At the 15th Global Mobile Broadband Forum hosted by Huawei, the SAMENA Telecommunications Council underscored Saudi Arabia’s central role in driving 5.5G (5G-advanced) innovation and digital transformation across the South Asia, Middle East, and North Africa (SAMENA) regions. The event, held in Istanbul, Turkey, brought together over 1,000 participants from mobile network carriers, technology innovators, and ecosystem leaders to discuss the future of connectivity and AI-powered applications.
Bocar Ba, CEO of SAMENA Council, emphasized the transformative potential of 5.5G technology during the forum. “We are on the brink of a new era in connectivity, one that will redefine industries, uplift communities, and support sustainable development. Through the SAMENA Council, we aim to create a unified platform that brings diverse stakeholders together to drive progress throughout the region,” said Ba.
The forum, themed “5.5G Leads Mobile AI Era,” focused on the rapid advancements in 5.5G infrastructure and AI applications. Saudi Arabia’s proactive approach to digital transformation has positioned it as a leader in the region’s move towards next-generation connectivity. Ba pointed out, “Saudi Arabia is not only a major market for SAMENA Council members but is also the region’s largest digital economy.”
He praised the Kingdom’s collaborative approach between government entities and private sector players, noting that telecom operators like stc, Mobily, Zain, and Salam, along with key government regulators, are setting a regional benchmark for digital transformation.
The SAMENA Council is closely working with the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology (MCIT) and industry leaders to tackle critical issues such as spectrum management, fixed wireless access (FWA) deployment, and developing agile regulatory frameworks that support 5.5G adoption. Additionally, the council has partnered with the Communications, Space and Technology Commission (CST) to address emerging cybersecurity challenges. Ba stressed, “Cyber resilience is crucial as we scale up 5.5G technologies. Our efforts with CST and MCIT ensure that we build a secure, future-ready ICT infrastructure capable of supporting diverse applications across industries.”
Looking ahead, SAMENA Council is focusing on the potential of 5.5G to revolutionize key sectors such as healthcare and education. Ba added, “The next phase of 5G is already here. Saudi Arabia is well-positioned to lead the way in adopting 5.5G technologies, which will drive both economic diversification and improvements in quality of life. In particular, fixed wireless access will play a critical role in connecting underserved areas and bridging the digital divide.”
In line with these goals, SAMENA Council has launched the ELITE FWA Club to advocate for fixed wireless access as a key enabler of digital inclusion. The council is also collaborating with global technology providers like Huawei to accelerate digital innovation and develop forward-looking use cases for 5.5G.
Ba concluded, “Saudi Arabia’s vision for digital transformation is truly inspiring. By fostering collaboration between government, telecom operators, and technology providers, the Kingdom is not only transforming its economy but is setting a global benchmark for sustainable digital development.”
