Intelligent CIO Middle East Issue 78 | Page 48

COUNTRY FOCUS : BAHRAIN
Bahrain-based telco Batelco recently signed a memorandum of understanding ( MoU ) with Ericsson that will explore a range of 5G technologies , including voice over new radio , charging system , cloud-native 5G core and NB-IoT for Smart City development . The MoU is part of Batelco ’ s efforts to enhance its network capabilities to achieve future goals for 5G technology , in addition to supporting development programmes for new use cases that highlight the potential of 5G for consumers and enterprises .

Batelco and Ericsson sign Mo 5G technologies and innovati

Skyline of Manama Central Business District . The Kingdom of Bahrain

Batelco and Ericsson have signed a memorandum of understanding ( MoU ) to collaborate on next generation 5G technologies and innovations in line with the Kingdom of Bahrain ’ s digital economy vision . This latest MoU is part of Batelco ’ s efforts to enhance its network capabilities to achieve future goals for 5G technology , in addition to supporting development programmes for new use cases that highlight the potential of 5G for consumers and enterprises .

The MoU will cover collaboration on voice over new radio ( NR ) and advanced charging system that will enhance Batelco ’ s real-time convergent charging as well as enable the introduction of new smart and innovative Internet of Things ( IoT ) products . Ina addition , it will also include cloud-native 5G Core and
5G Standalone ( SA ) solutions that helped Batelco and Ericsson successfully complete the first 5G SA data call in the Kingdom of Bahrain .
Narrowband Internet of Things ( NB-IoT ) will also be a key area of focus for Batelco and Ericsson as they enable extended coverage and longer battery lives for ultra-low complexity devices . Batelco ’ s and Ericsson ’ s exploration of NB-IoT will propel Smart City visions with features such as smart metering , air quality monitoring , and building management seen having a significant impact on Smart City development .
Mikkel Vinter , CEO , Batelco said : “ As part of our continuous support for Bahrain ’ s 2030 Vision , Batelco always offers the latest and best-in-class technologies to its customers . Presently , 5G in Bahrain is at the
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