Intelligent CIO Middle East Issue 17 | Page 8

NEWS
KSA

Nokia and Zain look to build the next-gen Networks in the Kingdom

Nokia and Zain KSA have signed an MOU to work together on developing 5G and define a clear path toward building the next-generation ultra-broadband networks in Saudi Arabia . The companies will combine their expertise to develop use cases , requirements and deployment scenarios for 5G technologies .
The ultra-low latency and high reliability of 5G technology will enable connectivity for billions of devices in IoT . IoT use cases including connected mobility , industrial networking , smart factories and offices , remote healthcare , virtual reality and Ultra High Definition video services will help many sectors grow exponentially . While Nokia and Zain Saudi Arabia already started working together to transform Jeddah into a smart city , further collaboration through the new agreement will take that to the next level towards smart , safe and sustainable cities across the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia .
Peter Kaliaropoulos of Zain Saudi Arabia , said : “ Zain and Nokia have been closely working together for over a decade and have achieved many MEA- and Saudifirsts * in our joint endeavor to bring innovative mobile broadband services and world-class customer experience to the Kingdom . With this MoU , we are now taking this strong partnership to the next level , evolving toward building the
next-generation 5G networks . We are confident again that in this journey we will mark many more industry-firsts , which will enable us to play our role in the digital transformation of the country toward the knowledge based economy .”
Eng . Sultan Abdulaziz AlDeghaither , Chief Technology Officer at Zain Saudi Arabia , said : “ Working with our partner Nokia , we aim to provide the next generation ultrabroadband services . This agreement will take us closer to providing commercial 5G network in the Saudi market by introducing 4.5G Pro and 4.9G technologies to Zain ’ s network during the course of 2017 .
According to telecom experts , 5G networks will not only provide faster internet speeds , but also enable new applications such as IoT broadcast-like services and lifeline critical communications in times of natural disaster .”

STC look to develop eSIM Technology with strong partners

Saudi Telecom Company ( STC ), Oberthur Technologies ( OT ), a leading global provider of embedded security software products and services , and Huawei have teamed up to be a pioneer in the introduction of remote subscription management solutions and develop new opportunities around eSIM technology .
In this regard , STC is proud to announce that eSIM trial has been conducted successfully using GSMA compliant subscription management platform from OT and Huawei smartwatch . The eSIM technology allows users to order , install , and activate profiles over the air in a seamless , secure , and convenient way . It also brings additional advantage for smartwatch users as it enable them to make calls directly from the smartwatch even if the mobile phone is offline .
OT ’ s solution is compliant with the GSMA roadmap and has exceptional pioneering tier 1 references in Europe and across the globe . OT offers end-to-end solution to securely and remotely
change and manage subscriptions , with minimum impact on MNOs systems and infrastructures . Nasser Al-Nasser , Senior Vice President , Technology and Operations , STC , said : “ We are delighted about our collaboration with OT and Huawei to pave the way for the new wave of connected M2M and Consumers ’ devices . We think that OT ’ s subscription management solutions and Huawei smartwatches will accelerate the introduction of eSIM technology and open new business opportunities ”.
Pierre Barrial , Managing Director of the Mobile Network Operators business at OT , said : “ OT is thrilled to have been selected by the largest ICT services provider in the MENA Region , and to continue its collaboration with Huawei . OT ’ s role is to offer the most efficient and most secure technologies possible , capable of responding to the needs of OEMs , MNOs and consumers . OT is proud to demonstrate the 1st subscription management reference in the MENA Region together with STC and Huawei ”.
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