https://adgully.me/post/5271/etisalat-by-e-strengthens-collaboration-with-oracle

Etisalat by e& strengthens collaboration with Oracle

Oracle announced a significant expansion of its collaboration with etisalat by e&. In a strategic move to enhance AI capabilities, etisalat by e& intends to deploy NVIDIA H100 GPU clusters within its Oracle Cloud Infrastructure (OCI) Dedicated Region, hosted at etisalat by e& Data Centers. This plan aims to facilitate the localization and development of cutting-edge AI services, elevating the standard of offerings across its product portfolio and business operations.As part of its comprehensive transformation initiative initiated last year, etisalat by e& selected OCI Dedicated Region as one of its primary cloud platforms. This decision aligns with the company's goals to streamline and modernize its operations and business support systems, fostering the growth of its digital services portfolio. With the plan of incorporating NVIDIA clusters into its dedicated Oracle cloud region, etisalat by e& will gain access to flexible, high-performance on-premesis computing resources. These resources will be pivotal in the rapid development and integration of new generative AI services into its portfolio over the next two years. Additionally, etisalat by e& will leverage the Oracle cloud platform to infuse AI services into its business applications, enhancing the efficiency of its business and operational processes.The accelerated computing capabilities provided by NVIDIA GPUs, coupled with OCI's AI Infrastructure featuring bare metal and RDMA cluster networking, will provide etisalat by e& with a diverse array of options for AI training. This allows for the agile and scalable development of innovative AI services.Khalid Murshed, Chief Technology and Information Officer (CTIO) at etisalat by e&, remarked, "At etisalat by e&, we are committed to continuous innovation, aiming to co-create value and growth with our customers. AI is becoming increasingly integral to the design and differentiation of our services, as well as the management of our business processes. Oracle Cloud Infrastructure equips us with essential AI capabilities, providing on-premesis computing resources that enable us to discover and develop new AI use-cases swiftly, cost-effectively, and at scale. Also, it will allow us to fine-tune and train our large language models (LLM)"Nick Redshaw, senior vice president – Tech Cloud, Middle East and Africa, and UAE Country Leader at Oracle, said, "Telecom companies are redefining their business models in response to changing customer expectations and expanding market landscapes. etisalat by e& is at the forefront of this transformation, and we are thrilled to bring the power and flexibility of OCI’s AI capabilities to support them in building and delivering the next generation of digital services for consumers and businesses."
https://adgully.me/post/5184/aramco-and-etisalat-by-e-lead-the-way-for-middle-eastern-brands-in-global-rank

Aramco and etisalat by e& lead the way for Middle Eastern brands in global rank

etisalat by e&, e&’s telecoms brand, is strongest Middle Eastern and African brand, and strongest telecoms brand in the worldBanking brands QNB and Al-Rajhi Bank see strong brand value growth Apple achieves remarkable 74% growth in brand value, reclaiming its title as the world’s most valuable brand by huge marginArtificial Intelligence sector booms as NVIDIA becomes world’s fastest growing brand Tesla drops out of top 10, falling to 18th placeAramco retains status as most valuable Middle Eastern brand in global ranking, followed by ADNOC and stcAramco's brand value has witnessed a slight decrease to USD41.6 billion in 2024.While largely influenced by revenue changes, this decrease is also associated with a dip in perceived quality and reliability. That said, Aramco remains the most valuable Middle Eastern brand by a significant margin. Every year, leading brand valuation consultancy Brand Finance puts 5,000 of the biggest brands to the test, and publishes over 100 reports, ranking brands across all sectors and countries. The world’s top 500 most valuable and strongest global brands are included in the annual Brand Finance Global 500 2024 ranking.ADNOC, the second most valuable Middle Eastern brand, has grown its brand value by 7% to USD15.2 billion, driven by a 1-point improvement in its BSI to 80. It is also now an AAA- rated brand. ADNOC recently made a strategic investment in Storegga, a company that focuses on the development of global carbon capture and storage projects. ADNOC's brand strength has also improved due to its commitment to decarbonisation; it is one of 50 founding signatories of the Oil and Gas Decarbonisation Charter (OGDC) that is a global commitment to speed up climate action across the industry, launched at COP28.David Haigh, Chairman and CEO of Brand Finance, commented: “We are witnessing several brands from a wide array of sectors on the cusp of breaking into the top 500. The region is investing heavily in tangible and intangible away from the oil industry and as such many brands are making the step up from being strong regional players to becoming brands with global aspirations.”etisalat by e&, e&’s telecoms brand, is strongest Middle Eastern and African brand, and strongest telecoms brand in the worlde& group’s telecom vertical, etisalat by e&, has retained its position as strongest brand in the Middle East and Africa as well as the strongest telecom brand in the world, scoring 89.4 in the Brand Strength Index. The telecom operator has benefited from being part of a larger technology group, e&. This also means that e& has retained its ranking as the most valuable portfolio of TMT brands in the Middle East and Africa, with an increase of 15% on last year to a total brand value of USD17 billion. Key contributing factors include its ongoing Manchester City Football Club partnership, 5G network leadership, innovative customer experience initiatives, and participation in global events like the Formula 1 Grand Prix in Abu Dhabi and COP28.stc breaks into top 150 brands globallystc (brand value up 12% to USD13.9 billion) has shown impressive growth and entered the top 150 within the Global 500 ranking this year. This achievement makes stc the first consumer brand in the Middle East to enter the 150 most valuable brands globally. stc has taken significant strides in its expansion strategy, integrating specialized subsidiaries in digital infrastructure, IoT, cloud computing, cybersecurity, business outsourcing, telecommunications, and fintech. stc’s acquisition of an interest in Telefonica, one the largest telecommunications companies in the world marks a key milestone in stc’s growth journey in 2024.Banking brands QNB and Al-Rajhi Bank see solid brand value and strength growthQNB, (brand value up 10% to USD8.4 billion) has increased its brand value and strength in this year’s ranking, maintaining its AAA rating. As the region’s largest financial institution, the brand’s growth success stems from a combination of robust financial performance, and a strong reputation amongst consumers both internationally and abroad. Al-Rajhi Bank, the region’s second strongest brand, has grown its brand value by 13% to USD6.4 billion. It also has a brand strength index of 85.07, along with a AAA rating. Brand Finance research found that customers were considering Al-Rajih more frequently and were more willing to pay higher prices for premium services from the bank.Apple achieves remarkable 74% growth in brand value, reclaiming its title as the world’s most valuable brand by huge marginApple has achieved exceptional brand value growth this year, increasing by USD219billion (74%) to USD517 billion, reclaiming its title as the world’s most valuable brand by a huge margin. Apple has achieved a remarkable brand value increase, even as iPhone volume share has largely plateaued, as its strategy of finding new markets, expanding its ecosystem, and encouraging upgrades to higher-value iPhones has been highly effective. Apple has maintained its position as the dominant player in the premium smartphone market, with 71% value share.Artificial Intelligence sector booms as NVIDIA becomes world’s fastest growing brandBrand Finance research found significant gain amongst brands that have heavily invested in AI, seeing NVIDIA (brand value up 163% to USD44.5 billion) become the world’s fastest-growing brand. A key supplier of chips in the AI space, NVIDIA is perceived as highly innovative while familiarity, consideration, and recommendation levels all increased year-on-year, according to Brand Finance research.Tesla drops out of top 10, falling to 18th placeTesla (brand value down 12% to USD58.3 billion) has dropped out of the top 10, falling to 18th place in the ranking. Tesla has been harmed by its large exposure to the Chinese EV market, and BYD (brand value up 20% to USD12.1 billion) has now overtaken Tesla to become the world’s largest EV maker. While Tesla’s brand strength remains high overall, rated AAA-, Brand Finance research shows a significant fall in reputation. Tesla’s close association with Elon Musk, a controversial leadership figure, creates added reputational risk for the brand. 
https://adgully.me/post/5076/etisalat-by-e-and-cisco-sign-mou

Etisalat by e& and Cisco sign MoU

etisalat by e& and Cisco, two of the leading giants in the telecommunications and technology sectors, announced the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to collaborate on advanced connectivity solutions and services for businesses in the UAE.The MoU outlines the principles by which the companies intend to collaborate on go-to-market activities, serving enterprises and SMB business customers by enhancing engagement, co-developing innovative products, and strengthening managed services capabilities.Masood M. Sharif Mahmood, CEO, etisalat by e& UAE said, "This MoU marks an important step in our vision to create a more connected and sustainable UAE. The agreement is driven by a mutual desire to develop new value propositions and enhance existing solutions. Through our collaboration with Cisco, we endeavor to deliver pioneering connectivity and managed services solutions that enable our clients' digital transformation journeys, and contribute to the success of their business objectives." Reem Asaad, Vice President Middle East and Africa at Cisco said, "Our collaboration with etisalat by e& underscores Cisco's dedication to delivering innovative solutions to businesses in the UAE. Together with etisalat by e&, we aim to enable digital transformation while helping our customers achieve their sustainability objectives. By combining our expertise, we will provide the advanced foundation for businesses to accelerate their journey towards a digitally advanced operations in UAE."This strategic alliance leverages the strengths of both organizations, combining etisalat by e&’s extensive reach and robust infrastructure with Cisco's innovative technology solutions. The collaboration is set to deliver more efficient and effective advanced connectivity solutions, which shall ultimately enhance customer experience while enabling their growth and transformation.In addition, the collaboration will see the companies working together to develop a broad range of consultancy services for various commercial segments, such as business continuity, disaster recovery, tech-refresh framework, and sustainable tech-enabled solutions. Mahmood added: "We firmly believe that advanced connectivity is vital for enduring business success. With such partnerships, we're poised to help our customers reach their business objectives as well as remain committed to sustainability and digital transformation. This will pave the way for operational efficiency, and growth of various companies, along with a positive impact on the UAE economy and society."
https://adgully.me/post/4962/accenture-cooperates-with-es-responsible-sourcing-initiative-in-mena

Accenture cooperates with e&'s Responsible Sourcing Initiative in MENA

Accenture (NYSE: ACN) has been selected as the strategic partner for e&'s responsible sourcing initiative that aims to embed sustainability into the procurement function and align with its net zero targets and sustainability commitments.Accenture will play a crucial role in advancing e&'s responsible sourcing strategy by developing a three-year roadmap and a robust supplier engagement framework designed to embed sustainability principles across e&'s entire supply chain. This accelerates e&’s journey to achieve a reduction of emissions for all scopes and aligns with the UAE’s sustainability goals. Accenture will also work with e& to define the value proposition for investing in responsible sourcing and shape e&’s future technology architecture with sustainability embedded at the core, not bolted on.Saeed Al Zarooni, Group Chief Procurement Officer at e&, said, “This collaboration with Accenture represents a significant milestone in our dedication to responsible sourcing and sustainability. This strategic relationship will play a crucial role in reshaping our procurement function and driving positive change throughout our supply chain.”“By fostering innovation, resilience, and sustainability, we intend to set new industry standards and inspire others to join us on this transformational journey towards a greener, more sustainable future for the telecom and technology industries in the Middle East,” added Al Zarooni.The initiative is set to benefit a wide spectrum of stakeholders, including ecosystem partners. Its objectives encompass upskilling talent to meet evolving industry demands on sustainability, stimulating innovation, strengthening supplier collaboration with a focus on growth, advocating circular economy principles, amplifying sustainable value creation that supports local economies and demonstrating dedication to preserving natural and biological diversity.Angelo Lorusso, managing director and Accenture's client account lead for e&, said: "Accenture is committed to embedding sustainability into everything we do and everyone we work with, and responsible procurement is an essential element in every company's sustainability approach. The long-term value that e& aims for across its stakeholders will serve as a model to others seeking to generate value and impact. The digital foundation we will create together will streamline processes, improve business decisions and embed sustainability across e&’s value chain and all emission boundaries.”
https://adgully.me/post/4736/mbzuai-and-e-join-hands-to-bolster-ai-talent-innovation-and-start-ups

MBZUAI and e& join hands to bolster AI talent, innovation and start-ups

Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates: On the sidelines of COP28 UAE, Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence (MBZUAI), the world’s first graduate research AI university, and e&, the global technology group, have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). The MoU aims to cement the UAE’s position as a hub of AI innovation through exploring collaboration in areas including AI human capacity building, developing industry-specific projects with tangible applications, including sustainability solutions, and venture capital funding for AI startups.Signed by MBZUAI’s Vice President of Public Affairs and Alumni Relations, Sultan Al Hajji, and Harrison Lung, Group Chief Strategy Officer of e&, the MoU will support e&’s advancement in AI talent sourcing and training via MBZUAI’s Executive Program (MEP), upskilling its in-house AI capacity. The two organizations will collaborate on research projects and co-develop use cases and joint go-to-market solutions to accelerate AI adoption for real-world applications.Sultan Al Hajji said: “Our partnership with e& combines a wealth of unique skill sets and strengths to develop cutting-edge AI solutions with the potential to overcome societal challenges and strengthen the UAE’s position as a hub for AI innovation. Together, we will enable e& to enhance its AI skills and capabilities while affording valuable research, employment, and internship opportunities to MBZUAI’s graduates and students, in addition to supporting a new generation of AI startups to build a more robust AI ecosystem in the UAE and wider region.”In addition, MBZUAI will work with e& to foster a startup ecosystem in the UAE by unlocking venture capital investment for AI innovation with a focus on sustainable solutions while providing access to the university’s startups.Harrison Lung commented: “We are thrilled to join forces with MBZUAI, demonstrating our firm commitment beyond just developing AI and sustainable solutions, but also through empowering individuals, promoting knowledge exchange, and raising awareness. This collaboration will elevate institutions at the forefront of this technology both in the UAE and worldwide.”MBZUAI’s stand at COP28 UAE is in the Green Zone at Expo City Dubai, until Dec. 12 – under The Greening Education Hub, organized by the UAE’s Ministry of Education, highlighting its research on how AI can address climate change, health, and education.
https://adgully.me/post/4658/e-becomes-uaes-first-tech-company-to-pilot-a-four-day-workweek

E& becomes UAE’s first tech company to pilot a four-day workweek

e& has piloted a four-day workweek for employees across three departments in the UAE, becoming the first technology company to embrace a global call for workplace flexibility.Recognising that employee engagement and well-being are directly linked to productivity and innovation, e& launched this pilot to continue to be at the forefront of future workplace policies and models.By fostering an environment where employees feel valued, have opportunities for growth, and are empowered to balance their work and personal lives, e& aims to lead the way on workplace innovations not only in the technology sector, but also in the wider business landscape of the region.Dena Almansoori, Group Chief Human Resources Officer at e&, said: “We are thrilled to pilot this initiative. Just as we continuously innovate in our products and services, we also recognise the need to modernise workplace strategies. What may have worked in the past may not be suitable for the future.“Therefore, it is crucial to challenge norms, learn through experimentation, and adapt our work policies to create a more efficient, productive, and fulfilling environment for our teams and businesses to thrive.”e& employees who opt-in to the pilot will be entitled to a three-day weekend from Friday to Sunday. The company already operates a hybrid workplace with employees working remotely a couple of days a week. One of those days being Fridays, or as the e& team calls it “Green Fridays” to focus on sustainability by reducing energy consumption in offices and carbon emissions through transportation. Based on research published by the World Economic Forum (WEF), the new workweek model has proven to improve employee well-being, increase productivity and significantly contribute to the environment by reducing commuting time and the associated carbon emissions.Almansoori added: “We believe that by putting the well-being of our employees first, we are laying the foundations for a more sustainable future. Also, by reducing travel times and minimising resource consumption, we are reflecting the UAE's ambition to well-being and sustainability, while supporting e&’s commitment to achieving net zero emissions in scope 1 and 2 by 2030.”The introduction of the pilot is in line with the UAE Federal Government's recent announcement encouraging a four-day workweek for government employees. It reflects the successful results seen in Sharjah, which reported a 90 per cent increase in job performance, happiness and mental health following the introduction of the four-day workweek in Sharjah in 2022.It is employee-centric initiatives such as this that have helped e& win accolades including the ‘Best Employer Brand’ in MENA region and ‘Employer of the Year’ in Private/Public Sector’ by Global Brand Awards and GCC Gov HR, respectively. These awards are a true testament to e&’s efforts in creating a work environment where everyone can thrive.
https://adgully.me/post/4307/e-launches-i-speak-code-bootcamp-to-prepare-the-next-generation-for-future

E& launches "I Speak Code&" Bootcamp to prepare the next generation for future

e& announced the launch of "I Speak Code&" Bootcamp, a distinctive eight-week coding programme, underscoring its dedication to elevating computer science education in the UAE.The bootcamp is the nation’s inaugural programme in collaboration with Code.org, an organisation focused on expanding computer science education in schools and facilitated with the support of Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM) Academy, which provided state-of-the-art facilities for the initiative.The “I Speak Code&” Bootcamp teaches children aged 5 to 12 the basics of coding using the Code.org curriculum. Held on Saturdays for four hours, each lesson builds on the previous, culminating in a student-led project showcase at the graduation ceremony on 18th November. Notably, older students, aged 11 and 12, will advance to the cutting-edge Artificial Intelligence curriculum.The bootcamp is being conducted by selected computer science teachers from across the Emirates, who underwent intensive training from Code.org to enhance their skills and ensure they deliver the curriculum effectively to young learners.Dena AlMansoori, e& Group Chief HR Officer said: “As the digital landscape continues to evolve, it's crucial we prepare and empower our youth to define, navigate, and shape it. Coding isn't just a skill; it's the language of tomorrow. Together with Code.org, we aim for every child in the UAE and region to be fluent in it. “Learning how to code taps into multiple key skills such as problem solving, teamwork, critical thinking, creativity, resilience, and self-confidence. It is imperative to nurture these skills in our future leaders irrespective of the career path they choose.”In line with the Ministry of Education’s vision, the bootcamp exemplifies the nation’s ambition to lead in the digital realm. e& is deeply committed to advancing STEM education in the UAE, emphasising that coding is vital for all children.Following the notable success of this year’s pilot, "I Speak Code" Bootcamp being held for the children of e& employees, plans are underway for its broader roll-out next year. The programme is targeting to expand locations, increase student participants, and train more teachers in the coming years.As the anchor partner for Code.org in the region, e& will be actively involved with similar initiatives, beginning with the Hour of Code campaign. The ambitious initiative, supported by the Office of AI and the Ministry of Education, aims to encourage all children in the UAE to take their first step into the world of coding.
https://adgully.me/post/3974/e-money-and-ericsson-partner-to-fortify-the-fintech-service-in-the-uae

E& money and Ericsson partner to fortify the fintech service in the UAE

e& money has partnered with Ericsson (NASDAQ: ERIC) for a strategic multi-year partnership to strengthen and expand their fintech platform. Through Ericsson’s leading fintech solution, the Ericsson Wallet Platform, will bolster e& money’s infrastructure, making it more secure and reliable to manage transaction processes effectively.Founded on cutting-edge security technologies and the principles of an open architecture framework the Ericsson Wallet Platform will provide secure and personalized financial services to a wide range of users through a variety of digital channels. The modernization and expansion of the platform marks a pivotal moment in e& money's evolution as it aims to become a financial super app in the region's flourishing fintech sector.e& money empowers citizens and residents in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) with secure, convenient, and swift payment solutions delivered through an intuitive mobile application. e& money extends its services to encompass businesses and individuals from all segments of society facilitating seamless digital transactions and payments. The wallet offers a wide array of services, ranging from international and local transfers, prepaid cards, payment processing and gifting.Melike Kara Tanrikulu, Chief Executive Officer, e& money says: "Our collaboration with Ericsson is aimed at ushering in a new era of fintech reliability. This joint endeavour underscores e& money's commitment to enhancing digital experiences and equipping individuals and businesses in the United Arab Emirates with reliable financial solutions. With Ericsson's support, we aim to set new standards in fintech, transforming the financial landscape in the region."The Ericsson Wallet Platform supports over 400 million registered mobile wallets and processes more than 2.8 billion transactions worth over USD 40 billion every month through communication service providers and financial institutions globally. With open architecture and easy integration, the Ericsson Wallet Platform will enable e& money to discover new revenue streams and expand services as it advances digitization of financial transactions and fosters economic growth in the UAE.   Ekow Nelson, Vice President and Head of Global Customer Unit for e& at Ericsson Middle East and Africa says: "Our partnership with e& money is long-standing with a joint commitment to revolutionize fintech across the United Arab Emirates. We aim to empower individuals and businesses with secure, efficient, and inclusive financial services. Our Mobile Financial Services platform combine the power of mobile communication and financial services and will provide e& money with the tools needed to elevate its capabilities. This will allow e& money to offer easy-to-use and secure next-generation mobile money, digital wallet, and digital payment services. We are committed to supporting e& money in transforming the fintech landscape in the country, driving economic growth, and delivering convenient mobile financial services that are aligned to a digital lifestyle of today’s consumers.”With pioneering technologies and a shared commitment to financial inclusion and well-being, Ericsson and e& money remain committed to delivering secure and innovative solutions that empower and transform the region’s financial landscape.
https://adgully.me/post/3948/ericsson-etisalat-by-e-sign-mou-to-collaborate-on-cloud-ran-testing

Ericsson & etisalat by e& sign MoU to collaborate on Cloud RAN testing

Ericsson and etisalat by e& have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to explore the ways in which Ericsson Cloud RAN solution can support the development of the 5G mobile broadband network of the Communication Service Provider (CSP). The signing ceremony took place during GITEX GLOBAL 2023 in Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE).Ericsson and etisalat by e& will test Ericsson Cloud RAN solution in the network and identify areas where its introduction would best complement the existing purpose-built radio access network (RAN) infrastructure. They will also examine the potential of the solution to address a variety of 5G deployments and use cases with increased flexibility, faster service delivery and greater scalability.As an initial step, the two partners will conduct a proof of concept (PoC) for the new technology in a lab environment in the UAE.Ericsson Cloud RAN is based on cloud-native principles and open architecture with standardized interfaces that are compatible with the deployed Ericsson Radio System products and solutions, enabling etisalat by e& to evolve its network to its architecture of choice.Marwan Bin Shakar, Senior Vice President Access Network Development, at etisalat by e&, says: “Our innovation-driven alliance with Ericsson aligns with our continued commitment towards leveraging the latest technologies in the telecommunications industry to meet the rapidly evolving needs and high-performance expectations of our customers and enterprises. We look forward to strengthening the capabilities of our 5G network with Ericsson Cloud RAN.”Ekow Nelson, Vice President and Head of Global Customer Unit for e& at Ericsson Middle East and Africa, says: “Today’s collaboration is another step in etisalat by e&’s 5G journey. Ericsson Cloud RAN will enable etisalat by e& to seamlessly evolve towards cloud-native technologies and open network architectures, with the vision that it can deploy cloud-native networks on any site, any cloud, and any server platform.”Ericsson Cloud RAN delivers network capabilities that enable service providers to pursue new business opportunities and diversify 5G use cases.
https://adgully.me/post/3611/etlisalat-by-e-brings-smiles-in-hard-times

Etlisalat by E& brings ‘Smiles’ in hard times

Etisalat UAE, the telecommunications division of E&, formerly known as Etisalat Group, has launched a new advertisement campaign to promote its new home service offerings through the Smiles rewards and deals app.Initially, Smiles was primarily a rewards platform, but it expanded its services to include food and grocery delivery. With this campaign, it is signaling its entry into the home service sector. This strategic move aims to bolster the position of the rewards app and diversify its business. Smiles' home services complement its existing range of offerings, which includes online food and grocery delivery, lifestyle offers, deals, and a reward points system that can be used at various stores in the United Arab Emirates. <div class="video-container"><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/wUgB-KPEsdo?si=czQFLWKfUvkqTyi1" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>The new campaign features a series of videos that put a fun twist on the concept of home services. These advertisements depict various frustrating scenarios, such as a broken tap flooding the kitchen or food spilled on the carpet. In typical situations, anyone would understandably feel angry and frustrated. However, in these ads, people are dancing with joy, thanks to the arrival of Smiles. The videos demonstrate that instead of getting stressed or upset when things go wrong, you can turn to Smiles' home services to bring happiness to the situation.Notably, Etisalat by e& had previously acquired the UAE-based household marketplace, Service Market, which is renowned for offering services like home cleaning, handymen and moving services. The home services was added to Smiles with the aime of strengthening the rewards app’s position and diversifying its business.
https://adgully.me/post/1579/etisalat-by-e-launches-the-mena-regions-first-enhanced-5g-standalone-network

Etisalat by e& launches the MENA region's first enhanced 5G Standalone network

etisalat by e& today announced the first commercial deployment of comprehensive 5G Stand-Alone (SA) network in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) for consumers and businesses. This marks a significant improvement over the previous generation of 5G Non Stand Alone (NSA) currently available in the market. etisalat by e& first launched the previous generation of 5G NSA commercially in 2018, which was the first of its kind in the region. With this deployment, etisalat by e& has transitioned from using a 5G radio access network on an existing 4G LTE network to a more advanced 5G network.The latest version of the 5G network will provide customers with access to a dependable nationwide standalone network that can support a wide range of applications. These applications include massive machine-to-machine communication solutions, real-time device-to-device networking, ultra-reliable, low-latency functionality for autonomous devices and next-generation Internet of Things (IoT) devices. Standalone 5G technology offers additional capacity and significantly lower latency, making it essential for innovative use cases such as Industry 4.0, industrial IoT, commercial augmented and virtual reality, and large-scale digital sensing.The etisalat by E& 5G Stand Alone (SA) service is designed to offer a more satisfying and productive user experience. Users can enjoy high-speed broadband connectivity comparable to fibre-optic connections, which provides an enhanced experience for high-demand applications such as 4K video streaming, high-quality music streaming, and cloud gaming. In addition to providing individuals with a more efficient broadband experience, the service can also serve as an alternative broadband option for businesses. By leveraging the advantages of 5G SA Fixed Wireless Access (FWA), companies can improve their operations and customer experience.Khalid Murshed, Chief Technology & Information Officer of etisalat by e&, said: "We are pleased to announce our successful investment in 5G Standalone technology. This is a significant milestone as we look to deliver end-to-end 5G solutions in UAE, providing our customers with the latest digital innovations and superior experience and laying the foundation for new revenue streams. The 5G Standalone network will allow us to offer our customers the latest in high-speed and low-latency connectivity. Our recent collaborations have enabled us to increase the quality of our services, while creating a more reliable and cost-effective experience for our customers. We are proud to be leading the way in 5G technology and are committed to continuing our efforts to provide the best services in the industry."This commercial deployment of a comprehensive 5G Stand-Alone network is based on Service Based Architecture (SBA), including the capability of edge computing, network slicing, 3GPP SA (defining standard for 5G) guided network orchestration and service-based architecture. Launching the 5G Stand-Alone Fixed Wireless Access (5G SA FWA) as the first service will open a new era of commercial use cases with a multi-vendor 5G Dual Mode network to enhance the broadband offering to customers.The technology of 5G SA will enable subscribers to enjoy higher uplink bandwidth with special case scenarios for enterprise applications where uplink throughput is equally important as downlink. In other cases, requiring lower user-traffic latency, it will address critical gaming issues and experience futuristic technologies like Virtual Reality (VR) and cloud gaming. The technology also has high-security levels that utilise best industry practices to maintain a robust network.The solution is further enriched with network exposure, slicing, edge computing and orchestration. Network slicing is a way of virtualising the 5G network, allowing it to be partitioned into multiple, logically isolated networks for different customers based on their needs. It allows for greater efficiency and flexibility in the deployment of 5G networks. Edge computing is a way of bringing computing resources closer to the users, reducing latency and improving the performance of applications. The 5G SA will co-exist efficiently with existing networks using dual-mode 5G core technology.