Bahrain wins accolade for being pioneer in embracing 5G spectrum

By Nayla Barakat Manama, Dec. 8 (BNA): Bahrain has emerged as a leader in implementing an initiative-taking strategy for the latest technology including the 5G spectrum ahead of other nations in the region. Afke Schaart, Senior Vice President and Chief Global Impact Officer, Huawei, told Bahrain News Agency (BNA) that the Gulf region is very advanced when it comes to implementing technology along with many countries who embarked on a new era of the 5G and Bahrain being a leader as one of the leading nations to implement this technology. He was speaking on the sidelines of the Arab International Cybersecurity Exhibition and Conference (AICEC). "Huawei has been working with national telecom operators across the region starting from the testing phase to final implementation of the 5G. The telecom operators are very keen to reap the benefits of the latest technology as part of their growth trajectory moving forward," she said. She specifically mentioned stc and Etisalat for taking an early initiative of the telecom sector modernization and being an innovative technology provider Huawei remains committed to the development of the region. She also applauded the regional operators saying the region is very much ahead of the game, especially when it comes to rolling out the 5G. "When we compare the Gulf region with Europe or other parts of the world, the Gulf stands out as a success story." Asked about the first Cybersecurity Summit in Bahrain she termed the event as a remarkable success citing the rich subjects in the summit including how the cybersecurity poses a challenge to each nation. "We urged the experts and telecom regulators to consider Huawei's cybersecurity strategy which is based on facts, and all can benefit where we operate in almost 170 countries around the world. Huawei adheres to all rules and regulations and our record has been incredibly good." "First of all, it is important that the tech approach should be fact based, which means it is based on analyses and that we do together with our customers and with agencies and industry organisations. We also work hand in hand with organisations, global trade bodies and with the United Nations the International Telecoms Union (ITU) so we are active on different platforms." "It is to make sure that we develop standards together with our industry, to unify cybersecurity standards across the board for all our products. Our product range is quite wide, it goes from mobile devices to automotive to ports mines, you name it; oil and gas, and green technology is also especially important moving forward." The Middle East region is well prepared to embrace the security layers required for cybersecurity, she said. There are regulations in place and supported by the European Commission and European countries, she added when asked if the region is ripe to embrace technology including cybersecurity. "One of our messages here in Bahrain is to make sure that the governments in the region investigate that too, because it must have the support of governments and not only from the industry, as they are already behind it. So, I am very hopeful for a very blossoming tech environment where innovation can happen, not only for our partners, the operators but also for SMEs."