Page 29 - SAMENA Trends - June-July 2025

REGIONAL & MEMBERS UPDATES SAMENA TRENDS

e& UAE Pioneers World’s First High-Density XGS-PON Technology

e& UAE has announced the successful Acting Chief Technology and Information leveraging advanced high-density XGS-
deployment of the world’s first 32-ports Officer, e& UAE, said: “The introduction PON technology, e& UAE minimizes energy
high-density XGS-PON (10 Gigabit of our high density XGS-PON solution use and operational waste, contributing to
Symmetrical Passive Optical Network) marks a transformative step in the UAE’s the UAE’s broader vision for a sustainable
solution, which offers the highest density broadband evolution, combining speed with digital economy. In 2023, e& pledged to
in industry, marking a major milestone in sustainability. This milestone underscores achieve net-zero carbon emissions (Scope
the evolution of fiber broadband (FBB) our commitment to network excellence 1 and 2) across its own operations in all
services in the UAE. This cutting-edge and offering world-class customer markets by 2040, accelerating efforts
technology will enable e& UAE to deliver experiences, fully aligned with our broader to combat climate change through
ultra-high-speed, low-latency connectivity sustainability targets. As we pioneer next- innovation. e& UAE continues to invest in
to customers while significantly optimizing generation connectivity, we do so with next-generation infrastructure, ensuring the
space and power efficiency, supporting both a clear focus on responsible innovation nation remains at the forefront of global
the UAE’s sustainability agenda and e&’s and purposeful digital progress.” e& UAE’s connectivity. The high-density XGS-PON
commitment to achieving net-zero carbon deployment underscores its commitment rollout is a critical step in building a smarter,
emissions by 2040. Marwan Bin Shakar, to environmental responsibility. By greener, and more connected future for all.

e& and 4iG Group Partner to Advance Cross-Regional Digital Infrastructure

e& and 4iG Group, the leading provider of interconnection between the Middle East, the Western Balkans, the partnership
integrated telecommunications services North Africa, and Europe. The preliminary lays the groundwork for scalable digital
in Hungary and the Western Balkans, scope also includes a jointly developed infrastructure projects and increased
have signed a strategic Memorandum data center in Albania to support subsea cross-border collaboration. This agreement
of Understanding (MoU) to explore data traffic, and the potential development is part of a broader set of strategic
collaboration across key areas of digital of other digital infrastructure in Hungary MoUs signed by 4iG Group with leading
infrastructure. Hatem Dowidar, Group Chief via e& PPF Telecom. Furthermore, the UAE entities, including EDGE Group and
Executive Officer, e&, said: “Our strategic partnership will aim to cooperate on Mubadala Investment Company. Together,
partnership with 4iG is an important step planning, implementation and operation of these partnerships reflect a shared
in strengthening cross-regional digital Subsea cable projects connecting primarily ambition to deepen economic ties between
infrastructure that supports economic Middle East, North Africa and Europe. This Hungary and the UAE, while advancing
growth, resilience, and innovation. Rooted will support the digital needs of tens of cooperation in priority sectors such as
in purposeful innovation and a belief in the millions in the region, supporting global digital infrastructure, defence technologies,
power of infrastructure to unlock human trade and economic development. By and strategic investments. This also
potential, we see this collaboration as a combining e&’s global expertise in telecom sets the path for future trade alliances:
platform for long-term projects that bridge infrastructure and network development flexible, strategic, and built on common
continents, empower communities, and with 4iG’s regional leadership and decades pillars of sustainable development,
accelerate inclusive digital transformation of experience in transit networks across innovation, and economic cooperation.
across the Middle East, North Africa, and
Europe.” Gellért Jászai, Chairman, 4iG
Group, said: “Partnering with e& opens
new avenues for collaboration across
fast-growing digital corridors that link
Europe with the Middle East and Africa. By
combining our regional strength with e&’s
global reach, we are building a strategic
alliance focused on unlocking long-term
value through innovation, infrastructure
development, and shared investment
opportunities.” The MoU sets the
framework for future cooperation between
e& and 4iG in the planning, development,
and operation of advanced connectivity and
data infrastructure. This includes potential
joint initiatives in subsea and terrestrial
networks, large-scale data centers, and
other strategic projects that enhance digital
29 JUNE-JULY 2025