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Issue 175
May
Leading businesses
through the
COVID-19 crisis
Telcos announce
Q1 2020
Financial Results
15 05 May 2020
15 year of publication
th
"Best IT & Telecoms News Outlet Award 2020"
Chief Editor Khalid Athar
Managing Editor Nasreen Akhtar
Technical Editor Toby Ruckert
Associate Editor Gulraiz Khalid
Assistant Editors Jassem Hariri
Aftab Raza Khan
Scan to download PDF version
Technology Writer Ken Herron, Dean Sackett,
Consultant Khadim Hussain
Sub Editors Fakher Dawar, Mustafa Khan
Director Sales (MEA) S.A. Burney
TELETIMES MEDIA LLC.
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Editor’s Note
Dear Reader,
Welcome to the latest edition of Teletimes International.
As we move through unprecedented times, we all have a
responsibility to ensure that we keep ourselves and the ones
around us safe. Businesses in fact have a greater responsibility
13 21
on their shoulders in these difficult situations where balancing
financial stability, avoiding lay-offs all while providing services
and solutions might be a tough ask. It is impressive how the
ICT industry is responding through various initiatives. I would
point towards STC's SR 4 billion commitment to support local
content and increased telecommunications traffic during the
Corona pandemic as an example.
TELECOMMUNICATION ARTICLES
Moving forward, businesses need to understand how they
can adjust to this new "nearly normal" and how essential
09
09 Etisalat Group reports consolidated 06 Leading businesses through the COVID-19 operations can be supported through remote working.
revenues of AED 13.1 billion in Q1 of 2020 crisis by Rohit Sethi - ADL
Businesses must evolve and adapt - it is imperative.
11 Remote work trend boosts global demand 15 Role of Big Data in Fight against COVID-19 Nevertheless, it is the telcos, ISPs and Enterprise Solution
for network access control solutions by Zeeshan A. Bokhari Providers who must support businesses and individuals in
this "Necessary Digital Transformation". In this edition, we
13 stc revenues for Q1 of 2020 reached SR 13,935m 29 Enterprise ICT solutions for remote are focusing on some ICT solutions which businesses can
business operations by Abid Aziz use while they adjust to the on-going situation and we hope
17 E-Vision collaborates with Etisalat MISR
to provide prepaid TV services to bring you more content and insights on this in the next
34 How you can avoid digital transformation stagnation edition.
by flexing your finances by Morten Illum
18 Huawei announces Q1 2020 business results
As always, you will find the latest news and updates from
19 Nasser Al Nasser: The Kingdom's all major ICT players inside. Your feedback is welcome on
infrastructure investments helped it contain
the repercussions of the Corona crisis
khalidathar@teletimesinternational.com
21 Ooredoo Group announced increased SATELLITE Enjoy Reading and Stay Healthy!
revenue of QAR 7.3 billion in Q1 2020
25 stc Group and Nokia sign a strategic 41 COMSAT inks deal with ABS to enhance C- and
5-year Master Frame Agreement Ku-band U.S. connectivity solutions on ABS-3A
Khalid Athar
26 Huawei launches new flagship solution and star
42 SES delivers over 8,300 TV channels to 367 Chief Editor
products to help Middle East enterprises build million homes worldwide
next-generation campus networks
31 5G security assurance is key to
43 IEC Telecom introduces OneGate Aid Compact to
support critical communications during COVID-19
Saudi’s economic acceleration
33 China Mobile and Huawei deliver world’s highest 5G 44 Inmarsat and Cobham launch new solution
connecting remote workers, enhancing
35 EITC du announces Q1 2020 financial results mission critical operations
37 ITU launches the ‘G5 Benchmark’ 45 SatADSL and YahClick unite their efforts to steer
35
Sub-Saharan Africa across the digital divide
39 How Airbus secure communications technology
is crucial for emergency and public safety teams 46 IBC announces first set of Challenges for the
during the Covid-19 pandemic crisis Accelerator Media Innovation Programme 2020
Scan to download PDF version
Follow @TeletimesIntl on Twitter
right personal protective equipment appreciated that post-crisis business Coping with uncertainty: Companies
and other materials, such as sanitizers, environment would present new typically feel comfortable if they can
Leading
available to all staff and setting clear opportunities such as: reduce or eliminate uncertainties, which
and unambiguous rules to ensure social has been difficult with Covid-19 crisis,
distancing. Virtual working needed to Virtualization of work environment to thereby emphasizing to the companies,
be immediately and properly enabled, create new efficiencies further extending the need for agility and flexibility in their
with adequate IT equipment and “smart working” practices business continuity plans
businesses through communication with all staff needed to
be ramped up significantly.
3. Operational and business continuity
Step changes in customer adoption of
online services, including potential for
new remote products and services, such
as diagnostics and testing
Looking ahead > Actions that telecom
players can take to prepare for medium-
to long-term
the COVID-19 crisis
– Many companies created separate Leveraging the experience of rapid
redundant teams for critical operations decision-making and delegation Compared to most other industries,
including the leadership itself, so if during the crisis to improve agility and telecom players (telcos) have been able to
one team got infected, the other could responsiveness in the post-crisis world weather the storm more effectively given
take over. Many leaders emphasized Better crisis preparedness and more the utility-like nature of their industry, the
the need for increased delegation effective business continuity risk need to remain connected with family and
ADL insights in discussion with CEOs and business to safeguard business continuity.
Suppliers and partners were equally
management
M&A opportunities arising from shake-
friends, the need to conduct effective office
work remotely, and to remain entertained
leaders from Hong Kong, Italy and Singapore important as in-house staff, given many
businesses leveraged extensive partner
out and consolidation at home.
Rohit Sethi ecosystems to deliver their operations. Although all companies had crisis While short-term impact of the Covid-19
Quick adoption of multiple productivity management and business continuity outbreak in form of sizable disruptions to
tools enabled telcos to demonstrate plans which they triggered immediately, both national and international economic
by example to their clients, the utility there were areas where the reality turned activity has already played out across
With an intent to facilitate knowledge sharing across business leaders, especially those from critical infrastructure sectors, such as
of such tools for remote efficient work out to be different in practice. industries, it is time now for decision makers
telecom, utilities and transport, and from countries furthest into the crisis at a point, such as Hong Kong, Italy and Singapore, we
within virtual environments. to expand their focus beyond immediate
quite early on engaged with 25 CEOs and business leaders to understand how they went about designing their crisis management
Getting reliable information and crisis management towards actions that
responses, safeguarding their employees and customers, maintaining their business continuity, engaging with their stakeholders,
4. Other stakeholders – All leaders intelligence: In early stages of the global would strengthen their overall competitive/
and planning for recovery. We identified five key immediate priorities described below.
highlighted the importance of
communication with other key
external stakeholders, especially the
government, relevant authorities
Virtual working needed to be
1. Crisis steering – There was a stark
and local communities. The rapidly
changing situation with multiple immediately and properly enabled,
difference between Asian and European
crisis management approaches. Asian
interdependencies between the activities
of government, local bodies, health and with adequate IT equipment and
companies learned tough lessons from
communication with all staff needed
social services, infrastructure services,
the SARS outbreak in 2002, and many
policing authorities, and the business
already had regularly drilled business
to be ramped up significantly.
itself reinforced the need for continuous
continuity plans in place, specifically for
knowledge exchange for leveraging
epidemics. Other companies, such as
synergies and avoiding redundancies.
those in Hong Kong, had already been
able to road-test their contingency plans
5. Recovery – In the depth of the crisis, it pandemic, it was difficult to gather and differentiation play in the medium-term and
during their regional social unrest in
is typically difficult to maintain a positive align all parties around hard facts versus eventually in the long-term.
2019. The most important immediate
outlook, especially when the crisis’s media reports
priority for every leader was to mobilize
length and severity cannot be accurately While some moves that leaders in these
a crisis management “war room” to
predicted. However, all business Velocity of the crisis: Several companies telcos can make will clearly be dependent
manage the first few days of the response
leaders emphasized the importance of had not planned for such rapid velocity on the duration i.e. the number of months
where it was critical to keep the telecom
remaining positive, in terms of both of crisis escalation around the world, and it lasts, and intensity i.e. the severity of
networks running given their heightened
maintaining morale as well ensuring found their plans to be lagging behind lockdowns in the crisis, a full wait-and-watch
importance in times of such crisis.
the best and fastest recovery, following the pace of events they had to address/ strategy will not serve them well overall. In
the crisis. Most telcos in fact saw this mitigate addition to ensuring survival, we are listing
2. Employees and customers – All
as opportunity to update their business below a number of no-regret moves that
business leaders highlighted the
model and positioning towards being Understanding the entire ecosystem: telco CXOs can already initiate towards
importance of securing employee and
a technology provider rather than just Some companies found their plans to not updating their strategies and transforming
customer safety ahead of other business
telecom services. sufficiently consider impact of the crisis their organizations, in alignment with the
considerations, which meant making the Figure 1: CEO priorities immediately post Covid-19 outbreak on their suppliers and partners, which requirement in the post-crisis “new normal”
The CEOs and business leaders also eventually hit their own operations world.
6 May 2020 May 2020 7
Etisalat Group reports
consolidated revenues of
AED 13.1 billion in Q1 of 2020
As part of its support and commitment towards the
Figure 2: Selected key actions that telcos can initiate community and its shareholders, Etisalat board of Directors
approves interim dividend payout of 25 fils per share
Provide offers and services to impacted network quality: Reassess network Identify M&A opportunities: Become
customers: Provide offers and services deployment and maintenance capability aggressive in the lookout for attractive Etisalat Group has announced its consolidated financial held regional company specialising in the delivery of cyber
that can help customers impacted by and optimize field staff, by shifting some M&A targets especially ones that can
statements for the three months ending 31st March 2020. security solutions and services.
Covid-19, for example, zero-rating of workload to virtual solutions, for example provide or strengthen competitive
• Etisalat successfully launched open virtual Radio Access
health and news websites, removal of develop capabilities for remote diagnostics advantages required in the “new normal”
data caps, speed upgrades, free calls in and push for self-install and repair through world Financial Highlights and Key Developments of Q1 Network (Open vRAN), becoming the first operator in
affected areas especially to elderly or free video calls and instruction videos MENA to achieve this technological feat
access to children’s content, serving the Lobby for favourable regulation: • As Part of its support and commitment towards the • Etisalat unveiled the 5G-enabled smart patrol for Dubai
twin objectives of caring for the customers Explore and exploit digital channels Leverage the crisis to lobby with community and its shareholders, Etisalat board of Directors Police, a first in the Middle East and North Africa region
while also installing new habits that could and social media: Continue with the regulators for policy updates towards approves interim dividend payout of 25 fils per share • Etisalat partnered with Microsoft to enhance its public
continue beyond the lockdowns broader push towards digitalization of declaring telecom networks as critical • Aggregate subscriber base reached 150 million, cloud first strategy infused with automation and AI
sales, distribution and customer services, infrastructure and being provided with representing a year over year increase of 5%. • Etisalat introduced 'Cloudtalk', first-of-a-kind cloud-based
Enhance access to content: Enhance for example leveraging use cases and incentives such as easier access to rights of • Consolidated revenues amounted to AED 13.1 billion platform enabling business unified communication and
partnerships with content providers such functionalities offered by social media way and private infrastructure, innovative representing a year over year increase of 1% while collaboration service for small and medium businesses
as gaming and streaming services, to platforms more financing solutions, and reduced spectrum consolidated net profit after Federal Royalty amounted to (SMB) and enterprise customers in the UAE
capture more of the freed-up time from charges AED 2.2 billion and resulting in a net profit margin of 17%. • Etisalat launched ‘Business Edge’, a new comprehensive
customers onto telcos’ own platforms Enhance cybersecurity: Ramp up • Consolidated EBITDA totaled AED 6.7 billion, representing platform offering a wide range of services and solutions
teams with security professionals that In addition to these no-regret moves, there an increase of 1.5% year over year and resulting in EBITDA that cater to Small and Medium Business (SMB) customers
Offer flexible work solutions: Develop are experienced in both attacking and are more specific actions that will have to
margin of 51%. • Etisalat partnered with Alef Education, to enable both
solutions enabling work from home defending the telcos’ defences, in order to be defined and undertaken by each of the
• Etisalat launched initiatives to support “Stay at Home” entities to collaborate on a series of digital initiatives to
for customers, covering conferencing minimize cyber vulnerabilities telcos in line with the potential recovery
hardware, unified communication scenarios that can play out, for example U
directive offering free mobile internet for families without empower the region’s education sector
packages and partnerships, and virtual Support digitalization and recovery or W shaped, as well as their own unique home internet to facilitate their access to distance learning • Etisalat launched first-of-its-kind telehealth service in the
private network (VPN) elements, of SMBs: Play a more active role in context, enabling them to not only address services, free applications to support work from home for private sector as a continuation of its mission to provide
potentially bundled with free or paid digitalization of SMBs by providing them the medium-term effectively, but also businesses and government entities. clinical excellence to patients in need
support on setting up and troubleshooting with cybersecurity support, cloud and achieve a head start in strengthening • Etisalat named ‘The Most Valuable Consumer Brand’ and • Etisalat partnered with Department of Health, the regulator
business development services, as well as their competitive positioning in the “new ‘The Most Valuable Telecom Brand’ in MEA region. of the healthcare sector in Abu Dhabi to launch the ‘Digital
Develop digital capabilities to ensure access to training, tools and capabilities normal” world post the Covid-19 crisis. • Etisalat completed the acquisition of Help AG, a privately Healthcare’ Centre
8 May 2020 May 2020 9
Chairman Message: Frost & Sullivan Analysis
H.E. Obaid Humaid Al Tayer, Chairman,
Etisalat Group said: “Today as we navigate
through these challenging times, Etisalat
Remote work trend boosts global demand
for network access control solutions
has showed resilience and remained
committed towards the communities
it serves, ensuring business continuity
and readiness, minimising impact on our
operations and uninterrupted services
to our customers. Etisalat's performance
in the first quarter reflects our agility The global NAC market is estimated to reach $2.21 billion by 2024
in dealing with unprecedented market
challenges and pressures facing the
telecom sector globally. Frost & Sullivan’s recent analysis, Global double-digit growth rates as organizations
Network Access Control Market, Forecast settle into a “new normal.”
“We are also thankful to the vision of our to 2024, finds that the proliferation of the
wise leadership in the UAE in positioning Internet of Things (IoT), the convergence For further information on this analysis,
the country among the most digitally of information technology (IT) and please mail Nimisha Iyer at nimisha.iyer@
advanced globally and inspiring us to operation technology (OT), and customers’ frost.com
realise our efforts in ‘Driving the digital migration to the cloud at a faster pace are
future to empower societies’ by delivering rapidly driving the NAC market. The sector “Security vendors are working closely with
world-class networks, infrastructure and is estimated to increase by two-thirds, their customers in order to support them
reaching $2.21 billion by 2024 from $1.35 in this unprecedented transition to work
innovative services. This has empowered
billion in 2019, at a compound annual from home (WFH). They are focused on
Etisalat to address the current challenges
growth rate (CAGR) of 10.4%. With 60.2% ensuring their clients’ business continuity,
and meet digital requirements facilitating and the pandemic has underlined the value
businesses to work remotely and over a of cloud services in delivering and deploying
million students enjoying distance learning security solutions to remote devices,” said
across the UAE. Through our dedicated an impact on every sector, the world is innovation and also our leadership Vendors should Tony Massimini, Senior Industry Analyst
teams, we were geared to fully support moving in full force towards achieving as a telecom brand regionally and at Frost & Sullivan. “However, the cloud
and serve the community showcasing digital transformation. 5G network is more internationally. continue to innovate environment needs security as well. Having Tony Massimini, Senior Industry Analyst
infrastructure preparedness to deliver important than ever as it will be a key a remote workforce highlights the need to at Frost & Sullivan
access to vital telecom services during enabler of remote business, education, "Etisalat is grateful to the leaders of the cloud security, work leverage NAC. Large cybersecurity vendors
today’s extraordinary times. “Moving entertainment and has the capability of UAE for their continuous support and also with broad product portfolios will want to
ahead, we remain optimistic about the addressing customer current and future want to express our gratitude to all our closely with AWS, add this solution as well.” • Focusing on virtual appliances and SaaS
future as there are immense opportunities needs. Etisalat’s pioneering position in loyal customers and shareholders for their for customers’ quick migration to public and
in the midst of the challenges and pressures 5G will bring these futuristic solutions to confidence in driving us to accomplish our Azure, Google Cloud, Vendors should continue to innovate cloud private clouds.
faced by the telecom sector globally. With security, work closely with AWS, Azure, • Instrumentalizing the concept of zero
governments, businesses and consumers goals of driving digital innovations for a
digital enablement and innovation making alike reiterating our efforts in digital better future.” and other tech Google Cloud, and other tech vendors, and trust networking (ZTN)—the never trust,
always verify principle—so security vendors,
focus on virtual appliances and NAC as
Subscribers vendors, and focus on Software-as-a-Service (SaaS). Additionally,
NAC is adapting to a more mobile
including NAC, can promote their capabilities
via integration of their product portfolios.
virtual appliances and environment as enterprises expand beyond
the traditional secure walls.
• Capitalizing on use cases of IoT, BYOD,
and mobility, which are increasing at a
In the UAE the subscriber base grew to 12.7 million subscribers in Q1 of 2020, while aggregate
significant rate. Most IoT devices do not
subscriber base reached 150 million, representing a year over year increase of 5%. NAC as Software-as-a- The complexity of 802.1X deployment (one have the resources to handle an agent, so
of the best methods for authentication), agentless technology is required.
Revenue & Net Profit Service (SaaS). surging diversity of IoT devices, and
increasing NAC solution costs for large Global Network Access Control Market,
Consolidated revenues amounted to AED 13.1 billion representing a year over year increase of 1% while consolidated market share, North America will continue enterprises are likely to hinder the market. Forecast to 2024 is the latest addition
net profit after Federal Royalty amounted to AED 2.2 billion and resulting in a net profit margin of 17%. to be the largest market for NAC until 2024; NAC vendors’ move to work beyond the to Frost & Sullivan’s Information and
APAC is the fastest-growing region and its traditional IT perimeter and innovation Communications Technology research
share of the global NAC market is estimated in other technologies will boost growth and analyses available through the Frost &
EBITDA: to increase from 9.9% in 2019 to 11.9% in opportunities via: Sullivan Leadership Council, which helps
2024. The COVID-19 pandemic will cause a • Incorporating NAC into OT to improve organizations identify a continuous flow
Group Consolidated EBITDA for the first quarter of 2020 increased by 1.5% to severe slowdown in 2020. Thereafter, the security tools for better coordination and to of growth opportunities to succeed in an
AED 6.7 billion while EBITDA margin remained stable year on year at 51%. NAC market is expected to regain annual leverage IoT technology. unpredictabl future.
10 May 2020 May 2020 11
SR 4 billion to support local content stc revenues for Q1 of
and increased telecommunications 2020 reached SR 13,935m
traffic during the Corona pandemic stc’s Net income for Q1 of 2020 compared to the corresponding quarter last
year increased by 5.93%, and it distributes SR 1 per share dividends for the 1st quarter.
In line with the additional government
initiatives package approved by King Salman
bin Abdulaziz, to support institutions and stc has announced the company’s preliminary
individuals, Senior VP of Corporate Affairs financial results for the period ending at
at stc’s Group, Abdullah Abdulrahman 31 March 2020.
Alkanhl, said that stc is committed to
continue extending its support to SMEs in • Revenues for the 1st quarter reached
the private sector to mitigate the impact on SR 13,935m with an increase of 4.10%
their business during the Corona pandemic compared to the corresponding quarter
through stc’s support package that is last year.
extension of the urgent initiatives previously • Gross Profit for the for the 1st
announced by the government to support quarter reached to SR 8,196m with
the economic activities most affected by an increase of 3.71% compared to the
this pandemic. Alkanhl praised the package corresponding quarter last year.
that supports local content in companies • Operating Profit for the 1st quarter
which are 51% owned by the state in order reached to SR 3,004m with a decrease of
to minimize the impact of the Coronavirus (8.27%) compared to the corresponding
(COVID-19) pandemic on economic activities quarter last year.
and the private sector. • Earnings before Interest, Taxes,
Zakat, Depreciation and Amortization
Alkanhl reiterated stc’s commitment to (EBITDA) for the 1st quarter reached to
promote local content and SMEs to stimulate SR 5,330m with a decrease of (1.04%)
the economy in the local market and drive compared to the corresponding quarter
demand for local products and services in last year.
accordance with the Council of Ministers’ • Net Income for the 1st quarter reached
decision in this regard. stc announced that to SR 2,913m with an increase of 5.93%
it will continue to nurture start-ups and compared to the corresponding quarter
entrepreneurs through batches six and last year.
seven of its inspireU program which will be
announced in the coming days as part of stc’s in 10 languages to millions of citizens and sectors. stc offered free access to education In accordance with the approved dividend
strategy to promote local content through residents to help prevent the spread of the and health platforms and doubled the data policy for three years starting from the 4th
its Rawafed program which contributed Coronavirus, and doubled the operational capacity for its existing and new prepaid quarter 2018, which was announced on 16
SR 4 billion to promote local content in capacity in 22 health centers as part of a quicknet customers without additional December 2018, and has been ratified during
the past years. Alkanhl also nodded to SR 100 million community initiative that cost, ensuring a quality experience for our the Extra Ordinary General Assembly Meeting
stc’s initiative to exempt SME’s that wish benefited about 5 million patients. In line children in using such platforms which led on April 24th 2019, stc will distribute a total of
to temporarily suspend services from the with its constant support for entrepreneurs to a 1,000% increase in traffic for education SR 2,000 million in cash dividend for Q1 2020,
temporary suspension fees in line with the and innovation to enable digital platforms and 200% for health platforms. representing SR 1 per share. The eligibility of
government’s direction and to mitigate the transformation and enrich the community The Company also offered 40 thousand dividends shall be for the shareholders at Commenting on these results, Eng. Nasser bin Sulaiman Al-Nasser, GCEO of Saudi Telecom
financial burden that could impact this vital in accordance with the Dare Strategy, stc free data sims to support the Attaa “Digital the close of trading on Tuesday 28/04/2020 Company (stc), indicated that the company, despite the emerging epidemic conditions of the
sector in light of the current circumstances. supported a number of initiatives including Giving Initiative” and exempted customers corresponding to 05/09/1441 H and as per Corona Virus (COVID-19), was able to grow its top line by 4.1%. As a result, stc’s business
the Hope Hackathon initiative in cooperation in quarantine from paying their April bills. the registered shareholders in the register of units achieved distinct growth in revenue during the current quarter compared to the same
Alkanhl said that stc is proud of its role in with the Ministry of Communications and Alkanhl said that stc exempted its customers The Securities Depository Center Company quarter of the previous year. Where the increase of Enterprise Business Unit revenues were
the success of the first virtual G20 summit Information Technology. The VP of Corporate in quarantine from paying their April bills at the end of the 2nd trading day following supported by innovative products in the field of Internet of Things, cloud computing and
in which it acted as the digital enabler in Affairs said that the engagement included and offered a 50% discount for fiber optics the eligibility date. Dividend distribution Cyber security in addition to other telecom products and services. Further, the Wholesale
partnership with the relevant government various community segments including services to reduce the cost for the network date will be on 19/05/2020 corresponding to Business Unit revenue also increased supported by the growth witnessed in Hubbing services.
entities. stc sent over 2.5 billion messages individuals and the public and private users during this period. 26/09/1441H. As for Consumer Business unit, revenue has increased with the support of an increase in fiber
12 May 2020 May 2020 13
optic subscribers by 23% and data revenue progress such as 5G and the requirements cards as part of its “Attaa Digital” initiative
by 15.5%. of improving the network and increasing to support those who cannot access the
its speed. Also, the Saudi digital payments Internet and educational platforms as well as
As a testimony of KSA global leading company (stcPay) obtained the official enabling a free access to some educational
position in communications infrastructure
in general, and in digital communications
in particular, KSA was successfully ranked
number 10 globally (coming from number
license from the Saudi Arabia Agency
(SAMA), as an electronic digital wallet in the
field of financial technology (fintech), to be
the first financial technological company
and health platforms. Furthermore, recently
stc has announced that it will bear the cost
of the temporary service suspension fees
for SMEs who wish to temporarily suspend
Role of Big Data in
Fight against COVID19
105) in the internet speed in 3 years only. On licensed in the kingdom. stcPay is considered their services as part of the company’s
top of that, stc’s internet speed has increased the largest financial digital wallet in the efforts to mitigate the financial impacts
7 times over the past 3 years. stc winning two Middle East and North African region with 2 that may affect this vital sector. In addition,
Speedtest Awards for the fastest mobile million customers. stc extended the payment grace period for Zeeshan A. Bokhari
network, and best mobile coverage in the customers and likewise doubled the data
kingdom in 2019, shows the company's Lastly, what we are living nowadays under capacity without any additional charges for The unprecedented pace at which the Big Data powered platforms are critical practices put in place by governments
commitment to provide the best services the unfortunate conditions to combat the its existing and new customers to support the pandemic has engulfed the world, is hard to the development of the Novel Corona throughout the globe via Smart Cities.
to its customers. In addition, stc won the COVID-19 virus, motivates us to continue educational process and enable employees to keep track of. The COVID-19 outbreak vaccine. Amazon Web Services, Google Smart City surveillance data is being used
Customer Experience Management Award our daily work proactively by taking the of government and private sectors to fulfil has resulted a burst of data, be it from Cloud and many others have opened up to track pedestrian traffic and people’s
for 2020 after competing with the largest necessary actions and decisions to provide their work duties in light of the precautionary social media, healthcare, mobile tracking their doors to researchers, providing free movement. It is also beneficial in defining
global telecom operators. all our capabilities to actively handle the measures taken by the Kingdom of Saudi or satellite surveillance. Big Data is at access to data analytics tools to support in lockdown protocols and monitor high alert
situation and reaffirm stc’s position as a Arabia. Part of its social responsibility, the crux of this fight against COVID-19 the development of the vaccine. districts.
Part of our journey for digital transformation national operator and the first enabler for stc sent more than 2 billion awareness and is serving as a critical tool to access Most Big Data companies have come
and enriching customer’s experience, paper digital transformation. As a result, stc has COVID-19 messages in 10 different
health risks and track community health. forward with new products and services Big Data is also being used to identify
contracts had been dispensed and 7 million increased the network’s capacity to its languages. Currently, we are conducting a
However, there are two faces to this knight to fight COVID-19. Facebook has come up the most vulnerable communities for
contracts on annual basis were digitized maximum levels by distributing traffic in comprehensive study on the potential effects
in shining armor. with its “Data For Good” program which COVID-19 outbreak and track their
which in return will contribute to save accordance with the increasing demand. on the company's business in the event that
provide understanding of population health condition. HIV patients who are
around 200,000 hours of customers waiting It has also enhanced the telecom services the Corona pandemic continues, based on
The world is combating the pandemic dynamics to predict and curb the spread. immunocompromised could be at high
time annually. Also, stc is expanding in the and their capacity, and provided urgent the measures and decisions taken to combat
with digital artillery to generate real-time Google COVID-19 Community Mobility risk of COVID infection. The pathogen also
telecom towers infrastructure by building services to several entities to enable digital it. Any expected impact after conducting the
forecasts to track and flatten the curve. Reports offer detailed acumen into the threatens Tuberculosis patients, people
new towers in the Kingdom while at the transformation for all sectors. On another study will be announced through the official
The real-time data being collected from community’s movement in response to over the age of 60 and those suffering from
same time keepingup with the technological side, stc provided 40,000 free internet SIM channels in due course.
across the globe is being used by Big the policies put in place to control the obesity and underlying medical conditions
Data platforms to identify key patters spread. Microsoft launched the COVID-19 such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes,
across geographical regions, insight into tracker features a live map and tracks total chronic respiratory disease, and cancer.
MBC GROUP to offer Shahid VIP preventive actions and identify the most
vulnerable countries. Global tech giants
are utilizing Big Data to understand more
confirmed cases of COVID-19 as well as
cases per country. While around the globe most nations are
still trying to control the outbreak, Taiwan
to stc customers about the virus itself and develop more
effective treatments. The alliance of AI and
Big Data platforms are being utilized to
measure compliance of social distancing
and South Korea managed to bounce back
and are returning to normal life. In South
stc and MBC GROUP announced the customers have to do is send “1” via SMS Premieres offering exclusive content
signing of a joint partnership to offer to 808885 to start their content viewing shown for the first time; and the best
Shahid VIP, MBC’s premium subscription journey. Following the promotion, stc family entertainment content suitable for
video on demand (SVOD) service, to stc customers who would like to convert children, from Disney – in both Arabic and
customers for no additional cost for the and continue their viewing journey English languages – plus Marvel, and Pixar,
duration of two months. This is in line with uninterrupted can do so for SAR 19.99 per in addition to families having peace of mind
both companies’ continued mission to offer month, which can be directly added to a with Shahid’s parental controls. Meanwhile,
customers and audiences the best content customer’s stc post-paid monthly bill for content on Shahid VIP can be downloaded
from the region and beyond. convenience. Payment is also available via for offline viewing, and is streamed ad-free
deduction from a prepaid offering via the for no interruptions.
stc users now have the opportunity to “sawa” SIM. In parallel, work is currently
watch a variety of exclusive and original underway to launch joint packages and It is worth noting that this joint partnership
Arabic TV shows and movies. Users will also offers between Jawwy TV and Shahid VIP, reflects the on-going commitment of stc
gain access to MBC’s live channels anytime in addition to offering a wide range of to enrich its valued customers lives, by
anywhere – thanks to the Shahid app vouchers to customers. providing them with value-added services
available on smartphones and a number of in terms of audio-visual (TV and streaming),
Smart TVs – directly via their stc account. This partnership comes in conjunction audio, print, online, digital apps and other
Under this new agreement, stc customers with MBC GROUP launching an exclusive types of content/platforms… all this in an
will receive a two-month Shahid VIP and diverse set of Arabic-language series effort from stc to offer the best products
package free of charge by signing up to and other programmes this Ramadan, in and services that would meet the needs
the platform using their packages. All stc addition to Shahid Originals and Shahid and desires of its customers.
14 May 2020 May 2020 15
E-Vision collaborates with Etisalat MISR
Korea, the key to their fast progress in epidemiologists predicted the spread frameworks to ensure data protection and
containing the virus lies in rapid testing and of the virus based on the community privacy and reinforce ethical use of data.
use of Big Data for actionable insights such movement data. However, the assumption
as Smart Contact Tracing, utilization of AI on which the data analytics were based A robust global crisis plan needs to be in
for development of test kits and AI based that the people’s movement were the key place to minimize the impact in case of
to provide prepaid TV services
solutions for accurate and fast diagnosis factor in the Ebola outbreak, turned out future pandemics. The lessons learned
of patients. Taiwan prevented a large scale to be incorrect. Further studies on the cell from the countries that have been
epidemic by integrating its national health phone usage patterns also cast shadow successful in curbing the spread and
insurance database and immigration on its reliability to be used for tracking. flattened the curve should be shared and
and customs data to utilize Big Data for This also applies to the COVID outbreak in the world leaders and policy makers should
analytics, using it to generate real-time developing countries. There is a huge data- make the most of their best practices. Our
alerts based on travel history and tracking gap in such countries as most cases in the focus should be on scientific literacy for all Over 109 TV channels and 13,000 VOD hours to be available on Etisalat TV app
quarantines via their mobile phones. impoverished regions are not reported and developing countries, reducing the data
healthcare services are not digitized. There gap and complete transparency. We need
Pakistan government has launched its are no accurate information as to how to adopt a holistic approach for monitoring
E-Vision, a subsidiary of Etisalat Group,
“COVID-19 Tracker” app to track the many people are infected and how many of emerging viruses and collaborate for the
announced its strategic partnership with
outbreak by region and monitor the are asymptomatic. There is dire need for development of healthcare sector in the
Etisalat Misr to launch ‘Etisalat TV’, a state-
trends. The mobile app also includes large scale testing in such communities, developing countries.
of-the-art app enabling viewers to enjoy
“Radius Alert” which uses mobile tracking not only to curb the spread of the virus
both English and Arabic movies, series and
to identify if the user is located in the but also to provide unbiased and factual Once we have overcome this global crisis,
Ramadan productions across smart devices
effected zone. The government is using data to reap the full benefits of Big Data. the data harvested will continue to be used
anywhere and anytime.
Big Data to leverage data from healthcare
facilities in identifying potential hotspots.
This partnership comes in line with E-Vision’s
Sophisticated data analytics has been at
efforts to provide its customers, mainly
the core of the smart lockdown strategy
telecom providers with comprehensive
implemented by the Pakistan government
TV services and top-notch Video-On-
to cordon off COVID-19 hotspots. Demand (VOD) content while supporting
Educational institutions and offices them to achieve their strategic objectives
have been closed as part of this partial in providing the best in content and world-
lockdown. Hence the virus penetration rate class entertainment from across the globe.
in Pakistan is lower than most developed
countries. This state-of-the-art app allows Etisalat
Misr’s customers to watch English and
In China, the use of Big Data has helped Arabic movies while enjoying English movies
reduce cross infections and lowered with Arabic subtitles. In addition, a wide
mortality rate by tracking returnees and range of series, programs and Ramadan
their quarantine and isolation routines. productions will be made available on the
The users scan QR codes to share app to attract audiences across genres with
information about their travel history and top-notch entertainment and unmatched
health status. In UK and US, the “COVID TV experience. The app can be accessed enabling them to enjoy high quality content E-Vision has developed superior solutions
Symptom Tracker” app enables people anywhere and anytime on across Android anytime anywhere on their smart devices. and capabilities to meet requirements of
to report their health status and helps in and Apple smart devices, platforms, Etisalat This collaboration will allow E-vision to business partners in TV channels licensing,
determining high risk areas. In Turkey, TV’s website and will also soon be made provide comprehensive solutions enabling video-on-demand acquisition, content
the “Pandemic Isolation Tracking Project” This crisis is a shout out to the developing to prevent and predict future outbreaks. available on all smart TVs. Etisalat Misr to provide advanced solutions strategy, video OTT solutions, 4K, hospitality
app tracks the movement of COVID countries to get digitized and upgrade This will set a precedent on the utilization and features to all its customers. Etisalat and advertising.
patients during quarantine. In Australia, their data infrastructures. of data in similar crisis in the future. We Humaid Sahoo Al Suwaidi, CEO, E-Vision Misr will now have access to prepaid TV
“COVIDSafe” app is being used to digitally need to analyze the role Big Data plays said: “We are glad to be part of this strategic service with over 109 TV channels and 13,000 For more than two decades, E-Vision has
track all human encounters to minimize the Privacy, data security and information in this pandemic, evaluate both aspects project showcasing our commitment to VOD hours. Our partnership with Starz Play, partnered with the biggest names in the
spread of COVID-19. The app has 3 million sharing cannot be ignored. Many countries and consider the margin of error. The big digital innovation and collaboration to bring MBC, Rotana, Fox, ART, Good News 4 ME industry worldwide and secured content
downloads so far. Singapore is using an are using mobile technologies and satellite question remains how prepared are we for the best in class content and entertainment and other leading service providers will give partnerships for multiple Pay TV and OTT
app called “TraceTogether”, which sends surveillance to track people’s movement another epidemic or pandemic episode to regional viewers across media platforms. them a competitive edge in the Egyptian services from major Hollywood Studios,
out warnings if social distancing protocols and ensure social distancing. This data and how effective technology and data This partnership reiterates E-vision’s market.” Bollywood and the latest Arabic productions
are violated. However the Bluetooth phone intrusion also comes with the risk of data analytics will be towards its prevention? commitment to provide high quality content as well as leading TV channel providers from
app has shown modest outcome and about usage for purposes other than the fight Are AI and Big Data the best possible tools allowing prepaid VOD operators to introduce E-Vision provides its services based entirely around the globe.
one in five people have downloaded it. against the COVID-19. Also there are no for mitigating a global pandemic or will it special TV services and packages to their on advanced cloud computing giving Etisalat
defined procedures in place to limit the do more harm than good? It will all depend customers enabling operators to focus on Misr flexibility in adopting cutting-edge In addition, E-Vision operates original and
However on the contrary, Big Data can also duration of this surveillance till the end of on how mature our datasets are and what their core business. technologies and services. exclusive award-winning channels like
sabotage the fight against COVID-19. The this pandemic and the governments might mechanism we use for seamless exchange e-Junior, the most-watched kids channel in
2014-2016 Ebola epidemic in West Africa end up intruding the privacy of its people. of data for research and innovation and “The launch of ‘Etisalat TV’ will give Etisalat E-Vision currently operates in the UAE, the UAE, and e-Masala, a 24 hours non-stop
is one such instance. During the outbreak, The governments should define policy subsequent decision making. Misr’s customers a unique experience KSA, Egypt and Pakistan. Over the years, South Asian movie channel.
16 May 2020 May 2020 17
Huawei announces Q1 2020 business results Nasser Al Nasser: The Kingdom's
Huawei has announced its business results
for the first quarter of 2020. In Q1 of this year,
Huawei generated US$ 25.7 billion in revenue
during this public health crisis, so ensuring
normal network operations is of paramount
importance. Huawei is doing everything in
minutes down to 2, helping doctors improve
their diagnostic efficiency. 5G-enabled
remote video consultation helps mitigate
infrastructure investments helped it contain
approximately, an increase of 1.4% year-on-
year. The company's net profit margin in Q1
2020 was 7.3%.
its capabilities to help carriers ensure stable
and secure network operations. Together, we
are working to meet the network demand
shortages of frontline experts and increases
the efficiency of diagnosis and treatment of
critical patients. AI-powered thermal imaging
the repercussions of the Corona crisis
created by social distancing as people switch devices can take temperatures, increasing
As COVID-19 continues to spread around the to telecommuting, distance education, and the efficiency of infection prevention and
world, Huawei is taking proactive measures e-commerce for daily necessities. control in public places. In addition, Huawei Eng. Nasser Sulaiman Al Nasser, stc Group
to ensure the safety of its employees. The has been doing its best to get masks, test kits, CEO, said that he is proud of the KSA's
company and its supplier network are working Since the outbreak, Huawei and its partners and other protective supplies to the countries infrastructure that helped it contain the
together to address the tough challenges have rapidly launched many 5G- and AI- and organizations that need them. A seed repercussions of the Corona crisis that
facing production and resume operations. powered medical applications. We are using that survives the storm will sprout and then affected economy all over the world. Al Nasser
Huawei's business is continuing as usual our expertise in communications technologies blossom. Even though it is impossible to know said that investing in the digital infrastructure
and its overall business results in Q1 2020 to help fight the pandemic and save more when the tides of this pandemic will turn, we long time ago has enabled the telecom sector
are in line with expectations. Networks are lives. The AI-assisted coronavirus diagnosis at Huawei believe that this challenge will be to undertake its central role in this crisis.
a lifeline for people from all walks of life solution cuts CT scan review times from 12 overcome by standing together.
Stc Group CEO said: "I am proud of our
country's achievements in facing these
circumstances we are living. This crisis never
Huawei appoints David Shi put our lives on hold; it enriched our creative
ideas and we dedicated all kinds of technology
to the service of our Kingdom, citizens and
residents. We can all appreciate the role of
as Middle East EBG President
digital technology in enriching people's lives
and its effective role in combating disease.
We have drones that take the temperature of
mall visitors and we offer remote healthcare
services for patients."
future of digital infrastructure using advanced “In the enterprise business, we continue to
ICT solutions. be fully committed to our ‘Huawei Inside’ Al Nasser made this statement while taking
strategy, collaborating with our partners part in the launch of the workshops of the Hope
Shi has more than a decade of experience and sharing the value of digitalization Hackathon workshop launched by the Deputy
working within the Middle East starting from with our customers. Today our Enterprise Minister at the Ministry Of Communications
2007, and over 15 years of experience in the Business Group serves a diverse range of And Information Technology, Dr. Ahmed strategy that supports innovation in the field He added that stc's latest partnerships in this
information and communications technology public and private sector organizations and Al Thenayan. At the end of last April, the of digital and smart solutions and to dedicating field were the fruit of its program to promote
(ICT) sector, including technical sales, their requirements. Someone with as strong Ministry of Communications and Information all its capabilities to bring such innovations to local content "Rawafed".
marketing, and business development. a background and solid experience in the Technology launched the Hope Hackathon life.
region as David is ideal to head this division— in strategic cooperation with the Saudi Al Nasser added: "Being the leading digital
Having been with Huawei since 2005, he leading the growth of not only our Enterprise Federation for Electronic and Intellectual He pointed out that this is the best time to enabler in the Kingdom, stc has a responsibility
has held several roles for the company Business Group, but helping businesses to lay Sports and stc to create new innovative invest in creative ideas for innovative, unique to actively contribute to the Kingdom's digital
based in the region, helping the Huawei the foundations for a digital Middle East.” business models and come up with solutions technological solutions while people are economy. I hope that we will continue to
Enterprise Business Group to support the to overcome the current crisis and face staying home as part of the precautionary support innovators and their projects and that
digital transformation plans of its customers “Now more than ever, organizations are future ones. The Hackathon aims to promote measures taken to limit the spread of this kind of event will help them achieve their
across various industries. Prior to his current looking at their ICT needs to help them to digital innovations and highlight the digital Coronavirus. Al Nasser called upon participants dreams and turn them into reality. Indeed,
position, Shi led Huawei’s Enterprise Group in futureproof their operations, while also capabilities of youth worldwide to face the in the Hackathon to come up with digital creativity has no limits."
Saudi Arabia as General Manager starting in providing possibilities to keep things moving Coronavirus pandemic. innovations that could help humanity and to
Driven by its commitment to help 2017, driving the company’s continued success in the current challenging times,” said Shi. apply the quality of life concept effectively and Eng. Al Nasser congratulated all Hackathon
governments and industries with their digital across the Kingdom. He has previously held “I am eager to step into this role at Huawei Al Nasser added: "Our partnership in the keep abreast of the challenges facing us. participants and commended their
transformation journeys across the Middle the role of Marketing and Solution Sales Vice EBG and work with more of our customers International Hope Hackathon for which prizes commitment to providing exceptional
East, Huawei has announced the appointment President for Huawei Middle East (2015-2017) across the Middle East to cultivate new will reach USD 1 million to develop creative Al Nasser said that stc has been a pioneer in solutions and innovations. He also thanked the
of David Shi to the position of Regional and CTO of Huawei Saudi Arabia (2013-2015). opportunities. The trust of these partners ideas, is a reflection of our approach. We have supporting entrepreneurs and start-up owners Ministry of Communications and Information
Enterprise Business Group (EBG) President. and customers has been essential to our dedicated ourselves to supporting creativity through its InspireU program that supported Technology and the Quality of Life Program as
The move is effective immediately and builds Speaking on the announcement, Charles company’s success, and will continue to be and creative people around the world". He many successful projects which introduced well as all those who lent their support to this
on the company’s plans to help shape the Yang, President of Huawei Middle East, said: moving forward.” reiterated the Group's commitment to its education, health and marketing applications. event.
18 May 2020 May 2020 19Dubai Police partners with Etisalat Ooredoo Group announced increased
to enhance safety and security revenue of QAR 7.3 billion in Q1 2020
or disturbing crimes through a new service
called ‘Police Eye’. This programme enables Ooredoo Group has announced its
individuals to easily report various security financial results for the quarter ended
violations such as suspicious gatherings, 31 March 2020.
suspicious vehicles, begging, massage cards,
and other illegal practices,” said Brig Al Jalaf. Revenue growth of 1% year-on-year
to QAR 7.3 billion supported by robust
“‘Police Eye’ also allows reporting violations growth in Indonesia, Tunisia, Myanmar
related to precautionary measures taken and other markets, which was partially
to combat Covid-19such as failure to wear offset by a COVID-19 impact, a reduction
face masks and not keeping a safe distance in handset sales and macroeconomic
etc. In view of this partnership, Etisalat weakness in some of our other markets.
subscribers can upload pictures and videos
of any misbehaviour or violation and report EBITDA declined by 5% year-on-year to
to the police without consuming their own QAR 3.0 billion, impacted by measures
internet packages.” to contain the spread of COVID-19 in
many territories as well as challenging
Brigadier Khalid Nasser Al Razooqi, Director market conditions in Algeria, Kuwait
of the General Department of Artificial and Oman.
Intelligence at Dubai Police welcomed this
partnership with Etisalat, he stated: “This Group Net Profit attributable to
initiative clearly indicates the collaboration Ooredoo shareholders declined by 8%
of various government and private entities to QAR 387 million in Q1 2020, compared
to fulfill consumers’ needs and ensure to the same period last year, due to the
their safety especially under the current reduction in EBITDA which was partially
circumstances. ‘Police Eye’ is among the offset by a more favorable Foreign
many services offered to the public through Exchange environment compared to
smart application and website, such as the same period last year.
emergency response service, reporting of
e-crimes, reporting bounced cheques, and Data revenues accounts for more than
applying for a police clearance certificate. We 50% of total Revenue driven by our data
encourage the public to take advantage of leadership and digital transformation
this initiative and conduct their transactions initiatives across the countries we
Dubai Police has partnered with Etisalat services. This collaboration supports ‘Police using the smart services from the comfort of operate in.
to launch an initiative providing Etisalat Eye, a programme launched recently by their houses to maintain their safety and the
customers in the UAE with free access to Dubai Police which provides the public with welfare of the community.” Ooredoo Group has healthy cash
Dubai Police’s website and mobile application a secure and confidential online platform to reserve and liquidity levels to be able to
without consuming internet data. report crimes and suspicious activities in the Abdulla Ebrahim Al Ahmed, Senior Vice absorb the impact of COVID-19 for the
city. President, Government Sales, Etisalat said: year 2020. As the COVID-19 lockdowns
In addition to Dubai Police’s website and “During these difficult times, Etisalat is continues, it is expected to result in
committed to support all sectors in the UAE Quarterly Analysis
mobile app, Etisalat customers can access Brigadier Jamal Salem Al Jalaf, Director economic weakness in most of our
other online services available for individuals, of the General Department of Criminal and to participate - with its technical teams Financial Highlights: Q1
2020
Q1
2019
%
Change markets with a corresponding impact
establishments and visitors, upload or Investigation (CID) at Dubai Police said that and digital capabilities – in government on the performance of our operations.
download data, without consuming their maintaining safety and security is a mutual initiatives that gives them an opportunity Consolidated Revenue (QAR m) 7,295 7,192 1%
internet data. The three-month initiative commitment and a national obligation that to serve the community. We at Etisalat Operational highlights:
EBITDA (QAR m) 3,023 3,173 -5%
began on 15th April 2020. all parties must participate. are proud to collaborate with Dubai Police
by deploying our extensive network to EBITDA Margin (%) 41% 44% - Ooredoo Group has changed its
The initiative reflects Dubai Police efforts “Based on our confidence in the public’s contribute in the security and safety of leadership team with the appointment
Net Profit Attributable to Ooredoo Shareholders (QAR m) 387 420 -8%
in maintaining the security and safety cooperation with the police which establishes the community in line with the Dubai of Sheikh Faisal Bin Thani Al Thani as
during the current circumstances, allowing safety and stability, we have facilitated the government’s objective of making the city Customers in million (consolidated) 118 112 6% Chairman of the Board of Directors of
the public to utilise Dubai Police’s online public with the ability to report any violations the safest in the world.”
20 May 2020 May 2020 21You can also read
