Ericsson, in partnership with e& UAE, has successfully verified the Reduced Capability (RedCap) software solution on e& UAE’s 5G Standalone (5G SA) network. This marks the first implementation of Ericsson’s RedCap solution in a commercial network in the Middle East and Africa region, enabling new types of 5G IoT devices and offering new monetization opportunities in both consumer and industrial spaces.
China Mobile Pakistan (CMPak), operating under the Zong 4G brand, expanded its network and completed a significant modernization project in the first half of 2024. Zong 4G deployed over 400 new 4G sites and upgraded its base stations with 8T8R technology to enhance customer experience along the China–Pakistan Economic Corridor. Additionally, Zong upgraded over 1,400 battery banks to Li-Ion solutions for improved efficiency.
Saudi Arabia’s Emerging Technology Adoption Readiness Index improved from 60.35% to 70.70% in one year. The increase in participating agencies, along with advancements in AI, drones, digital twinning, and other technologies, highlights the Kingdom’s commitment to modernizing its digital infrastructure and aligns with Vision 2030 goals.
Jordan’s Ministry of Digital Economy and Entrepreneurship, in partnership with Blockexe, has launched the Modee Dlt blockchain network to enhance trust in government services. This initiative, part of the Digital Transformation Strategy (2021-2025), aims to improve transparency, efficiency, and competitiveness in e-government services.
Oman is set to become a regional telecommunications hub with its advanced network and rural connectivity initiatives. Significant progress in digital infrastructure and the space industry supports this development, with extensive fibreoptic and 5G network deployments enhancing connectivity nationwide.
ITIDA and DXC Technology Egypt have signed an MoU to enhance Egypt’s software industry by leveraging ITIDA’s SECC for training and certifications. The partnership aims to boost software exports and elevate Egypt’s position as a global IT services hub.
Libya, Morocco, and Seychelles lead Africa in ICT development, as per the ITU’s 2024 report. Despite improvements across the continent, disparities remain, with Libya scoring 88.1 points and Chad at the bottom with 21.3 points.
Egypt is set to revolutionize its mobile telecom sector with e-SIM technology and its first 5G network, promising enhanced connectivity, competition, and affordability.
Oman experienced a 3.10% increase in mobile phone subscriptions, reaching over 7 million by April 2024. Average usage per mobile subscription rose by 4.19%, while mobile broadband subscriptions and average usage declined. Fixed-line and fixed broadband subscriptions saw modest increases, though average usage decreased.
Opensignal’s latest analysis ranks Saudi Arabia third in 5G download speeds among EMEA markets, reflecting significant advancements in 5G deployment. The report highlights improvements in network performance, impressive 5G upload speeds, and the impact of government initiatives like Vision 2030 in fostering 5G growth in the GCC region.
