Page 12 - SAMENA Trends - June-July 2025

LEADERS' SUMMIT 2025 SAMENA TRENDS

Telecom Industry and Technology Evolution
A major focus of the Leaders’ Summit was the
telecom sector’s transformation into a broader
digital enabler. Conversations in the Telco to Techco
Forum revealed a growing consensus that operators
must go beyond connectivity and evolve into service
platforms that integrate cloud, AI, and localized
partnerships. This shift is being driven by changing
user expectations and the need to unlock new
value through applications, not just infrastructure.
In the business-focused discussions, operators
like Mobily and Salam KSA stressed the need for
new revenue models that link services to network
reinvestment and energy efficiency. Participants
discussed how business growth now depends on
diversifying digital offerings and becoming part of the
services ecosystem. Regulatory flexibility was also
emphasized, especially by Cyprus’ telecom authority,
who shared how the country is phasing out 3G while
preserving 2G for essential services.

Policy Implementation and Regional Investment
The Leaders’ Summit brought clear acknowledgment
that connectivity progress requires much more than
technology. It depends on intelligent use of technol-
ogies, harnessing network capabilities, harmonized
regulation across spectrum, taxation, trade, and
cloud services, as well as policies that reflect local
contexts. The call for regional alignment on these
objectives. Discussions centered around building energy-smart networks, issues was echoed throughout, especially in the
promoting green infrastructure design, and ensuring safe, scalable power Multi-TRA Roundtable hosted by TDRA. Regulators
solutions for the ICT sector, and promoting AI applications in the digital and industry leaders from across the region shared
energy infrastructure industry to drive industrial development. national approaches to spectrum policy, smart infra-
structure, and digital readiness. Bahrain and Turkey
In a special closed-door session, a preparatory G20-centric roundtable presented best practices on enabling infrastructure
brought together representatives from G20 and non-G20 countries, with access and municipal collaboration. Salam KSA
a particular focus on regional contributions and policy priorities ahead of made a case for revenue-sharing frameworks that
South Africa’s G20 presidency in November 2025. This special roundtable include contributions from digital platforms. Several

12 JUNE-JULY 2025