This innovation framework continues to position FWA not merely as wireless connectivity but as a commercial, intelligent, ultra‑broadband service, deeply integrated into SAMENA Council’s digital‑economy roadmap.
The SAMENA FWA Innovation Framework
The SAMENA FWA Innovation Framework, developed and driven in collaboration with Huawei and other stakeholders, focuses on accelerating digital transformation through Fixed Wireless Access (FWA) technologies, particularly 5G and 5.5G. This initiative aims to enhance connectivity, particularly in underserved areas, and drive economic growth through new use cases and business models. The Framework is a composite of parallel areas of endeavor, which include: Governance and networking via the ELITE FWA Club, Funding mechanisms through a universal broadband financing framework (as announced by the SAMENA Council), Capability building via e‑publications, workshops, and thought-leadership, Technology focus areas (AI, 5G‑Advanced, smart home, enterprise use-cases).
Key Aspects of the Framework
1:
Focus on 5G and 5.5G
The framework centers on leveraging the capabilities of 5G and the advancements of 5.5G (also known as 5G-Advanced) to deliver high-speed, reliable internet access.
2:
FWA Info Series & E‑Publications
SAMENA Council produces the SAMENA ELITE journal and the FWA Info Series, offering strategic insights, market data, regulatory guides, and innovation trends to FWA stakeholders and members of the Club.
3:
ELITE FWA Club
The ELITE FWA Club, a key part of the initiative, brings together industry leaders, including Huawei, to discuss and promote FWA solutions. Launched in December 2023, this platform is the primary hub for Fixed Wireless Access (FWA) innovation, networking, and knowledge sharing. The Club includes working groups on Experience Management, Business Development, and Service Innovation, aimed at fostering ecosystem maturity and accelerating FWA deployments.
4:
Digital Transformation and Inclusion
The framework emphasizes the role of FWA in bridging the digital divide and enabling digital transformation across various sectors, including industry, business, and public services. A December 2023 SAMENA ELITE newsletter revealed that SAMENA launched a “universal broadband financing framework” in November 2023, aimed at supporting broadband infrastructure—especially FWA—in underserved areas
5:
Technology Provider Contribution
Huawei plays a significant role in developing and providing the technology infrastructure for FWA, including 5G and 5.5G solutions, as well as exploring innovations like Extremely Large Aperture Array (ELAA) Massive MIMO and multi-carrier aggregation.
6:
Ecosystem Development
The framework promotes collaboration among various stakeholders, including telecom operators, device manufacturers, and application developers, to foster a vibrant FWA ecosystem.
7:
Monetization and Business Models
The framework also explores new business models and service offerings that can be enabled by FWA technologies, leading to increased revenue generation for telecom operators.
8:
Addressing Technical Challenges
The initiative recognizes the need to address technical hurdles and enhance user experience to ensure the long-term viability of FWA.
In essence, the SAMENA FWA Innovation Framework is a strategic effort to drive the adoption of FWA technologies, particularly 5G and 5.5G, to facilitate digital transformation, bridge the digital divide, and unlock new economic opportunities. The Framework has allowed for:
Ecosystem-building via ELITE Club
– uniting telcos (e.g., stc, Omantel, Zain), regulators, AI/cloud vendors, and Huawei to define FWA roadmaps, standards, and commercial ecosystem readiness.
Techco‑1.0 transformation
– reimagining FWA as an AI-enabled service platform under the broader Techco framework (servitization, platformization, intelligentization).
Thresholding 10 Giga/Net 5.5G goals
– aligning FWA evolution with high-speed infrastructure priorities, advocating supportive regulation (e.g., spectrum allocation), and promoting IPv6.
This innovation framework continues to position FWA not merely as wireless connectivity but as a commercial, intelligent, ultra‑broadband service, deeply integrated into SAMENA Council’s digital‑economy roadmap.