Page 96 - SAMENA Trends - January-February 2025

TECHNOLOGY UPDATES SAMENA TRENDS

e& Egypt Unveils First Locally Manufactured 5G Router in Partnership with

SICO

(5G) mobile services. “This effort reflects
our commitment to supporting the local
manufacturing sector and aligns with our
vision to enhance Egypt’s technological
infrastructure, contributing to sustainable
economic development,” e& Egypt
stated. The partnership with SICO also
positions Egypt as a regional hub for
technology and digital manufacturing,
opening new opportunities for the local
telecommunications and IT sectors and
reinforcing the country’s role as a global
player in technology. Ahmed Yehia, CEO of
e& Egypt’s Financial Technology and Digital
Applications, praised the achievement,
emphasizing that investing in local industry
is crucial for technological excellence and
economic growth. “This step supports
the Egyptian government’s strategy to
e& Egypt announced on Sunday that it has company. This development marks a major localize electronics manufacturing,” he
officially started manufacturing Egypt’s leap forward in Egypt’s technology and said. Mohamed Salem, Chairman of SICO,
first entirely local router at the Egyptian telecommunications sector. The router expressed pride in the company’s role,
Silicon Industries Company (SICO) factory was created in collaboration with ToZed, a highlighting that it was the first to produce
in Assiut Governorate. This significant Chinese networking device specialist, who a fully locally manufactured smartphone
milestone is part of e& Egypt’s broader is transferring its advanced expertise to the in Egypt and now leads the way in
strategy to enhance local manufacturing SICO factory to ensure the products meet manufacturing Egypt’s first 5G technology
and offer innovative technology solutions international quality standards. In October, router. He added that this move not only
that meet customer needs while also the National Telecom Regulatory Authority reduces reliance on imports but also saves
targeting international export markets. (NTRA) signed an agreement with Egypt’s foreign currency and strengthens the
The new router, which is designed with top telecom companies – Orange Egypt, competitiveness of Egyptian products in
5G technology, is the first of its kind Vodafone Egypt, and e& Egypt – granting global markets.
to be locally produced by an Egyptian them licenses to provide fifth-generation

Ofcom Proposes Shared Access to 6 GHz Band for Mobile and wifi Use

Ofcom is looking to expand commercial if there is sufficient interest from industry. standard power wifi (up to 4W) in the Lower
access for both mobile and wifi services to Ofcom launched a consultation on the 6 GHz band, which would require an
the 6 GHz band after unveiling plans to proposal this week, following calls from Automated Frequency Coordination (AFC)
make upper 6 GHz spectrum available. The stakeholders in both the mobile and system to manage interference with
regulator has proposed launching a phased broadband sectors for access to Upper 6 existing users. However, this would depend
approach that would initially focus on low- GHz. The regulator said upon launching the on industry demand and would require an
power indoor wifi before expanding to consultation that it was leaning towards a Automated Frequency Coordination (AFC)
mobile network access under a shared-use prioritised spectrum split, where at least system to prevent interference with existing
framework. Ofcom is also exploring 300 MHz of the Upper 6 GHz band would be services, such as fixed satellite and
whether to authorise standard power wifi in dedicated to mobile use in high-density telecoms backhaul links. The consultation
the Lower 6 GHz band (5925–6425 MHz), areas, while Wifi would retain access will remain open for responses until 8 May
including for outdoor use in locations such across the band in locations without mobile 2025, with a final decision expected later in
as stadiums and public hotspots — but only deployments. Ofcom is also considering the year.

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