RESHAPING the current technological paradigm

Shunli Wang, vice president of Huawei Middle East, tells Gulf Business about the upcoming headwinds that will impact regional governments, telecom operators, and the wider ICT ecosystem

Tell us about the trajectory of the digital economy this year.

The global digital economy continues to develop rapidly. We estimate over 50 per cent of global GDP will be digitalised by the end of 2022. Many countries in the Middle East have already announced substantial investment plans for the digital economy, recognising that the ICT industry will play a significant role in helping them to meet their socioeconomic development visions.

In this context, telecom operators in the Middle East will play an increasingly important role in leading the development of the future digital economy. By diversifying their computing resources, operators can create synergies between connectivity and IT to boost enterprise digitalisation for new growth.

How do we adapt to the ‘gigaverse era’, and how can Middle East carriers manage the increased demand for bandwidth?

As digital transformation is accelerating, it requires carriers to embrace an all-scenario Giga network to enable a new digital life and digital industries. The target mobile broadband ‘gigaverse’ should support gigabit experiences for everyone. That means expanding gigabit coverage everywhere and enabling the digital transformation of all industries.

Our own value proposition for the target gigaverse network, powered by 5G, is based on facilitating a 10x user experience compared to 4G, reducing the cost per bit and the power consumption per bit to one-tenth of what it is today, and supporting rapid data growth from consumers, business, and home services.

You announced some key partnerships with Middle East carriers at Mobile World Congress. How will these partnerships enhance the ICT sector in the region?

A key part of our strategy is to create platforms for close communication with carriers and industry partners to share knowledge, experiences, and best practices. With the advent of the digital economy, 5G, and new digital services, digital operations transformation is becoming an important factor for carriers’ business success. We are supporting carriers directly to build cloud-oriented networks with AI capabilities, which we believe will define the future of the sector.

What is ‘fibre to the room’, and how will it impact people in the coming years?

Homes are increasingly becoming a centre point for remote offices, online education, e-shopping, and telemedicine. However, it is often challenging to provide Wi-Fi coverage in multi-storey villas and large apartment blocks. Fibre-to-theroom (FTTR) solutions will solve this problem. Our gigabit FTTR solution for smart homes and digital enterprises, enable gigabit wi-fi 6 coverage in any room. This provides true gigabit, ultra-broadband services to residential and SME users.

Your company examined three priorities at MWC to maintain its own future competitiveness. What does this mean for your Middle East operations?

In recent weeks we have showcased a series of new technologies and solutions from across all our business units to help ensure success through digital transformation. We met with organisations from across the Middle East and abroad to discuss 5G business strategies, green technology, and connectivity + IT. We also confirmed strengthening our investments in foundational technologies that reshape the current technological paradigm. Ultimately, we are focused on creating business and social value to light up a bright future of the region’s digital economy.

WE ARE SUPPORTING CARRIERS DIRECTLY TO BUILD CLOUD-ORIENTED NETWORKS WITH AI CAPABILITIES, WHICH WE BELIEVE WILL DEFINE THE FUTURE OF THE SECTOR”