With the most successful startup ideas being app-based, Qatar ranks among the top globally for internet penetration. Further, 5G is expected to unleash the full potential of Qatar.
As the introduction of a 5G network over the country begins, Qatar has established itself as a leader in ICT technology, taking with it a range of innovative cases for digital governance and smart city initiatives. In 2019, the country’s major telecommunications firms, Vodafone and Ooredoo, recorded strong performance due to higher post-paid mobile sales and fixed broadband services.
High ICT Adoption to Boost 5G Technology
Over the last few years, digitalization has significantly evolved in Qatar, powered by government departments’ ambitious policies and a high degree of awareness among its people. The implementation of emerging technologies in Qatar is also strong as the use of the Internet and smartphones has sharply risen over the last decade.
Being the first country to offer 5G networks worldwide, Qatar has expanded its ICT infrastructure and enhanced the Internet speed. Moreover, Qatar has invested heavily in 5G infrastructure, enabling peak Internet service speeds up to 1Gbps. The 5G roll-out has also accelerated the construction of a more extensive connectivity system in the country.
How 5G Benefits Businesses
First of all, 5G offers faster and more reliable internet speeds, giving more flexibility to employees. This would lower the need for huge office spaces, lowering the costs for growing entrepreneurs. Second, 5G allows quicker download and data transfer speeds. This enables companies to process customer requests more efficiently, offering smoother and more reliable service. Third, 5G will boost consistency and expand the amount of items that can be linked to the network, allowing Internet of Things (IoT) devices to be better served.
The 5G capabilities would help companies that are in need to communicate to others quickly and remotely. Besides, they can also be used in a range of innovative ways, using VR for business functions such as remote assistance and training that involve immediate connectivity with the highest data transmission level.
The opportunities of automation, creativity, and optimization are just what the Qatari companies need to address today’s challenges: the demands to improve production and maximize operating performance.
5G to Support Qatar’s Smart City Initiatives
Qatar strives to become a knowledge-based society and is pioneering solutions to optimize technology and governance as part of its Qatar National Vision 2030 plan.
The Smart Cities initiative falls under the category of TASMU and its application of ICT technologies across a range of key industries. Smart cities, which incorporate digital technologies into urban planning to maximize the quality of operations and services, are a growing global trend and can improve the socio-economic growth of Qatar.
Additionally, 5G is expected to further accelerate the mainstream acceptance and roll-out of IoT technologies, promoting the networks required to handle vast volumes of data, creating a smarter and more connected society.
