We live in a world that’s increasingly being defined by technology and connectivity. From healthcare to education, transportation to entertainment, connectivity touches every aspect of our lives. Over time, it has become clear that connectivity offers more than mere convenience. It has evolved into the essential catalyst for innovation and progress and the driving force behind a future where the boundaries of what’s possible continue to expand.
“We wholeheartedly believe that technology and connectivity are forces for good, serving as the conduits that bring people together, ignite innovation, and work in harmony towards a better world. The importance of robust connectivity is perhaps most evident when we encounter disruptions; it is the lifeblood of innovation. Ericsson, as always, is at the forefront of this endeavour, especially with the advent of 5G,” Ekow Nelson, Vice President and UAE Country General Manager, Ericsson MEA, told edge at the sidelines of GITEX GLOBAL 2023.
At GITEX GLOBAL 2023, the concept of ‘limitless connectivity’ took centre stage for Ericsson’s participation. Through a series of demonstrations and product showcases, the company underlined how connectivity serves as the bedrock of innovation, driving positive change in the world. Connectivity, especially with the advent of 5G technology, brings an array of positive benefits such as enhanced communication, enabling real-time, high-quality video calls and seamless data transfer, making remote work and collaboration more efficient. Beyond this, 5G empowers emerging technologies such as augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR), revolutionising industries from healthcare to education. Additionally, 5G enables the Internet of Things (IoT) to flourish, leading to smarter, more connected cities, reducing energy consumption, and improving overall resource management.
The company has taken a prominent role in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), contributing significantly to the realisation of Vision 2031 by establishing and operating a world-class 5G network.
“We take pride in being the driving force behind the fastest connectivity in Al Ain, UAE, and we significantly power 66 percent of the connectivity in Dubai. Our efforts are instrumental in shaping the UAE’s thriving digital landscape,” explains Nelson.
Collaborating with national network operators like etisalat by e&, Ericsson ensures that 5G networks are accessible to all corners of the nation. Ericsson’s recent announcement of achieving a 5G downlink speed exceeding 13 gigabits per second (Gbps) signifies a significant milestone, propelling etisalat by e&’s 5G network to deliver superior radio access network (RAN) capacity and enhanced user experiences.
Powering beyond connectivity
The rise of digitalisation has irrevocably transformed the way we interact, learn, socialise, and perceive the world. With over 8.3 billion mobile subscriptions for a global population of 8 billion, our interconnectedness has reached unprecedented levels. The adoption of 5G is accelerating at a pace surpassing any previous mobile technology, with experts predicting a surge from 1 billion subscriptions this year to 5 billion by 2028. Clearly, 5G represents more than merely the next evolution in mobile networks; it holds the potential to revolutionise the world as we know it.
The promising opportunities and the swift progress of innovation paved by increased connectivity will enable private and public sectors to harness numerous solutions to address climate change and make significant strides toward sustainability.
“We firmly believe that connectivity plays a significant role in the global efforts to mitigate carbon dioxide emissions,” says Nelson.
“Therefore, sustainability is a pivotal component of our agenda, encompassing not only the reduction of our own emissions – for which Ericsson has set an ambitious target of a 50 percent reduction by 2030 – but also the facilitation of other industries in their journey to lower carbon emissions.”
In line with this, du, from Emirates Integrated Telecommunication Company (EITC), and Ericsson have signed a partnership agreement at GITEX Global 2023 to offer the Ericsson Connected Recycling platform as a Software-as-a-Service in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). This initiative aims to create a sustainable future by eliminating the environmental impact of non-electronic or non-electrical network equipment waste. Ericsson Connected Recycling is a comprehensive platform that facilitates traceability, transparency, and the monetisation of waste streams. It also provides powerful sustainability reporting, enabling efficient recycling operations and promoting circularity.
Another initiative that Ericsson has is the launch of the ‘Hack for Earth at COP28 co-organised with Ericsson’, taking place online between 1 and 3 December 2023. The objective of the hackathon is to identify innovative sustainability solutions using technology, creativity, and connectivity, creating tomorrow’s solutions from today’s sustainability challenges. Additionally, with the United Nations conference on climate change, COP28, taking place in Dubai, between November 30 and December 12, 2023, the participants will focus on creating innovative and viable solutions in this year’s 8 challenge categories: energy, transport, food, partnership, education, sustainable cities, water and environment.
Being at the helm of some of these initiatives here in the UAE, sustainability is a topic that’s also close to Nelson’s heart. He reflects on the significance of this mission, stating, “As a parent, I think about my children and their future a lot. I believe that it is our collective responsibility to ensure that we leave this world in a considerably better state than when we first came into it.”
He emphasises the importance of addressing the existential challenges facing humanity, urging everyone to actively contribute to this cause. “We all bear a duty to actively contribute to this cause, which, on a personal level, entails responsible resource utilisation and a commitment to living in a manner that does not exacerbate the issues at hand.”
UAE: A testbed for innovation
The UAE has made many notable strides in technology advancement, particularly focused on establishing one of the world’s most resilient digital economies.
The country’s leadership was early to recognise the need to drive access to universal connectivity and extend digital opportunities to all. Being one of the first movers in the deployment of high-speed, high-bandwidth 5G infrastructure has enabled individuals and organisations across the UAE to tap into the modern digital economy. Ericsson is a key collaborator in this journey, working closely with the UAE government to turn these visionary goals into reality.
The UAE’s unique approach fosters an environment where innovation can flourish, according to Nelson. “This is the remarkable thing about this country – it’s like a stage where you are given the opportunity to shine. It’s an open stage that offers a platform for experimentation. Successful experiments can lead to collaboration with the government and the opportunity to shape laws and rules governing new technologies, which can be shared with the rest of the world. This is a unique opportunity,” he explains.
He adds, “The UAE is now home to the fastest mobile network, and we are proud to be a part of it. Moreover, the UAE’s commitment to sustainability, demonstrated through initiatives like COP 28, gives us the opportunity to work with partners in addressing climate change. The UAE is a fundamental platform for projecting our brand and collaborating with partners to solve real-world problems.”
A future shaped by technology
Looking ahead, Nelson notes that as the world increasingly becomes defined by technology, embracing a career in tech is the way to go for the younger generations.
“If you aspire to make a meaningful contribution to the world’s success and the future we live in, I would strongly recommend looking into tech,” he says.
Nelson highlights a significant shift in the business landscape today, noting that two or three decades ago, the dominant entities in the stock market were mainly oil companies or financial institutions. However, at present, when we look at the leading businesses in the world, a majority of them belong to the technology sector.
“Technology plays a crucial role in addressing current and future challenges like climate change. If you’re a young individual contemplating your career path, consider the immense potential of technology in driving a positive impact on the world,” he says.
