Recently, it was also reported that STC and its strategic partner Huwaei signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) where they will work together for sustainable development, green initiatives, and social development while trying to develop their nation with zero digital divides. The agreement was signed by SVP of Corporate Affairs of STC, Abdullah Al-Kanhel and KSA Head of Huawei Sun Xiaofeng at the Mobile World Congress 2021 in Barcelona. The MoU was also attended by the CEO of STC, Olayan M. Al-Wetaid and Huawei President of ME Region Charles Yang.

The partnership will also see both the companies adopting global best practices in sustainable development while trying to set new standards for the responsibility in the ICT sector. This MoU also supports Saudi Green Initiative and Middle East Green Initiative which was launched by the Kingdom’s Crown Prince Prince Mohammed bin Salman to help fight climate change.

The initiative aims to improve vegetation cover, reduce carbon emissions, fight pollution and land loss, and preservation of marine life. The initiative also plans on planting 10 billion trees in the Kingdom in the coming years, which is equivalent to saving 40 million hectares of land. The initiative also plans on reducing carbon emissions by generating 50 percent of the Kingdom’s energy from renewable sources by 2030.

Image credits- Argaam.com

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The data further revealed that the number of mobile phone subscribers in the UAE increased to 16.820 million by December end from 16.707 million in November, at a spread rate of 186.1 lines per 100 people. Also, mobile subscriptions accounting for 76.2 percent of the total subscription base.

It was reported that UAE recorded 23.64 million telecom subscribers in 2019. During the period, mobile subscribers reached 18,278,817. While prepaid-service subscribers amounted to 14,655,021, post-paid service mobile subscribers reached 3,623,796. Reportedly, up to 3,016,318 people subscribed to internet services and around 2,345,578 subscribed to fixed-lines till August 2019.

Last year, the UAE’s Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (TRA) announced the allocation of new frequency bands for 5G. The frequencies allocated by the UAE’s telecom regulatory body ranges between 24.25 – 27.5 GHz. The new frequencies will allow telcos in UAE to expand the application of 5G.

With regard to the allocation of new frequencies, Hamad Obaid Al Mansoori, TRA Director-General told the media, “This decision comes in line with the UAE Strategy for 5G and beyond (2020-2025), as the provision of the frequency spectrum for 5G contributes to building a high-standard global communication platform and enabling the UAE to use and apply the latest ICT, to provide global standards services, achieve long-term social and economic benefits in various areas such as manufacturing, transportation, healthcare, and education.”

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du said in a bourse filing to Dubai Financial Market, “Non-UAE nationals (whether individual or legal entities) are entitled to own shares in the company up to 49 percent of the company’s capital. Local and international telecommunication companies are not permitted to own shares in the company.

“With the exception of the shareholders of EITC holding more than 5 percent in the company’s capital as of the date of this resolution, no individual or legal entities is allowed to own (directly or indirectly) more than 5 percent in the company’s capital.”

Similarly, Etisalat notified the Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange, “Etisalat Group’s Board of Directors discussed increasing the ownership limit of the Non-UAE Nationals in the Company and resolved to increase such limit from 20 percent to 49 percent of its capital,” the company.”

Last year, Etisalat Group announced the appointment of a new chief executive officer (CEO). The telco appointed Hatem Dowidar as their new chief. Hatem Dowidar took over the company on December 16th and has 30 years of experience in multinational companies.

Dowidar was temporarily promoted to the role of International CEO in May when Saleh Al Abdooli left citing personal reasons. Dowidar joined Etisalat in 2015 and took over the role of Group COO. Previously, he held a number of roles across Vodafone Group and its subsidiaries in Malta and Egypt. He also served as the group chief of staff for Vodafone based in London, reporting to Vodafone Group CEO.

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Reportedly, STC violated Article 5 of the competition law as it imposed certain conditions on sale and purchase processes with dealing with another entity and for which it was fined. It is also reported that STC appealed the decision, however, the administrative appeal court upheld the committee’s resolution on fining the Saudi-listed telecom operator.

Last month, it was reported that STC agreed to sell 15 percent of its stake in its subsidiary Saudi Digital Payments Company to Western Union for $200 million.

In this regard, STC said in a bourse filing, “In the long term, the financial impact is expected to be positive. The deal has no impact on the profit or loss statement of STC,” STC. The completion of the deal is conditional upon obtaining all regulatory approvals from relevant authorities.”

Earlier this year, it was also reported that both STC and Vodafone signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for STC to acquire 55 percent in Vodafone Egypt. However, STC recently said in a statement that the MoU it had signed with Vodafone International Group had expired without the two sides reaching an agreement.

The deal would have been STC’s biggest ever and it would have valued Vodafone Egypt at around $4.4 billion. According to media reports, STC was engaged in discussion with Vodafone to subsequently reduce the $2.4 billion price agreed earlier in January for the acquisition, but no agreement was reached.

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The frequencies allocated by the UAE’s telecom regulatory body ranges between 24.25 – 27.5 GHz.

The new frequencies will allow telcos in UAE to expand the application of 5G.

With regard to the allocation of new frequencies, Hamad Obaid Al Mansoori, TRA Director-General told the media, “This decision comes in line with the UAE Strategy for 5G and beyond (2020-2025), as the provision of the frequency spectrum for 5G contributes to building a high-standard global communication platform and enabling the UAE to use and apply the latest ICT, to provide global standards services, achieve long-term social and economic benefits in various areas such as manufacturing, transportation, healthcare, and education.”

“Moreover, this initiative comes as a result of international coordination and technical studies that have lasted more than 4 years, which highlights the importance of international coordination and harmony in providing access to this important part of the spectrum,” he added.

The band will be allocated in two phases. While the first phase has already started on September 1^st, the second phase will start in the third quarter of 2021.

The number of telecom subscribers in the UAE, which includes fix lines and data services, amounted to 23.64 million in 2019, according to local media reports.

Local media also reported that the number of phone subscribers reached 18,278,817 during the period. While prepaid-service subscribers amounted to 14,655,021, post-paid service mobile subscribers reached 3,623,796.

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The initiatives, launched by STC, are in line with the precautionary measures undertaken by the kingdom to help fight the Covid-19 pandemic.

One of the initiatives is called the ‘Virtual Clinic’ service, which enables communication between patients and doctors, and the EMI service for managing, storing, and displaying medical images easily and remotely.

Another digital initiative called Tari, allows doctors and healthcare workers to activate notifications in a manner the surpasses any other traditional system.

Riyadh Saeed Muawad, senior VP of Enterprise Business Unit at STC told the media, “These initiatives are part of the company’s efforts as a digital enabler and are in line with Saudi Vision 2030 to digitize the infrastructure of the health care sector and provide suitable services to facilitate and automate the work of our health care heroes so that we may overcome all challenges brought about by this crisis.”

In the month of April,  STC doubled its operational efficiency and awareness outreach of 22 of its health care centers in Saudi Arabia.

The telco also launched a $26.7 million initiative as a part of the it’s partnership with the Ministry of Health, aimed at preventing the spread of the COVID-19 disease in the kingdom, as well as its commitment to long-lasting social initiatives.

Reportedly, the 22 health care centers developed by STC over the years provide services to more than 5 million beneficiaries and patients.

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The project by STC, which is called the ‘3G sunset program’ is expected to end in 2022. It aims for a smooth transition of all remaining 3G customers to its 4G and 5G networks in the next two years.

According to reports in the media, the 3G freed spectrum will be reutilized for the new and more advanced technologies.

Khaled Al Dharrab, infrastructure VP at STC, told the media, “STC took a bold and daring decision to phase out its legacy 3G network in order to focus investment on more modern and advanced technologies such as 4G and 5G technologies. This will ensure that STC customers continue to enjoy the best possible experience with the network, as part of a comprehensive digital transformation journey.

“STC is a technology pioneer in the region and at a global level, and therefore, this move will cement its leadership status in the Kingdom and it will remain a dynamic role model for the operators in the region. The 4G and 5G technologies will provide an incentive for economic growth — at both the individual and enterprise level, supporting the Kingdom’s Vision 2030.”

Earlier this month, STC signed a five-year master frame agreement with Nokia. According to the deal, STC will acquire Nokia’s latest equipment, software, and services in order to enhance 5G deployment in the kingdom.

STC has already rolled out 5G in many parts of Saudi Arabia last year.

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The live millimeter wave 5G site by du is expected to provide ultra-high mobile broadband speeds of up to 2.1Gbps using a 26GHz frequency and at the same time improve coverage, and accelerate the pace of widespread 5G usage in the country.

du, which is owned by Emirates Integrated Telecommunications Company (EITC), is committed to support the UAE’s governments’ plan to digitalise the economy.

Saleem AlBlooshi, Chief Technology Officer at EITC told the media, “du continues to deliver pioneering solutions that enhance best-in-class infrastructure and contribute to the government’s digital transformation agenda. By actively driving the latest innovative technologies and solutions, transformation achieved as a result will boost performance and increases industry standards.”

“The mm Wave frequencies will greatly improve network capacity and allow du to deliver enhanced services to an unprecedented number of mobile users. Furthermore, they will provide cost-effective 5G coverage in high-traffic areas. 5G device sales that support the mm Wave are continually rising and we anticipate higher market availability and wider adoption in the near future.”

Earlier this month, du also announced that it has entered into a partnership with Batelco, Bahrain’s leading mobile operator. Now Batelco customers will be able to use 5G services in the UAE through du’s network.

In 2019, du introduced the fifth-generation cellular network technology in the UAE by hosting live 5G consumer experiences across its retail outlets. UAE was the first country in the Middle East and fourth globally to roll-out 5G network.

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The deal to buy Help AG will help Etisalat become more resilient and protect its cloud, IoT, AI and big data line of business against sophisticated cyber threats.

The deal between Etisalat and Help AG will also see the creation of the region’s most prominent cyber security unit.

With regard to the acquisition, Salvador Anglada, Group Chief Business Officer at Etisalat told the media, “Help AG has established itself as the region’s trusted security advisor. With cybersecurity playing a fundamental role in all aspects of digital business today, this acquisition fits perfectly into our strategy of being a key enabler of secure, seamless and effective digital transformation for our customers.”

We have full trust and confidence that Help AG’s leadership will effectively add value to our security portfolio and amplify the cyber security capabilities of our clients.”

Last year, Etisalat signed an agreement to acquire Help AG’s business in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the UAE. During the same period, Etisalat entered into a partnership with First Abu Dhabi Bank and Avanza Innovations to jointly develop a digital platform to digitalise trade in the UAE.

Initially, the platform will focus on addressing the risks of double financing and invoice fraud and later shift its focus to key areas of trade finance.

During the first half of 2019, Etisalat’s subscriber base in the region reached 12.4 million. Its overall subscriber base reached 143 million, which is a 2 percent increase year-on-year.

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Local media also reported that the number of phone subscribers reached 18,278,817 during the period. While prepaid-service subscribers amounted to 14,655,021, post-paid service mobile subscribers reached 3,623,796.

Reportedly, up to 3,016,318 people subscribed to internet services and around 2,345,578 subscribed to fixed-lines till August 2019.

Recently, Bahrain-based telecom operator Batelco entered into a partnership with du, from Emirates Integrated Telecommunications Company (EITC), to launch 5G international roaming services in the UAE.

Now Batelco’s telecom customers will be able to access 5G by using du’s network in the UAE.

With regard to the partnership with UAE’s du, Batelco chief executive Mikkel Vinter told the media, “The partnership is testament to Batelco’s continuous efforts to provide its customers with solutions that enrich their experience. This agreement becomes one of our 1,560 roaming agreements with international telecommunication companies and we are proud to be the first operator in the Kingdom to provide this service using a 5G network outside of Bahrain.

“Furthermore, we strive to be the leaders in bringing the latest telecom and digital solutions to the Kingdom. Accordingly, we were the first to launch 5G commercially in Bahrain, and today, we are proud to be the first to launch 5G international roaming too.”

Last year, Swedish multinational networking and telecommunications company Ericsson predicted that 5G subscribers in the Middle East and African region will reach 60 million in the next five years.

According to Ericsson, a majority of these telecom subscribers will be from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the UAE.

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