Page 93 - SAMENA Trends - May-June 2024

ARTICLE SAMENA TRENDS

Closing the digital gap communication service providers, data One of the core benefits of a neutral hosting
centre providers, and other stakeholders
model is that it can recover network build
isn’t just a technological as everyone can pool resources and allow costs through the hosting of multiple
challenge, it is a social and for the shared use of assets to impact tenants – it frees up resources that can be
economic imperative that coverage across rural and urban areas. redirected towards core business activities
while empowering organisations to deliver
can launch the region into It is an intelligent move that benefits exceptional services. It also helps to
the future and allow it to all stakeholders while simultaneously alleviate the challenge of capital scarcity
addressing the digital divide. Organisations
– a challenge in the region – through the
fully realise its potential. It already playing a lead role in this space, more economically viable option of sharing
is essential that companies particularly with 4G and 5G technologies, infrastructure, and when accompanied
share this vision for growth can extend their solutions to address by the surging demand for data, it allows
digital inequalities and ensure broader and
for intelligent network upgrading within
and are committed to more diverse connectivity. Using neutral economic boundaries.
providing solutions that hosting, companies can enhance their 5G Closing the digital gap isn’t just a
densification, collaborate with enterprises
bridge the digital divide for industry-specific coverage, and provide technological challenge, it is a social and
in Africa, Middle East and connectivity to underserved communities. economic imperative that can launch the
region into the future and allow it to fully
beyond. However, delivering impact and creating realise its potential. It is essential that
value aren’t guaranteed with this approach. companies share this vision for growth and
It is an approach that can have immense There has to be shared commitment across are committed to providing solutions that
impact across the MEA region, especially organisations, such as SITA, to develop new bridge the digital divide in Africa, Middle
when in collaboration with leading business models that unite the ecosystem, East and beyond. Neutral hosting and
organisations and government entities. foster dialogue and create a shared vision. shared networks are a viable and intelligent
Neutral hosting isn’t a new concept as Within this open framework it is far easier step towards shared growth and
multi-tenant solutions and network sharing for stakeholders to discuss regulatory development and can play a crucial role in
have been prevalent in MEA. Today, frameworks, avoid waste and infrastructure reimagining the potential of the region.
however, the value of this approach lies in duplication, and adapt network sharing
collaboration between agencies like SITA, policies where relevant and possible.

Neutral Hosting Tech Brings Multi-Operator Coverage for Enhanced

End-User Experience in KSA

Saudi Arabia’s new Red Sea International Airport has become an early example in the region to showcase neutral hosting technology
implementation; an initiative that adds to KSA's extensive 5G network coverage, some of the world’s first commercial 5G standalone
networks, and high-speed fiber networks.

Under the neutral hosting model, ultra-high-speed 5G coverage is delivered through a robust, shared infrastructure, ensuring
seamless connectivity for subscribers of all licensed service providers in the country. This means that the services stc, Mobily, Zain,
Virgin Mobile, Lebara, Salam Mobile and Red Bull Mobile can all be received inside the airport via a shared system.

The introduction of the new indoor 5G shareable solution by ACES at Red Sea International Airport enhances the overall 5G network
performance, empowering mobile network operators to deploy indoor networks quicker, providing their subscribers with high-quality
indoor 5G experience, which includes ultra-high speeds.

93 MAY-JUNE 2024