The SAMENA Telecommunications Council, in collaboration with Huawei Technologies, will host the 2024 edition of the SAMENA ACCELERATOR on October 17th at the One & Only Mirage in Dubai, UAE. This event aims to continue the dialogue started during the 2023 edition of the 10 Gigabit ACCELERATOR, which advocated for the development of ultra-broadband networks, leveraging advancements in Fiber and IPv6 technologies.
The 2024 SAMENA ACCELERATOR will focus on building consensus to accelerate the deployment of 10 Gigabit (10Giga) networks and explore next-generation broadband infrastructure upgrades. The discussions will also highlight enhancing user experiences, enabling digital transformation across industries, and driving the development of the digital economy in the Middle East and Central Asia. The SAMENA Council emphasizes that with the integration of fifth-generation fixed networks, AI, and other emerging technologies, Gigabit networks hold the potential to significantly advance the digital economy, align with national ICT visions, and promote industrial and societal transformation, particularly in GCC countries where boosting broadband speeds and optical-fiber coverage is a priority.
The SAMENA ACCELERATOR will feature discussions on 10Giga network development, Artificial Intelligence (AI), and Fixed 5G-Advanced (F5G-A), examining the role these technologies play in driving digital innovation. The event will also address policy and technology-centric issues to ensure the region’s digital infrastructure meets global standards.
“SAMENA Council’s partnership with Huawei is a strategic move towards fostering digital innovation in the region,” said Bocar BA, CEO & Board Member of SAMENA Council. “We aim to continue the dialogue from 2023 on the ‘10Giga’ concept. With new digital policies and advancements in technologies like AI, it is essential to inspire Fiber growth in Central Asia, mirroring the progress seen in the GCC. We must expedite the transition to 10Giga networks, deploy faster methods, and address the challenges faced by landlocked countries. Enhancing our digital economies is crucial to advancing the region.”
SAMENA Council recognizes the need for the region to catch up with more digitally advanced economies, necessitating significant efforts in broadband development and IPv6 transformation. Building gigabit infrastructure is key to these efforts, and advancements such as pre-connection, FTTR, 10G-PON, and optical transport networks (OTN) are readily available to support this. Additionally, AI’s role in analyzing optical-fiber performance, service quality, and network optimization will be crucial in ensuring effective utilization of these technologies to further regional broadband development.
