conferences. Inaugural Asian editions of the highest possible return on investments sector, The GREAT Britain and Northern
several of which are taking part for the In addition, more than 220 conference ConnecTechAsia2020 will unlock possibilities AccelerateHER and Elevating Founders, for all attendees, sponsors, speakers and Ireland Pavilion will be showcasing
first time, showcasing the latest 5G sessions addressing the latest industry that were not previously available in a will also be key highlights of this year’s event, delegates who will dedicate precious time companies across all four segments of
technologies and enterprise solutions. This trends and challenges will feature top physical setting. bringing with them the big names from and resources to make this online experience ConnecTechAsia. They will bring with them a
group includes AT&T, SPTel, Qualcomm, industry names, including: the women-in-tech and start-up worlds. a success. Success is indeed in the agency wide range of product and services including
ServiceNow, StarHub and Verizon. • Anne Chow, CEO, AT&T Business The event’s four virtual exhibition halls will After the live event, ConnecTechAsia2020 of others, and we thank our community for professional audio, IPTV, OTT, secure storage
Other bellwethers will also enrich the • Brenda Harvey, GM, IBM Asia Pacific allow companies to set up customisable will thereafter turn into a 24/7, 365-day trusting our work in these difficult times. solutions, e-sports, fibre communications,
virtual experience; they are Amazon Web • Bicky Bhangu, President, Southeast Asia, virtual booths, with live presentations interactive marketplace, allowing exhibitors Together, we are contributing to shape the content delivery solutions, smart living,
Services, Grass Valley, Huawei, KTSat, Pacific and South Korea, Rolls Royce and real-time interaction with buyers. and buyers to continue to connect and future of our industry.” cloud services, big data and data analysis.
8 September 2020 September 2020 9
Demand for data in Africa is increasing -
Could this be a solution?
By: Anthony Okenwa
Africa has become a home to over a billion a young and growing population with
people and the population is expected increasing digital skills. Declining data
to grow in the coming years. The sector prices and an increase in the accessibility
T&C apply.
of Information and Communication of smartphones due to lower prices is also
Technology (ICT) is essential for Africa’s driving growth.
development and adequate ICT service
deployment and digital connectivity As the demand for mobile data increases,
will play a crucial role in the continent more ICT investment in mobile broadband
achieving economic sustainability. is the crucial solution to meet future
requirements.
The forecast is that mobile data traffic in
Sub-Saharan Africa is estimated to grow For service providers, investment
by 12 times the current figures, with total and modernization of networks is the
traffic increasing from 0.33 Exabytes (EB) essential way to meet demand for data
per month to 4EB by 2025. Meanwhile, and future-proof operations for the
average traffic per smartphone is expected benefit of all stakeholders. It also enables
to reach 7.1GB over the forecast period, them to provide their mobile broadband
according to the Ericsson Mobility Report. community with the highest quality of
service available, delivered via cutting 3. Demand-side skills must be developed
Key drivers will be extensive network edge infrastructure and technology to to optimize broadband services for
coverage and the reduction in prices of ensure a superior mobile experience for personal and business use
both devices and services. Also, driven by customers. 4. Supply-side skills need to be developed
the rapid rise in access to relevant video in order to exploit the innovative potential
content, with new players who provide Access to high-quality broadband services of broadband
and aggregate local content finding is based on networks that supports
initial success in larger markets. The rapid growth in internet traffic as well as The GSMA has estimated that an
increase of mobile data traffic in Africa is competitive pricing. There is supporting increase in penetration of mobile data,
driving operators to look at opportunities evidence that proves that a rise in mobile can be linked to an increase in annual
to optimize their network capacities, broadband penetration can be linked to GDP growth of a minimum of 0.5%. As
including complementing capacity via Wi- economic growth and job creation. wireless connectivity enables business to
Fi networks. be done on the go, it allows information
and services to be access anywhere, and
Business Edge
Although supporting evidence may vary
Hence, mobile and fixed networks have in its estimation on the exact contribution will create new services and industries. It
become key components of critical to the economy, there are enough to has been stated that the mobile industry
national infrastructure in Africa. In Sub-
Saharan Africa, LTE accounted for around
11% of subscriptions in 2019.
support these claims in that an increase
in broadband penetration are associated
with increases in Gross Domestic
in Africa is a key contributor to a country’s
economy and enables new economic
activity in other sectors with the adoption
A comprehensive platform for all business needs
Product (GDP), creating jobs, increase of of IoT.
Over the forecast period, mobile educational opportunities, and enhancing
Explore an innovative and flexible platform that offers you more value and helps advance your business.
broadband subscriptions are predicted service delivery and rural development. As an augmentation of current mobile
to increase, reaching 72% of mobile technologies, 5G could consequently Whatever your needs, Business Edge covers it all:
subscriptions. LTE share will reach around However, there are four key requirements ensure significant economic advantages
30% by the end of the forecast period, needed to be addressed to establish the for a country’s citizens. However, the
and LTE subscriptions are set to triple, link between broadband penetration and characteristics in speed, reliability and
increasing from 90 million in 2019 to 270 economic growth: latency means that 5G can potentially
million in 2025. be a technology which will enable new
1. Broadband must reach a critical mass of markets, develop and transform current Smart Communication Security & Office Business Digital
Driving factors behind the growth of a country’s citizens; - industries, as well as support socio- Connectivity & Collaboration Analytics Productivity Devices Marketing
mobile broadband subscriptions include 2. Broadband access must be affordable; economic benefits.
10 September 2020 For more information, visit etisalat.ae/businessedge
From vision to reality: How the ICT industry has become a
The journey towards cognitive and future-defining “Geostrategic Contest”
zero touch network operations By: Khalid Athar
By: Mohamed Elsokkary
Although the world has depended more on
ICT infrastructure than ever before during
5G and next-generation technologies such • Proactive and predictive maintenance the turbulent times of 2020, it has also been
as network slicing and IoT, along with an to reduce fault risk one of the most sensitive periods for the
increasing number of connected devices industry in political terms. Governments
and a spotlight on end user experience – it • Automated performance diagnostics are well aware of the profound benefits
has become integral for Managed Services for the network that digital infrastructure can bring to their
Providers (MSPs) to rewrite the rules of economies and societies. But where there is
operations and focus on data-driven, • Augmented workforce management an opportunity, there is competition—and it is
automated managed operations. not always fair.
• Automated reporting across all domains
Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine The stark reality is that the last few decades
Learning (ML) plays a key role in managing • Plug & Play installation and integration of technology R&D by Asian companies—
new operational complexities, achieving (Zero touch during deployment) perhaps most notably seen in the case of
cost efficacy, minimizing operational errors Huawei—has left traditional powerhouses
and augmenting the human capabilities. Ericsson is an industry leader in AI and feeling threatened. One of the most
As such, we are shifting gears to become Machine Learning for telecom network fascinating insights on this trend was actually
more predictable and proactive than ever platforms. Its goal is to empower people put forward last year by former US House are not in the 5G race along with Chinese open and transparent—has noted how the
before by implementing AI & ML. and machines to transform engineered Speaker and Republican politician Newt companies like Huawei. Moreover, the real US Clean Network Program, while meant to
networks into continuous learning Gingrich. In his book Trump vs. China: Facing 5G issue at this point in 2020 is less about safeguard citizen’s privacy, is now considering
As automation and AI technologies networks. At Mobile World Congress 2019, America’s Greatest Threat, he was one of the cybersecurity and more about economic policies that would fracture the internet into
improve, zero-touch networks of the Ericsson presented its AI driven operation early and most vocal proponents that most of influence. US Secretary of State Michael pieces[4].
future will soon be able to automatically portfolios and its vision of the future as in order to make decisions are typically the technology issues America now blames Pompeo only underscored this by saying
determine which actions to take with well as highlighting the many benefits of delivered as Centralized SON features on China are actually of its own making. It has that Europe “needs to get” Huawei “out of It would seem that, rather than pushing back
minimal human intervention. zero-touch. (C-SON), for example Remote Electrical become a fully-blown “geostrategic contest”. their system” as part of ensuring “that the on Chinese technology companies such as
Tilt Optimization (RET). next century remains a Western one”[1]. The Huawei and even more recently WeChat and
Introduction of AI cognitive algorithms Furthermore, successful implementation And at the heart of the issue? Education and security argument also lost steam this August TikTok, the US Administration should be
enable the network to perceive current of Self-Optimizing Networks (SON) can Automation/AI is a journey and Ericsson research, according to Gingrich. He cites how when Huawei’s 5G wireless and core network investing in its own digital future. As noted by
network conditions – making it easier to also be considered as a way to get closer to has been on this journey for years already it is not China’s fault that “too few Americans equipment passed the GSMA’s Network Gingrich, “if American companies are at the
plan, decide and act on those conditions materializing the zero touch vision. with a large yearly investment in R&D, and in K-12 and in college study math and Equipment Security Assurance Scheme forefront of developing this infrastructure,
to achieve better outcomes. more than 300 R&D engineers on board science” to fill graduate schools with future (NESAS), an exercise specifically designed to then American companies will be the ones
Ericsson’s SON philosophy is based on in different global centers – working non- American scientists. Nor is it China’s fault help promote the development of the mobile developing the future technologies that
With cognitive networks based on AI applying specific SON features where stop to build more and more AI/ML use that, when faced with a dramatic increase in communications market[2]. interact with this new network.” Those that
techniques, we are getting closer to they become most effective in a network cases. Chinese graduate students in science, that have already done so are seeing exponential
realizing the zero-touch vision which is topology (Hybrid SON). “the old, bureaucratic, entrenched American While geopolitics continue to play out, returns, and will continue to reap the
set to be a game-changer in the next five Having implemented AI/ML on the ground telecommunications companies” had failed unfortunately, it is the wider ICT ecosystem benefits brought on by a commitment to true
years. SON features that requires close to real- in collaboration with service providers, to develop a global strategy for 5G over that is suffering. SEMI, the industry education and research in the ICT field.
time decisions and work in a limited we have concluded that in order to the decade that others had been working association serving the global electronics
Self-adapting, scalable and intelligent network area are typically delivered as succeed in applying automation and AI, to become world leaders. Companies like design and manufacturing supply chain, just [1] https://www.state.gov/secretary-
agents will work alongside human experts Distributed SON features (D-SON), for organizational aspects are just as critical Huawei, Gingrich reports, have thus led by released a statement in response to the new michael-r-pompeo-with-maria-bartiromo-
to improve quality and increase the pace of example Inter-Frequency Load Balancing as the technological ones. “offering far better prices…while providing export control rule changes announced by of-fox-news-sunday-morning-futures/
decision-making in many ways, including: (IFLB), Adjacent Neighbor Relations (ANR) better service and fielding more advanced the US Commerce Department. It notes how [2] https://www.huawei.com/en/
and Automated Mobility Optimization Change management, re-skills, upskills, equipment”, which has in turn resulted in the rule changes will ultimately undermine news/2020/8/huawei-5g-passes-gsma-nesas
• Automated provisioning, full service (AMO). developing competencies and new ways China being “best positioned to win” the US national security interests “by harming [3] https://www.internetsociety.org/
and domain-orchestration (self-healing, of working, altering culture and mindsets emerging global race to roll out 5G mobile the semiconductor industry…creating news/statements/2020/internet-society-
scaling, slicing etc) SON features that operate over the are all crucial building blocks in ensuring infrastructure. substantial uncertainty and disruption in the statement-on-u-s-clean-network-program/
complete network and thus require longer that AI and automation are utilized in the semiconductor supply chain”[3]. Meanwhile, [4] https://www.internetsociety.org/
• Automated fault diagnosis to reduce time span for data collection or need to be best way possible and transforming the For better or worse, the US administration The Internet Society—an organization news/statements/2020/internet-society-
recovery time multi-technology/multi-vendor capable operations function effectively. now recognizes that American companies dedicated to ensuring that the internet stays statement-on-u-s-clean-network-program/
12 September 2020 September 2020 13
Etisalat ready to serve the ‘New Normal’
accelerating digital transformation and adoption
Etisalat’s readiness and resilience
enabled business and learning continuity
Etisalat is ready to serve the ‘New possible due to the robust and advanced
Normal’ pushing the fast forward button infrastructure in the country with the highest
on digital transformation by focusing fiber penetration worldwide and among
on partnerships, collaborations and the first globally and regionally to launch
investments with digital adoption being advanced networks with 5G technology.
key for new digital services, said Dr Ahmed
Bin Ali, Senior Vice President, Corporate Etisalat worked closely with the Ministry of
Communications, Etisalat Group. Education during the pandemic to provide
zero-rate access to educational URLs and
Dr. Ahmed participated on behalf of Khalifa free mobile data for students. There was
Al Shamsi, Chief Strategy and Corporate also free access to the madrasa platform
Governance, Etisalat Group at the ‘The on eLife and remote learning apps. For the
Telecommunications Sector and its impact healthcare sector, there was a telemedicine
on Future Foresight Post COVID 19’, a platform made available to support
virtual future foresight forum organised by hospitals and clinics in providing remote
UAE’s Telecom Regulatory Authority (TRA) healthcare services. IoT/AI platforms were
and UAE International Investors Council. used for disease containment, AI video
The event brought together all relevant analytics including thermal cameras and
strategic stakeholders from the telecom wearable IoT solutions were among the
and technology industry including senior other advance solutions used for the sector.
executives from TRA, Ministry of Interior,
Smart Dubai, Department of Economic The way forward will be about the
Development (DED), Dubai Future acceleration of the ‘Hyper Connected
Foundation, Khalifa University, University during this period making it possible for Consumer’ with digital life and home gaining
of Dubai, Federal Competitiveness and businesses to work remotely, millions of significance. Etisalat conducted a survey
Statistics Authority, Microsoft and Noon. students to enjoy distance learning and recently with its business customers to get
all citizens having access to vital services. an insight on their upcoming priorities. The
He highlighted the readiness and resilience Through our networks and dedicated key learning was that the acceleration of
of Etisalat during the pandemic, the main teams we were geared to fully support digital transformation is the most significant
focus was to support the entire community and serve the community showcasing and common among all customers. This
including business and individuals ensuring infrastructure preparedness and our ability can be achieved by filling gaps in digital
its network and services enable business to adapt and implement during today's readiness, encouraging the adoption of new
and learning continuity. During the extraordinary times,” said Dr. Ahmed. digital solutions, adapting to key industry
period May-Feb 2020, Etisalat’s network changes, a cloud-first mindset and focus on
witnessed an increase in traffic of more The country’s long term vision and strategy cybersecurity to ensure business continuity.
than 300 percent in communication and focused on digitalisation put it ahead
collaboration solutions whereas in Internet of other global markets in dealing with Industries and governments will redesign to
gaming it touched 500 percent. With work the pandemic situation. This was backed scale up agility, efficiency and digital ways
and study from home becoming a norm by global leadership in infrastructure, of working. 5G technology and network
there was a surge in traffic of more than 90 governance and business environment will also gain prominence especially with
percent in video streaming and social media. accompanied with a diversification of the advanced technologies requiring increased
economy and investments. The country has bandwidth, connections density and low
“Thanks to the UAE vision and Etisalat's also led in the adoption of technology with latency. 5G will enable new experiences and
strategy of ‘Driving the digital future to the highest mobile broadband subscriptions use cases based on futuristic technologies
enable societies’, our network joined one globally crossing 250 percent and internet like AR, VR and robotics that are critical for
of the most robust and digitally equipped usage at an individual level reaching the new digital normal, for both consumers
to address the unique requirements 98.5 percent (5th globally). This was all and businesses.
14 September 2020
DEWA and Huawei reinforce AI and digital transformation The role of 5G in healthcare
with the launch of new network operation center during COVID-19 and beyond
Saurabh Verma, Business Head, ICT and
Gourab Banik, Senior Research Analyst, ICT at Frost & Sullivan
The highly contagious virus – COVID-19 has this vast healthcare data volume can be
spread rapidly across the globe. Measures analyzed for improving treatment processes
like lockdown and social distancing were and also for mitigating future pandemics
implemented to contain its spread, which through model-based prediction. Moreover,
significantly impacted the social and the healthcare systems are witnessing an
economic aspects of many countries. It increasing adoption of sensors and wearable
massively disrupted the conventional ways of technologies; aiding remote monitoring
operations and pushed industries to realign and reporting of health conditions of
their strategies and formulate new delivery infected patients. These advancements
models for business continuity. Fighting are expeditiously transforming the
against the contagion, the healthcare healthcare sector into a smart and intuitive
industry has taken the center stage since ecosystem with more focus on preventing
the beginning of the outbreak. However, future pandemic outbreaks. Meanwhile,
the crisis has revealed several flaws within introduction of 5G is further revolutionizing
the existing healthcare systems, especially the healthcare sector by not only enhancing
*Photo Credits: utilities-me.com regarding their preparedness to tackle the the existing use cases like tele-health but also
scale of COVID-19’s impact. Almost every empowering more advanced applications
Together with digital transformation artificial intelligence (AI), and virtual reality are focused on supporting the UAE’s healthcare facility globally has been exposed like medical robotics.
partner Huawei, HE Saeed Mohammed Al (VR). government policies to activate digital to the problem related to high influx of
Tayer, MD and CEO of Dubai Electricity and transformation across all industries to boost patients amid insufficient availability of Advantage of 5G:
Water Authority (DEWA), has inaugurated HE Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer said: efficiency and support growth," commented healthcare – infrastructure, services, and
the InfraX Network Operations Center. “The InfraX Network Operations Centre Charles Yang, President of Huawei Middle personals. However, a silver lining to the Improved bandwidth alone is not 5G’s
InfraX—a wholly-owned subsidiary is the result of our strategic partnership East. “Enabling new industrial applications ongoing crisis is the accelerated shift towards only major upgrade over its predecessor
of DEWA—currently owns a secure, with Huawei, a global leader in ICT solutions. that are digital-first will contribute to the digital transformation of the healthcare cellular communication network – 4G LTE.
independent, and super-fast fiber optics This centre supports the directives of His development of the nation, and encourage systems with more emphasis on remote The 5G network also features ultra-reliable
network that meets the smart and the future Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al the expansion of the Internet of Things (IoT), care, prevention of future health crisis, and low latency, high connection density,
applications of the 4th Industrial Revolution. Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister artificial intelligence (AI), and smart grid utilization of innovative technologies. enhanced security, and power efficiency.
of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, to anticipate solutions within the UAE." With increasing digitalization of healthcare
The ambition behind the Network and shape the future. As His Highness Digital transformation of Healthcare systems and mounting demand for remote
Operations Center is to enhance the smart once said, “The future is not something Huawei, one of DEWA’s strategic ICT systems: and HD-video based medical treatment,
services offered through its large-scale we wait for, but something we make. We partners, will use cutting-edge wavelength data volume has increased rapidly over
optical fiber network, which already provides look ahead into the future and predict and division multiplexing (WDM) transmission Even though technologies like tele-health the recent past. As a result, it is becoming
local enterprises in energy, transportation, shape it by being proactive in innovating technologies to provide comprehensive have existed for a long time, healthcare increasingly difficult to seamlessly transfer
education, healthcare, finance, and more, and employing future technologies to bring solutions for the transmission networks. systems relied mostly on conventional huge amount of healthcare data over
with new avenues through which to about development and growth, and build in-person interactions between patients existing network infrastructures. While 4G
accelerate their digital transformation plans. a knowledge-based economy.” The Centre In addition to InfraX, DEWA will continue and healthcare personals. However, to network is capable of meeting the basic
will be a valuable addition to the digital to work with Huawei to promote a new comply with the social distancing norms, data transmission requirements, there
The Network Operations Center will also infrastructure of the UAE, by using DEWA’s digital future for Dubai in key areas that primary medical care has been pushed is a substantial need for upgrading the remote healthcare services.
explore the development path for future fibre-optic network as a secure, reliable, and align with DEWA’s objectives in the Dubai towards technology-powered remote network with more bandwidth and reliable
network evolution in Dubai. While enabling super-fast means of increasing efficiency and 10X initiative, as well as UAE Vision 2021. options rapidly. Moreover, traditional connectivity to support the advanced digital 5G use cases in Healthcare:
service-oriented network customization, performance. These accord with the vision of The partnership includes a number of future healthcare systems lacked data analytics healthcare services. 5G boasts better data
the Network Operations Center will offer our wise leadership, and the future needs of projects involving big data management, and intelligent reporting. Nevertheless, transfer rates along with reduced latency 5G is playing a significant role in enhancing
enterprises a more flexible and intelligent the Fourth Industrial Revolution.” perimeter and ICT infrastructure security, improved digitalization trigged by the facilitating – rapid transfer of large digital the efficacy of healthcare treatment and
technology-verification platform for new cybersecurity, and information security, pandemic is leading to better collection of healthcare data like diagnostic imaging and pandemic prevention methods. While
applications dependent on cloud computing, “Along with our partner, DEWA, we among others. patient data. Leveraging big-data analytics; video files, and real-time communication for the possibilities are boundless; remote
16 September 2020 September 2020 17
PM Imran Khan appreciates the support of Huawei
consultation, big-data analytics, VR/AR in medical robots with hospitals increasingly the efficacy and efficiency during emergency
applications, medical robotics, infrared looking to use them for ensuring safety and medical situations. 5G, along with network
cameras, and connected ambulance are the reducing the workload of medical personals. slicing, can provide a dedicated connectivity
key use cases of 5G in healthcare: Medical robots are capable of undertaking for critical communication requirements of
Tele-health: The rampant spread of the
virus has overwhelmed the conventional
routine tasks like cleaning and sanitation,
supplying food and medicine delivery;
improving the efficiency and safety of
connected ambulance. It can also empower
vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) and vehicle-to-
infrastructure (V2I) communication and help
to realize the objectives of “Digital Pakistan”
healthcare systems globally and accelerated quarantine facilities. This provides medical connected ambulances to move through
Meets high-level delegation of Huawei led by Global SVP Hou Tao
the adoption of remote care or tele-health staffs with more time in hand to perform traffic and reach the hospital more efficiently.
services. Tele-health minimized direct other essential tasks such as tending to
physical contact between patients and critical cases. In addition, medical robots Opportunity for telecom operators:
healthcare personals, and provided access of embedded with sensors and equipment like
medical services especially in remote areas. cameras can perform several tasks, ranging 5G is accelerating new revenue models Teletimes Report
Moreover, it helped in remote monitoring from measuring patient’s body temperature for operators by driving advancement in
of patients with chronic illness or condition, to robotic surgical procedures. These areas like tele-health, healthcare cloud
ensuring they stayed away from hospitals surgical robots require high computational computing, and more. It is also empowering
and thus minimizing their chances of power to process imagery from cameras and more advanced healthcare applications like
COVID-19 infection. As tele-health services other sensor data. Moreover, the emerging robotic surgery and connected ambulance.
especially medical consultation through cloud robotics technology is enabling the Moreover, accelerated digital transformation
real time video conferencing and image maintenance of system intelligence in the of the sector is providing telecom operators
transmission requires a lot of bandwidth, cloud and more simplified robotic hardware with the opportunity to offer services
5G networks is capable of providing a near- in the ground. The speed and reliability of beyond connectivity and provide end-to-end
instantaneous data connectivity services. the exchange of information is crucial for solutions to healthcare providers. 5G network
The low latency and large connection density effective operation of cloud robotics. 5G will leveraging network slicing techniques has
provided by 5G is massively impacting all play a key enabling role for next generation the capability to create virtual campus
connected devices in healthcare, facilitating medical robots to function wirelessly and networks (VCN). Totally isolated spectrum
seamless interactions and rapid transfer of provide seamless access to cloud computing. frequency of 5G VCN is capable of ensuring
diagnostic information. maximum device interconnection and also
Virtual and Augmented reality: Virtual safeguarding healthcare data by preventing
Thermal imaging: For combating the spread reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) unwanted system access. Telecom operators
of the epidemic, it is very important to detect technologies in the healthcare space are can also offer guaranteed SLAs and traffic
COVID-19 symptoms such as elevated mainly used to provide training to medical prioritization for critical healthcare data over
body temperatures as well as to monitor workers. These technologies are facilitating dedicated virtual network resources.
public contact history. In this regard, both better visualization of patient data, further
governments and industries are increasingly helping in advanced diagnostics like image- Conclusion and future outlook:
deploying automated thermal imaging and guided surgery. Moreover, the growing
temperature monitoring systems in high- availability of VR/AR headsets and smart The COVID-19 pandemic is acting as a
footfall areas like hospitals, shopping centers glasses is accelerating adoption and also catalyst accelerating the implementation
etc. These systems are powered with high- opening up new opportunities for VR/AR of emerging technologies like IoT, big-data,
resolution infrared radiation (IR) cameras in the healthcare industry. There is a huge and AI among others in the healthcare
for detecting individuals with elevated potential for 5G to improve many aspects of industry. These disruptive technologies have
body temperatures without contact and VR/AR in healthcare like medical imaging, been propelled to the next level with the Prime Minister of Pakistan, Imran Khan Huawei will also provide support in training operations ensure transparency, speed
generating alarms in real-time. The thermal where high-speed 5G networks will enable introduction of 5G network. has appreciated the support provided by university-level students to equip them of delivery and good governance. Prime
video images generate by these cameras fast and reliable transport of large data files. Huawei Technologies Company towards with the latest ICT skills. Minister assured the Huawei delegation to
are transmitted to monitoring centers Also, low latency of 5G network is ensuring Post-pandemic, the use of virtual realizing the objective of “Digital Pakistan”. extend full support from the Government
for analysis and processing. 4G networks robust connectivity for VR/AR based remote consultation and telemedicine will become He also assured a high-level delegation Mr. Hou Tao stated that Huawei supports towards implementation of ICT solutions in
do not have the capacity to fully support consultations and patient monitoring the norm of the industry. 5G will not only from technology giant Huawei to extend the vision of the Prime Minister to create Pakistan.
the requirement of continuous transfer of services. enhance the existing use cases but will also full support from the Government towards a young skillful workforce in the field of
large volumes of HD images generated via create new ones driving efficacy of healthcare implementation of ICT solutions in Pakistan. ICT. Huawei also offered to formulate Minister for IT & Telecom Syed Amin ul
thermal imaging. Through 5G networks, Connected ambulance: A connected treatment. While critical healthcare Information Communication Technology Haque, Advisor on Commerce Mr. Abdul
the data collected by these cameras can be ambulance facilitates live measurement of services will continue to demand reliable This high-level delegation from Huawei (ICT), White Paper, with the help of Razaq Dawood, Chairman Board of
transferred seamlessly to central monitoring patient data through wearables, sensors, and connections, 5G’s end-to-end ultra-low led by Mr. Hou Tao, Global Senior Vice international consultants identifying the Investment Mr. Atif R. Bukhari, Secretary
centers and also can be uploaded to the cloud body mounted HD video camera streaming, latency communications will prove essential President Huawei Technologies called on existing ICT systems and suggestions Ministry of IT & Telecom Mr. Shoaib Ahmad
in real time without any delay. 5G coupled while transferring the patient to the hospital. for the provisioning of instant connectivity. Prime Minister Imran Khan in Islamabad on for improvements. Prime Minister Siddiqui, Chairman PTA Maj. Gen. (R) Aamir
with artificial intelligence (AI) and big-data These ambulances are also equipped with Moreover, increased collaboration between Tuesday. appreciated the support provided by Azeem Bajwa and senior officers were
analytics can further improve the accuracy ultrasound technology for the doctor to the healthcare providers and mobile Huawei towards realizing the objectives also present during the meeting. Huawei
and efficiency of public temperature perform scans remotely. Adoption of this operators will be witnessed going forward The delegation apprised the Prime Minister of “Digital Pakistan”. He stated that ICT delegation was comprised of CEO Huawei
monitoring and crowd movement tracking. technology can facilitate better coordination for addressing complex challenges of that Huawei is dedicated to realizing the sector holds tremendous potential of Pakistan Mr. Qiang Meng, Dy. CEO Mr.
between paramedics and hospital healthcare systems and further maturing the ICT initiatives of the Government, and investment, revenue generation and Ahmed Bilal Masud, Managing Director Mr.
Robotics: The pandemic has raised interest emergency department, and thus improve entire ecosystem. in this regard, Huawei plans to train one economic development. The Prime Minister Weijie Gao and Director Public Affairs Mr.
thousand federal government employees. emphasized that IT solutions in government Han Wu.
18 September 2020 September 2020 19Etisalat supports business
our commitment to the country’s SMB
sector,” Esam Mahmoud stresses. “Our
Video Surveillance as a Service (VSAAS)
continuity initiatives for SMBs
offers enhanced security and enables them
to benefit from the power of video and video
analytics.”
Customers can choose from four Etisalat Video
Surveillance (VSAAS) packages, and a one-
Keeping employees safe, connected time installation will be waived off. VSAAS, a
comprehensive security surveillance service
with a business analytics solution, offers
with customers and moving work forward customers end-to-end managed services,
security surveillance with analytics, business
intelligence, upgradeable cloud storage, as
well as web and mobile access, on a monthly
subscription model.
Today the SMB sector plays an important place,” Esam Mahmoud says. “In line with
role in the UAE economy, accounting for 86 government regulations, Etisalat launched
VSAAS offers heat maps, people-counting, a
percent of the total private sector workforce a temperature screening solution with
security system and queue management. It
and more than 60 percent of the country’s multiple product types and a wide range of
covers all CCTV requirements, ranging from
current GDP. applications that would make temperature
supply to installation, testing, commissioning
measurement and screening effortless during
and maintenance. It provides cameras,
Etisalat serves close to 300,000 SMB customers these challenging times.”
network video recorders with local storage,
in the country, working closely with them
cloud video management with analytics,
in their digital transformation journey. The thermal camera solution is designed to
web access, a mobile app, and basic seven-
The relevance of digital innovation and detect skin-surface temperatures to achieve
day cloud backup as default for continuous
capabilities have gained significance in rapid and safe preliminary screening in public
streaming.
today’s unprecedented times. As businesses areas with high efficiency in a multitude of
navigate through the challenges posed by scenarios. Thermal technology has been
Connectivity is key
the pandemic, Esam Mahmoud, Senior Vice applied widely in temperature screening
President, Small and Medium Business, scenarios as it offers more flexibility and
As a provider of vital infrastructure, Etisalat is
Etisalat shares his insights on the unique efficiency in preliminary screening of elevated
committed to keeping its valuable customers,
challenges faced by small and medium skin-surface temperatures. AI technology
employees and society fully connected now
businesses (SMBs) in the UAE and what the ensures thermographic cameras only detect
more than ever before.
telco is doing to continuously support them human skin-surface temperature to reduce
and facilitate business continuity during these false alarms of other heat sources.
“To support the unprecedented demand
unprecedented times.
for connectivity and help businesses stay
Etisalat’s proposition comes with five options,
connected, we have come up with a wide
“Today’s rapidly evolving situation poses four different cameras and installment plans
range of device bundles along with access
unique challenges for everyone, and we of up to 36 months.
to Etisalat's unified communication and
understand that businesses are doing Keeping business establishments safe collaboration platform CloudTalk Meeting,”
everything to ensure the safety of their State-of-the-art onsite video surveillance and minimise face-to-face interactions,” Esam of challenges of keeping employees safe,
he says.
employees while managing business “With the gradual opening of businesses, technology Mahmoud explains. connecting with customers, and moving work
continuity,” says Esam Mahmoud, Senior Vice safety measures, thermal scanners and forward.
Etisalat’s Business First Plus postpaid plan
President, Small and Medium Businesses at social distancing procedures should be in “Etisalat’s mantra ‘together matters’ reflects Etisalat is providing an E-shop service bundled
enables business customers to carryforward
Etisalat. with a managed web solution for new and Etisalat provides SMB customers access to a
their unused minutes to the next month and
Etisalat serves close to
enjoy the unused minutes with three months existing subscribers to transform businesses Microsoft 365 Business Basic package, as low
“At Etisalat, it is our constant endeavor to online and enable them to engage with their as AED 19 a month. The package allows up to
validity. Plans start from AED110 with carry
ensure we support our SMB customers with clients via Google My Business and Google 300 users and includes Online Office apps, a
forward and the Business Xtreme plan with
300,000 SMB customers in
their business needs and make every effort to Maps listing, website listing, website pages 50GB mailbox, a 1TB OneDrive storage, and
unlimited local calling and double data offer
simplify their lives even during these difficult and E-shop starting from AED 160 per month. Microsoft Teams, helps businesses accomplish
provides 54GB data every month for 12
times.” more and faster with simple file-sharing, real-
months starting at only AED 325.
These initiatives, he adds, are in line with
the UAE’s efforts to ensure public health and
the country, working closely Transforming businesses online Enabling SMBs and their employees to stay
connected and productive
time co-authoring, and online meetings – all
accessible anywhere. Teams can collaborate in
real-time with professional e-mail, persistent
safety and are based on SMB requirements
for virtual meetings, cloud video surveillance
and analytics, data, monthly usage of voice
with them in their digital “We have been laser-focused on providing
tools and features to support SMBs confronted With some organisations beginning to reopen
chat, online storage and video conferencing
tools that are always up to date and keep their
transformation journey.
with a very challenging retail environment and others remaining fully remote, small and data safe. In addition, there will be live support
minutes, device purchases, and postpaid medium-sized businesses face a unique set from experts during the contract period.
where clients tend to restrict their movements
plans.
20 September 2020 September 2020 21stc announces deployment of 5G stand-alone Microsoft report: 16% of Saudi
As the first in the region to achieve this
remarkable milestone, stc has announced
these 5G developments, stc will be able to
build a powerful and secure digital ecosystem,
institutions consider AI a top priority
the first deployment of 5G SA and “5G Voice where enterprises and consumers can benefit
over New Radio” service in live network. This from more innovative services tailored to their
stc Academy announced the winners of the
technologically innovative accomplishment exact needs. Always available and highest
AIDEA Competition for Artificial Intelligence
will enable stc to deploy enhanced data and quality voice and video calls are the foundation
(AI) which was held in cooperation with
voice services over an agile, cloud-native, next- of the contemporary telecom ethos.
Microsoft Arabia to develop the AI skills of
generation end-to-end 5G network.
business directors at stc and enable them
Eng. Haithem Alfaraj, SVP, Technology and
to generate innovative ideas to enhance the
The 5G SA core network is an outright Operations, stc, said: “New 5G services
efficiency of the telecommunication sector.
paradigm shift in the way the world looks at will continue to be top priorities for our
The participants of AlDEA Competition
networks. It provides the ability to not only customers. We are very proud of our continued
received the necessary guidance to help
provide very high data throughput but also technological push to reinforce stc’s leading
them expand their horizons and prototype
ultra-low latency, along with highest possible position in the region. We believe this is just the
their ideas through business simulations.
service availability. beginning of stc’s digital service innovation.
stc is determined to bring to market the most
At the end of the virtual event, participants
Additionally, stc's 5G SA core network platform advanced technologies and solutions, to deliver
were presented with an "AI Maturity Report"
is a truly cloud-native and containerized / total digital transformation. Every technology
conducted in partnership between Microsoft
micro-service based architecture. and service innovation we accomplish comes
and EY. This report highlights trends of AI
with the high objective of offering the best
adoption across different industries and
At the same time, the true 5G enabled Voice quality services to our valued customers. The
organizations in the KSA.
Service (VoNR) is the latest evolution of voice launch of 5G SA network and 5G VoNR service
call solution that offers 5G users true High is a real life translation of our DARE strategy,
One of the many findings in this report is
Definition “HD” Voice and Video calls on a stc’s digital transformation aspirations and
that there are still 21% of organizations
5G (SA) network, without the need for the in line with the objectives of the Kingdom’s
in Saudi Arabia that have not yet
classical fall-back to a 4G LTE network. With National Vision 2030.” Along with this, Microsoft Arabia supported according to the criteria of the SEEPDEST,
formalized AI as a digital priority. As
opposed to this, there is 16% who see AI and guided the stc Academy’s team in while having the largest and most reliable
as THE most important digital priority. scoring and evaluating the submitted ideas. network in the Kingdom”. He added.
stc launches a new permanent telecommuting policy Microsoft Arabia enabled and supported
the competitors by engaging several of
its resources consisting of top-class AI
Stc Group CEO, Nasser S. Alnasser,
commended this fruitful cooperation with
Microsoft Arabia, seeing as building digital
Moreover, President of Microsoft Arabia
Eng. Thamer Alharbi highlighted the
importance of the competition in raising
engineers, data scientists and data architects skills, especially AI skills, of stc employees AI awareness and adoption in stc and their
throughout the competition over 5 months, is part of the company's commitment and joint efforts to achieve that. He noted that
stc has announced the adoption of a stc Group CEO, Eng. Nasser Sulaiman Al and creates a healthier work-life balance. coaching and mentoring the participants strategy. “stc' is leading and investing heavily Microsoft’s vision towards innovation and
policy that aims to expand telecommuting Nasser, confirmed that the company will This helps increase job satisfaction and including senior business directors across in the 5G which artificial intelligence services digital transformation with AI is aligned with
to include all employees whose work continue its strategy to promote digital facilitates acquiring talented professionals several business units of stc, right from depend mainly, and company recently won stc's and they believe stc is leading from
functions do not require their attendance transformation in line with the objectives of from anywhere in the Kingdom without initial ideation to refinement, presentation the award for the fastest 5G mobile network the front towards the Kingdom’s Vision
at the company's headquarters, noting that the Kingdom's Vision 2030, noting that stc's being limited to the geographical area. and eventual submission of their AI ideas. for the second quarter of this year 2020 2030 with their push and adoption for AI.
the telecommuting policy was launched strategic direction to digitize its business
about three years ago as part of the early on proved successful. stc continued Earlier, several major global companies
company's "DARE" strategy to promote to provide 100% of its services through my announced that they had allowed their
digital transformation and create a unique
employee experience and work environment.
stc digital platform including device sales
and delivery services to homes, despite the
employees to work remotely, such as Google,
Twitter, and Facebook, making stc one of Saudi Arabia becomes the 5th fastest mobile internet network worldwide
tenfold increase in demand for its services. the first companies to adopt telecommuting
In 2017, stc introduced telecommuting as in the region. stc today is one of the world's
one of the benefits it offers its employees, Given the positive figures regarding prominent digital companies. Saudi Arabia has jumped five places for the fastest 5G mobile network during speeds in the world, is a testament of stc's
allowing them to work remotely 3 days employee productivity during the globally in terms of mobile internet speed, Q2 2020. Stc has also won, for the 4th commitment to offer the best services
per month, to foster greater flexibility in implementation of the telecommuting policy The company ranks among the top 50 digital ranking 5th worldwide with a speed of 71.73 consecutive year, the award for the fastest to its customers in the Kingdom, elevate
terms of business processes and encourage during the coronavirus pandemic, stc decided companies in the world and the first in the MB/s as announced by Speedtest website, mobile network speed, and the award for community services in the Kingdom, and
reliance on digital solutions. This played a to expand this policy to include a larger Middle East according to Forbes' rankings. specialized in measuring internet speeds the best mobile coverage provided by a offer a perfect customer experience, as
major role in preparing all the company’s percentage of employees, allowing them to Moreover, Forbes has declared stc as the around the world. Ookla company, the telecommunication company in the KSA. well as its commitment to its central role in
employees to work remotely and work remotely permanently, which increases most powerful telecommunication company owner of Speedtest website, has already Winning these awards which are offered enabling digital transformation following
effectively respond to the COVID-19 crisis. work flexibility, enhances productivity, in the Middle East. announced that stc has won the award by the top platform for measuring internet Saudi Vision 2030.
22 September 2020 September 2020 23You can also read
