The Middle East has emerged as a pivotal region in the global telecom landscape, spearheading advancements in 5G technology and network infrastructure. In an exclusive interview with Chafic Traboulsi, the Regional Vice President and Head of Networks Middle East and Africa at Ericsson, we delve into the dynamic world of 5G development and innovation. Traboulsi offers insights into the UAE’s role in pioneering 5G, its untapped potential, the latest radio innovations, and predictions for the telecom sector.
What are the top directions the UAE can explore in 5G development?
The UAE has been a significant investor in 5G technology, and this commitment is evident in our recent achievement. We partnered with e& to achieve the fastest global download speed on a 5G network. We reached an astonishing 13 gigabits per second on a single site, an accomplishment that required the use of two terminals because no single terminal currently exists that can support this speed.
The potential of 5G is truly remarkable, and it will continue to evolve. As users demand even faster speeds and lower latency, the relevance of 5G will only grow. I must commend the UAE for its well-regulated approach to introducing 5G. This includes making frequencies available and encouraging service providers to offer top-notch services to customers, whether they are using mobile devices, fixed wireless access, or other technologies that rely on cellular networks. The UAE’s commitment to fostering 5G is truly praiseworthy.
Have we already reached 5G’s full potential?
No, we have not fully realised 5G’s potential yet. While we’ve seen early advantages in terms of faster networks for end-users, there’s a vast untapped potential in the enterprise sector. 5G adoption in areas like factories and enhanced realities for shopping is still in its infancy. 5G will stay with us for a long time, and there’s much more to explore.
What are the latest radio innovations the region can benefit from?
On the radio technology front, we’re heavily investing in research and development, which is at the core of our business. Our focus is on enhancing the form factor and reducing the power consumption of our radios. Each new generation of radio equipment is designed to be more energy-efficient and technologically advanced. Our dedication extends to developing silicon chips that are specifically tailored for our radios, making us a world leader in radio technology.
Here’s an example of our innovation: Consider a scenario where you have an existing 4G site, and you want to introduce 5G. With our radio technology, we can seamlessly upgrade that site to 5G while simultaneously reducing its power consumption. This is a significant breakthrough in our industry because, for the first time, we’re effectively “breaking the energy curve.” In other words, we can introduce a new generation of technology without increasing power consumption.
What are your predictions for the telecom sector in the Middle East over the next 5-10 years?
In the Middle East, we’ll see network densification, a focus on sustainability, and reduced power consumption. The telecom industry’s carbon footprint is mainly generated from the usage of equipment like radios, so we’re working on diversifying energy sources, using power more efficiently, and evolving network features to reduce consumption. We’ll also focus on performance, not just in terms of download speeds but in how networks are built and where they’re deployed. The Middle East already has some of the world’s best networks and will continue to improve and innovate in the coming years.
