The collaborative launch of 5G in Jordan by Umniah and Ericsson was instrumental in establishing the first phase of 5G networks across key regions, marking a significant leap from the existing 4G infrastructure. This deployment, extending coverage to not just urban centers but also rural and underserved areas, is focused on bridging the digital divide—a move that will have far-reaching economic benefits. 5G technology is set to be a significant driver of Jordan’s long-term economic growth, transforming the nation’s digital landscape.
Driving Economic Development
The transformative potential of 5G extends across various sectors of Jordan's economy, offering support for a diverse range of applications and services, spanning from enhanced mobile broadband to massive IoT deployments. The high speed and low latency of 5G play a pivotal role in driving this transformation. Notably, the adoption of 5G is anticipated to yield a substantial contribution to the GDP, projected to be three to seven times higher than the incremental cost of expanding coverage. This underscores the economic benefits associated with the advanced capabilities of 5G technology.
According to the Ericsson Mobility Report for November 2023, 5G subscriptions in the Middle East and North Africa region are projected to register the strongest growth in the period, at 41 percent compounded annually, to account for around 40 percent of total subscriptions by 2029.
This indicates a growing demand for high-speed internet connectivity. This surge in mobile broadband subscriptions underscores the vast potential of 5G in enhancing connectivity and boosting economic growth in Jordan.
In the education sector, for example, 5G is enabling schools in rural areas across the Kingdom to have access to enhanced connectivity, facilitating e-learning and access to digital resources. These developments not only underscore the vast potential of 5G as a gateway for growth in various sectors, including healthcare, education, and smart city development but are a testament to the commitment of Umniah and Ericsson to ensuring that the benefits of advanced technology reach every corner of Jordan, fostering inclusive growth and development.
Climate and Sustainability
The energy efficiency of 5G networks aligns with the Kingdom’s national goals for sustainable development. The adoption of 5G technology is instrumental in driving digital transformation across various sectors such as agriculture, freight and logistics, smart factories, and construction. In this context, the Ericsson Radio System portfolio plays a pivotal role in establishing an energy-efficient and resilient infrastructure. Noteworthy features within this portfolio include Energy Metering, Micro-Sleep Tx, Cell Sleep Mode, Low Energy Scheduler Solution, and MIMO sleep mode. These advanced software features are designed to optimize energy consumption and enhance performance across diverse traffic scenarios. The Ericsson Radio System's commitment to energy efficiency underscores its impact on sustainable and high-performance communication networks.
The Role of Spectrum and Technology
The deployment of 5G in Jordan, underpinned by strategic spectrum management and the adoption of advanced technologies, has been a game-changer. The utilization of both mid-band and low-band spectrum has been crucial in ensuring extensive coverage and high-speed data transmission, catering to ever-increasing data traffic and subscriber growth.
Ericsson's innovative solutions, such as 5G Carrier Aggregation and Spectrum Sharing, have been instrumental in overcoming the challenges of spectrum availability and ensuring a seamless transition from LTE to 5G. These technologies have not only increased network coverage but also helped in reducing total energy consumption, making the 5G network more sustainable. For instance, fixed wireless access, a feature of 5G networks, has emerged as an early use case for 5G monetization, allowing Umniah to offer home broadband and TV services in locations where fiber is not accessible. Furthermore, indoor 5G connectivity is driving new business use cases in sectors like healthcare, Industry 4.0, and cloud gaming.
The partnership between Ericsson and Umniah plays a crucial role in Jordan's digital transformation journey. This collaboration in 5G technology enables a diverse range of new applications and services that are shaping Jordan’s digital future. As key players in this journey, Ericsson and Umniah’s critical role in the deployment of advanced 5G telecommunications infrastructure in the country is driving economic growth, supporting sustainability, and enhancing the lives of people in Jordan.
Empowering the consumer through mobile number portability (MNP)
The modern ability to seamlessly switch between service providers while retaining one's phone number is a clear testament to the evolving consumer landscape. Ericsson's research, exploring the intricacies of mobile networks, establishes a direct link between enhanced productivity and the advancements in mobile technology. This correlation implies that as network capabilities expand, so does the potential for both individual and collective productivity.
Jordan stands at the forefront of this digital transformation with the opportunity to champion Mobile Number Portability (MNP). By supporting MNP, the country ensures its population has access to premier network services, addressing immediate communication needs and laying the groundwork for a plethora of digital services. From e-commerce to remote work solutions, this move propels the nation towards realizing its digital aspirations.
Collaboration: The Key to Success
The country’s journey towards becoming fully 5G-enabled is a testament to the power of collaboration. The partnership between Umniah and Ericsson, supported by forward-thinking policies from the Telecommunications Regulatory Commission (TRC), has set a benchmark for public-private partnerships in the region and created an environment that is conducive to widespread adoption and rapid advancement of technology. This collaboration has not only accelerated the deployment of 5G but also ensured that its benefits are equitably distributed across the nation.
Looking ahead, the importance of continued collaboration cannot be overstated. As we venture further into the realm of 5G and explore its full potential, the need for ongoing partnerships between telecom operators, technology providers, government bodies, and other stakeholders becomes increasingly crucial. The future of 5G in Jordan will also depend on expanding the collaboration ecosystem to include academia, industry experts, and community leaders. This broader engagement is necessary to ensure that 5G technology is not only about enhanced connectivity but also about driving innovation, fostering economic growth, and solving societal challenges.
Beyond Connectivity: A Vision for the Future
As we embark on new opportunities in 2024, our vision for Jordan extends beyond enhanced connectivity. We envision a future where 5G technology lies at the core of innovative solutions, enhancing the quality of life and fostering economic prosperity. From facilitating remote healthcare services to supporting smart agricultural practices, the possibilities are limitless. In our pursuit of this potential, our commitment remains unwavering: to build a sustainable, connected, and innovative Kingdom, where technology serves not just as a tool for progress but as a bridge to a better future for all.
