Page 83 - SAMENA Trends - May 2025

REGULATORY & POLICY UPDATES SAMENA TRENDS

Boeing, NSG, SEAKR, PwC, BEA Systems, LEONARDO). The necessity for intensive efforts to unify technical standards and
roundtable aimed to discuss the unification of technical standards coordinate the frequency spectrum to build an attractive investment
in Space communications and enhance international collaboration climate in the Space communications sector, as well as its role
in the sector, as well as provide an effective international in enhancing integration between active entities at both local and
platform to discuss challenges and opportunities associated with international levels, promoting market entry opportunities for
expanding the use of these technologies. It also aimed to foster interested parties, and adopting technical systems with compatible
innovation and create an integrated system that encourages specifications and standards, which will lead to reducing capital
investment and technological advancement in this critical field, and operational costs. This roundtable is part of CST's continuous
in addition to strengthen regulatory in the space sector and unify efforts to strengthen Saudi Arabia's position and global leadership
the global perspectives. H.E. the Governor of CST, Dr. Mohammad in Space communications, aligning with Saudi Vision 2030's goals
bin Saud Altamimi, opened the session by indicating to the rapid of enhancing the role of modern technologies in economic growth
development of Space communications technologies and the and social development. (April 8, 2025) new.cst.gov.sa

Syria

Minister of Communications and Technology Abdul Salam Haykal advancements, despite challenges such as funding shortages and
discussed with Saudi Ambassador in Damascus, Dr. Faisal al-Mujfel, infrastructure limitations. In turn, Saudi Ambassador Dr. Faisal
ways to enhance joint cooperation in the telecommunications and al-Mujfel hailed the deep historical ties binding Syria and Saudi
information technology sector. The talks are part of efforts to Arabia. He affirmed his country’s readiness to provide technical
support the reconstruction process. Minister Abdul Salam Haykal support and share its expertise in the telecommunications sector
emphasized during a meeting at the ministry, the vital role of the to assist Syria, including the formation of joint task forces to
telecommunications sector in improving citizens’ living conditions implement projects.
and driving economic development. He highlighted the ministry’s (May 6, 2025) www.sana.sy
plans to enhance digital infrastructure and keep pace with global

Tunisia

Tunisia has been ranked 79 globally and 4 in Africa in the newly Tunisian authorities are looking into opening the 3.3–3.4 GHz
th
th
released Digital Evolution Index 2025 by the Fletcher School’s frequency band for private 5G networks. The goal is to let
Institute for Business in the Global Context. The study evaluates businesses set up their own networks for specific industrial or
125 countries, covering 92% of the world’s population, across four commercial needs. The National Frequencies Agency (ANF) has
key pillars: institutional environment, demand conditions, supply launched a public consultation, to gather input from stakeholders.
conditions, and innovation/adaptation capacity. Mauritius leads The ANF says this frequency band offers a good balance between
Africa in the rankings, securing 62nd place globally with a score coverage and speed. It supports data rates up to several gigabits
of 52.31 points. South Africa follows in 66th place with 50.11 per second—enough for demanding industrial uses. “5G in Tunisia
points, and Botswana is ranked 76th with 45.33 points. After isn’t just about faster internet,” the agency said in its consultation
Tunisia, Kenya rounds out the African top 5 with a score of 41.48, paper. “There’s growing interest in private networks across
ranking 84th globally. Other African nations in the top 10 include different sectors. The private 5G market offers big opportunities
Morocco (87th), Egypt (91st), Namibia (94th), Algeria (96th), and for businesses and is expected to grow quickly in the coming
Senegal (97th), with scores ranging from 40.64 to 34.70. Despite years, driven by demand for high-quality, low-latency connections.”
the progress, the report highlights a significant digital divide, with But there’s a hurdle. In Tunisia and other North African countries,
North America and Europe leading the rankings, while Africa and the 3.3–3.4 GHz band is still used by European military radars,
the Middle East continue to face challenges in digital development. especially along the coast and on ships. To avoid interference,
The United States takes the top spot globally with a perfect score the International Telecommunication Union recommends using
of 100, followed by Singapore (96.72), Finland (89.20), Denmark mitigation techniques and safeguards to allow telecoms and
(88.55), and Sweden (88.24), all praised for their advanced digital defense systems to operate side by side.
ecosystems and innovation capabilities. The overall score is (April 7, 2025) www.ecofinagency.com
derived from 184 indicators, which are grouped into the four main
pillars and rated on a scale from 0 to 10, providing a final score
from 0 to 100. (May 9, 2025) www.meatechwatch.com

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