How 5G will drive Jordan's Vision 2025 and sustainable development

The deployment of 5G networks is creating never-before-seen opportunities for people and businesses by supporting cutting-edge solutions such as e-health and connected vehicles. Their exceptional features, including faster connectivity speeds, ultra-low latency, and greater bandwidth, are accelerating progress, transforming industries, and dramatically improving day-to-day experiences.

5G fundamentally plays a key role in driving sustainable development by building more energy-efficient networks and enabling decarbonization in industry. Large-scale deployment of the technology is expected to make a significant contribution to achieving the target to slash greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in the ICT industry by 45% between 2020 and 2030, set by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU).

5G is by design more efficient than 4G; 5G system can carry 10 times the volume of data traffic than a 4G system with no net increase in energy consumption. This is enabling us to "Break the Energy Curve" through technology advancement, supporting a sustainable world, and ultimately resulting in lower operating expenses for operators. As an example, when the system is idle, there is 100 times less signaling, which results in efficient power savings. Advancements in our hardware and silicon design, along with advanced software features that allow the system to "sleep", are the key drivers behind these advancements.

According to Ericsson’s research paper on ICT’s potential to reduce greenhouse gas, the ICT sector has the potential to reduce total industrial emissions worldwide by up to 15%, even though it is responsible for only 1.4% of the global carbon footprint. The study highlights the importance of 5G as a key building block for a Net Zero future.

However, the advantages of 5G are not limited to the ICT sector. The technology presents an open innovation platform that serves a multitude of sustainable use cases – from smart farms to smart factories – by advancing automation, increasing productivity, boosting energy efficiency, conserving resources, and strengthening climate resilience. 5G can also enable decarbonization in the biggest carbon emitting sectors globally - namely energy, manufacturing and transport sectors- by improving data sharing, optimizing systems, and increasing operational efficiency thereby accelerating of global efforts to reduce carbon emissions.

Among the countries keen to harness the power of 5G for the common good is the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan. In line with its commitment to achieving the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the nation is exploring innovative ways to drive sustainability across the board. Two of the key elements of the Jordan Country Strategy 2020-2025 are improving performance, service delivery and sustainability of infrastructure, and enhancing energy and resource efficiency and climate resilience. Meanwhile, the Kingdom’s National Digital Transformation Strategy and Implementation Plan 2021-25 targets establishing a robust national digital infrastructure.

The Kingdom is about to witness the eruption of digital technology that will advance Jordan’s Vision 2025 which is aimed at revitalizing the economy. In factories, 5G solutions can enable better utilization of time and materials. In healthcare and emergency services as well as freight and logistics, they can shorten response time and minimize emissions by streamlining journey planning and cutting down on unnecessary travel. In construction, energy, utilities, and agriculture, they can optimize water and energy consumption, reduce waste and promote the use of sustainable practices. In mining and industry, they can enhance air quality monitoring, while in public transport, airports and ports, they can address transport congestion issues.

Umniah strengthened its long-standing strategic partnership with Ericsson earlier this year by signing an agreement to introduce holistic 5G solutions in the country. This agreement also supports Jordan’s Economic Modernization Vision, where sustainability is a core pillar. The move will enable the public and private sectors in Jordan to reap the full benefits of technological advancements, including enhancing the efficiency of services provided in vital fields, such as energy, healthcare, transportation, industry, and education.

Ericsson’s industry-leading sustainable solutions, powered by artificial intelligence and machine learning (AI/ML), will reduce energy consumption, and minimize GHG emissions across Umniah’s networks while managing expected growth in data traffic. All products and services will be designed to meet the needs of current and future 5G networks.

Ericsson’s Mobility Report in November 2022 forecasts that 5G subscriptions in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region are projected to grow steadily at an average annual rate of 30 percent, from 15 to 71 million up to the end of 2028. With plans to deploy 5G across Jordan, including rural areas, the collaboration will extend connectivity to previously underserved communities, leaving no one behind.

With its commitment to continually be at the forefront of innovation and sustainable digital technology, Ericsson is poised to help Umniah Jordan cut down on energy consumption, reduce carbon footprints, and fast-track its journey to Net Zero.

Additionally, leveraging the power of 5G, Umniah Jordan can assist its customers in greening their operations, driving efficiencies, and unlocking considerable economic value by supporting the digitalization of industries at scale. In essence, the partnership between Ericsson and Umniah Jordan will actively contribute to building a smarter, safer, and more sustainable Kingdom and world.