INDUSTRY WATCH
5G HAS THE CAPABILITY TO ENABLE NEW EXPERIENCES AND USE CASES THAT ARE CRITICAL FOR THE NEW DIGITAL NORMAL AND WERE IMPOSSIBLE PRIOR TO 5G , BE IT FOR CONSUMERS OR BUSINESSES
UAE-based telco Etisalat has joined Ericsson ’ s Start-up 5G programme designed to help communications service providers ( CSPs ) successfully accelerate the commercialisation and monetisation of 5G by introducing them to the right consumer innovation partners . applications enhanced by 5G . With access to 22 global start-ups which is expected to grow to more than 40 by end of the year , the programme offers Etisalat a unique opportunity to not only leverage actionable consumer insights but also connect with innovation partners to emerge as a frontrunner in their markets .”
According to Ericsson , the programme seeks to encourage innovation transfer around 5G technologies between start-ups and Etisalat to mutually create new business opportunities in the market . In addition , as part of Ericsson Start-up 5G , Etisalat will receive access to a curated list of companies that develop scalable services , devices and applications over 5G . By bundling and offering innovative apps and digital services , Etisalat can differentiate the customer experience over 5G , ultimately changing the usage behaviour and demand for enhanced mobile broadband connectivity .
Khaled Elkhouly , Chief Consumer Officer , Etisalat said : “ 5G has the capability to enable new experiences and use cases that are critical for the new digital normal and were impossible prior to 5G , be it for consumers or businesses . This will remotely enable opportunities within education , health , factories , ports and entertainment . Ericsson ’ s Start-up 5G programme is a great platform that will amplify the use of these futuristic services , target new opportunities , and implement 5G use cases across verticals . This collaboration will give us the opportunity to introduce new partners and offerings to customers in the UAE as we continue to work to provide unparalleled 5G services .”
Ekow Nelson , Vice President and Head , Global Customer Unit Etisalat and Pakistan at Ericsson Middle East and Africa added : “ We ’ re excited to have Etisalat on board for our Start-up 5G programme . 4G created the foundation for the app economy that has transformed our societies beyond recognition .
“ The programme hosts a variety of innovative companies from across the world and is continuously expanding . Start-up 5G helps member start-ups to evolve their business by connecting them with communications service providers around the world , providing exposure in major technology events , and sharing Ericsson ’ s technological and strategic expertise . The programme also offers the participating startups to connect with the consumer market using ConsumerLab ’ s expertise to validate their 5G services and concepts and grow .
Jasmeet Sethi , Head , ConsumerLab , Ericsson Research , said : “ We are really looking forward to working closely with Etisalat to co-create and test
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