Page 44 - SAMENA Trends - November-December 2022

REGIONAL & MEMBERS UPDATES SAMENA TRENDS

Nokia, A1 Telekom Austria Hit 2Gb/s in SA 5G Trial

Nokia and A1 Telekom Austria touted increase the available bandwidth for August it partnered with Nokia on a trial
peak downlink data rates of 2Gb/s on mobile users by combining its spectrum that combined four spectrum channels on
the operator’s standalone 5G (SA 5G) assets. Nokia noted carrier aggregation mobile operator EE’s live network. T-Mobile
network by implementing three-channel could also be used to combine low-band US announced earlier in December it had
aggregation (3CA) to reach higher spectrum with mid-band spectrum for deployed a combination of three channels
throughputs and more coverage. The 3CA increased coverage range of the high of mid-band 5G spectrum that reached
trial blended two mid-band carriers in the downlink data rates. Alexander Stock, peak data rates of more than 3Gb/s. GSMA
3.5GHz TDD band and one capacity carrier CTO of A1 Austria, stated maximizing reported in October that 27 operators have
in the 2100MHz FDD band for a total the operator’s spectrum assets was launched commercial 5G services on SA
bandwidth of 160MHz. It used Nokia’s an important milestone for enhancing networks as of the first half of 2022, with an
AirScale 5G baseband, a 5G smartphone coverage, capacity and performance. There additional 15 expected to have launched or
and a commercial 5G CPE on A1 Austria’s has been a string of carrier aggregation transitioned to SA networks by year-end.
5G network. With 3CA, A1 was able to trials in 2022 including BT announcing in

Pacts Worth RO171 Million Signed to Boost

Broadband Network in Oman

Oman Broadband has signed a series
of long-term financing agreements with
several banks in the sultanate worth
RO171mn to be invested for expansion
of its broadband network over a period
of 15 years. These agreements promise
more bank finances for extending the
coverage of broadband network across
all governorates in Oman. They are in line
with the company’s aim to refinance the
loan of the Asian Infrastructure Investment
Bank (AIIB), besides availing additional
financing to support the expansion of
fiber optic network across Oman. The
move will help bridge the digital urban/
rural divide, which is in line with Oman’s
National Broadband Strategy, said ONA.
The long-term investment plan is a mix
of traditional and Islamic financing by a resilient growth in strengthening plans for operational plans. “We extend our thanks
number of local banks, including Bank digital transformation, and acceleration to all members of the Oman Broadband
Muscat, Ahli Bank, Sohar International of its implementation throughout all family for their effective and outstanding
Bank, Bank Dhofar, National Bank of governorates in Oman.” Mandhari performance in the first phase,” Mandhari
Oman, Sohar Islamic Bank, Ahli Islamic emphasized that the agreements reflect said, expressing confidence that the
Bank, and Maisarah Islamic Bank. “The how confident the financial institutions upcoming phase would highlight more
signing of these agreements between the are in terms of the company’s operational achievements. “We also extend our
company and several local banks reflects and financial performance, especially after thanks to the operational departments at
the mutual trust, collaborative efforts, the company managed to complete the each bank – for their continued efforts,
and long-term strategic partnership first phase of the development plan very flexibility, and professionalism in providing
between both parties,” said Said Abdullah effectively and in record time. Moreover, he competitive interest rates to complete
al Mandhari, Head of the Board of pointed out that the agreements reflect the these agreements for the benefit of the
Directors at Oman Broadband. “Through value that the company has achieved and public,” he added.
these agreements, we reaffirm our trust delivered locally, by involving SMEs and
in Oman’s economy, and we foresee Omani competences in implementing its

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