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2 weeks ago
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Doha, November 25 (QNA) - The MWC25 Doha conference showcased today, during the 5G Future Summit, the development path from standalone 5G networks (5G SA) to 5G-Advanced, as well as the early features of sixth-generation (6G) technologies, with the participation of distinguished regional and international experts and representatives of major global companies in the telecommunications sector.
The summit highlighted the pivotal role of the Gulf region in leading the global transformation of the telecom industry and reviewed models of infrastructure readiness, revenue opportunities, and the development of ecosystems supporting the transition toward the era of 5G-Advanced and future services. In this context, the first session, moderated by Head of Networks at the GSMA Henry Calvert, discussed the accelerated deployment of standalone 5G networks in the Middle East and the implications on consumer services such as cloud gaming, augmented and virtual reality, ultra-high-definition streaming, and smart homes. Calvert stressed that demand for networks and innovation in the telecom sector remains strong, noting that global companies such as FICO, Skydome, Tata, and Elisa clearly demonstrate their requirements from operators, whether in local, regional, or global markets.
He added that the GSMA pavilion at the conference displays live examples of these requirements, including self-driving cars and racing simulators operating over private 5G networks.
For his part, Chief Technology and Information Officer of Ooredoo Group Timos Tsoukanis said that Internet of Things (IoT) devices require high focus, large capacity, and scalability with low energy consumption, pointing out that 5G networks provide these solutions natively and seamlessly through their core protocols. He added that 5G enables large-scale production of connected devices at low cost, supports 4K-quality video with high upload speeds, efficient power management, and the ability to control venues and public spaces. He added that the network is now becoming a standalone product, based on actual performance characteristics such as speed and latency, rather than merely bundles of data or call minutes. He noted that early trials of 5G SA networks in some markets have demonstrated impressive results in terms of performance, latency, and power management, all achieved without the need for additional hardware or software, reflecting that these trials are only the beginning, and the future will be significantly better. He confirmed that Ooredoo Group has a clear strategy for developing these networks and expanding their capabilities in the near future.
Meanwhile, General Manager of Helios Towers Oman Jadawi Al Riyami said that his company serves hundreds of millions of subscribers in the region, and that the number of towers in the Omani market has reached 2,619, with around 170 new towers added in one year despite difficult terrain.
He noted that tower utilization increased from 1.7% to 1.72% over the same period, pointing out that this infrastructure forms a foundation for supporting 5G networks and enabling innovative services—from live broadcasting to in-building smart solutions.
In the second session, participants discussed the latest developments in deploying 5G-Advanced in the region, and how its features, particularly improved uplink performance, enhance the capabilities of industrial services such as multi-camera live broadcasting, machine vision, and drone-based inspection. Experts also examined the role of private networks, edge computing, and network slicing in supporting digital transformation across industries and accelerating Industry 4.0 applications. (QNA)
