Just when industry experts thought technological evolution couldn’t get any more radical, persistent, and capricious, 2024 delivered a year that encompassed it all; from volatile challenges and new opportunities to enhanced collaborative arenas and surprising breakthroughs.
2024 Connectivity Roundup
In terms of internet speed, Statista insights indicate that the United Arab Emirates (UAE) led the world in fixed broadband speeds in 2024, with an impressive average of 297.62 Mbps. Singapore ranked second at 297.57 Mbps, while Hong Kong rounded out the top three.
According to the GSMA, as of 2024, 68% of the global population, or 5.5 billion people, use the internet. The Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) leads with 92% internet penetration, followed by Europe at 91%, while Africa has the lowest rate at 38%. Mobile internet adoption has grown, with 57% of the world’s population using the internet. Mobile broadband now covers 96% of the global population, leaving 350 million people without coverage, mostly in rural and low-income areas. In 2024, 80% of mobile internet users accessed the internet via 4G or 5G smartphones, though many still rely on older devices in some regions.
5G-Advanced: The Inaugural Year
The inaugural year of 5G-Advanced marked a transformative leap toward a Mobile AI era, setting new standards for network performance and innovation. Central to this progress was the adoption of intelligent packet core technology, which enabled faster, smarter, and more efficient network operations. Key milestones included Nokia’s achievement of the world’s first immersive voice and audio call, Ooredoo Kuwait’s breakthrough with mmWave technology, and du’s remarkable 70% boost in uplink performance—the first-of-its-kind in the MEA region. With industry leaders such as Huawei, stc Group, and Ericsson pioneering advancements like automated RRP, 5G-Advanced is reshaping connectivity across the Middle East and beyond.
Collaboration and innovation have driven the rollout of 5G-Advanced, with du and Nokia accelerating its regional performance and Huawei and du achieving key milestones in network deployment. Insights from Telecom Review’s virtual panel highlighted the dynamics of this next-gen technology, underlining its role in creating intelligent, high-capacity networks. As GCC countries aim for the highest global 5G penetration by 2030, 5G-Advanced is laying a robust foundation for a hyperconnected future, unlocking new possibilities for industries, consumers, and AI-driven applications.
5.5G Leads the Mobile AI Era
Similarly, the advent of 5.5G technology is propelling the Mobile AI era, where intelligence is poised to become a universal service accessible anytime, anywhere. At the Global MBB Forum 2024, Huawei's Corporate Senior Vice President, Li Peng, emphasized how AI is revolutionizing every facet of life and work, positioning the mobile industry as a key enabler. Huawei reinforced its leadership by launching 5G-AA solutions and AI-driven F5.5G all-optical networks, while its 5.5G microwave technology achieved breakthroughs in reliability and deployment flexibility. Ooredoo Oman and Vodafone Qatar showcased impressive milestones, with 5.5G achieving unprecedented network speeds of over 10 Gbps, underscoring the transformative potential of this technology.
5.5G is also driving the convergence of AI and mobile networks, creating new growth opportunities and reshaping industries. Telecom leaders like Zain KSA and Nokia are pioneering advancements in 5G Cloud RAN solutions, while China Unicom Guangdong is leveraging 5.5G, AI, and U-Joy Cities 3.0 for smart innovation. As highlighted at the Global MBBF 2024, 5.5G’s industrial dividends extend beyond connectivity, enabling ubiquitous AI and intelligent RAN solutions and paving the way for a future of hyper-intelligent networks that integrate seamlessly across scenarios and industries.
AI: Regional Regulation, Acts, and Advancement
Europe
Recent advancements in the EU’s artificial intelligence (AI) scene highlight its dedication to leading in AI regulation. The EU AI Act, which took effect in August, 2024, is a thorough legislative framework designed to oversee AI systems across member states. One standout feature of the EU AI Act is its emphasis on fostering public trust by ensuring AI systems operate ethically and comply with existing EU laws, including the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). Poland leads in implementing the EU AI Act, with a dedicated national law and a focus on cybersecurity and digital innovation under its EU Council presidency, as emphasized by Dr. Lidia Stępińska-Ustasiak, President and Co-Founder of Polistratos Institute.
Europe has also drafted the world’s first global AI agreement, a treaty that aims to unify global efforts regarding ethical AI usage, setting the stage for broader multilateral collaboration. Furthermore, the EU’s Next Generation Internet (NGI) initiative will focus on creating a human-centered internet.
Asia
In Asia, Japanese Prime Minister, Fumio Kishida, has emerged as a key advocate for global AI regulation. His government is spearheading efforts to create a cohesive international framework for the responsible use of generative AI (GenAI) technologies, highlighting Japan’s commitment to addressing the ethical and societal challenges posed by AI on a global scale.
Meanwhile, in an exclusive interview with Telecom Review, Lintasarta CEO, Bayu Hanantasena, emphasized the need for industry-specific policies, stating, “There are general principles that many countries have agreed upon for responsible AI use, but specific regulations may differ based on cultural, religious, and social norms.”
Additionally, the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) has made AI a cornerstone of its agenda for the upcoming World Telecommunication Standardization Assembly (WTSA-24). Similarly, Dr. Bilel Jamoussi, Deputy Director, TSB, noted, “One of our key objectives is to appoint new leadership teams for our study groups. These groups will develop standards in critical areas such as AI, the metaverse, digital identity, and digital infrastructure.” Singapore is also making strides, with Singtel collaborating with the GSMA and other global telcos to establish a maturity roadmap for responsible AI implementation, positioning the region as a hub for AI governance.
Americas
In the Americas, Chile, Brazil, and Uruguay are leading the charge in Latin America’s AI adoption. Meanwhile, North America has witnessed groundbreaking bilateral cooperation between the UK and Canada, whereby a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed in Ottawa. This agreement underscores a shared commitment to advancing AI capabilities and fostering collaborative research across borders.
Seeing Double: Digital Twins
Digital twin technology (DTT) is reshaping industries by enabling predictive insights and operational efficiency through virtual replicas of physical systems. In the Middle East, the UAE is leveraging 5G and DTT to accelerate smart city developments and establish the metaverse. Saudi Arabia’s ambitious NEOM project has integrated digital twins with 5G to drive AI-powered command centers, virtual cityscapes, and sustainable urban living. Enhanced mobile broadband (eMBB) is central to these efforts, catering to data-intensive applications across consumer and enterprise digital twins.
Asia is witnessing significant strides in DTT adoption. AIS Thailand and Huawei are advancing intelligent wireless innovation, while NTT has announced the launch of NTT AI-CIX, shifting from linking digital twins within individual businesses to applying chained AI across industries. This approach is expected to accelerate inter-industry business development. Meanwhile, DOCOMO and NTT Com. are exploring the capabilities of DOCOMO’s new multi-platform cloud-rendering technology for seamless digital twin integration. In Malaysia, CelcomDigi's Innovation Center is collaborating with ZTE to implement cutting-edge solutions, such as the Digital Twin, Natural Navigated 5G Automated Guided Vehicle (AGV), and Smart Helmet, to reinvent smart manufacturing and warehousing.
In the telecommunications sector, Huawei is leveraging digital twins alongside AI foundation models to automate fault detection and improve diagnostics through its Premium Broadband solution. In a topical Telecom Review webinar, Nokia’s Abhay Savargaonkar outlined how Nokia is using DTT for intent-based network management, enabling real-time threat prediction, software upgrades, and virtual network testing to simplify complex operations.
In aerospace, advancements such as 3D printing, combined with digital twins, are optimizing satellite design, paving the way for next-generation satellite solutions, and enhancing overall technological innovation.
D2D Connectivity
The demand for direct-to-device (D2D) connectivity in 2024 was driven by the increasing desire for seamless broadband, voice, and data services. Leveraging advancements in 5G and non-terrestrial networks (NTN), D2D eliminates the need for costly ground infrastructure or specialized user terminals, enabling low-latency communication directly to devices. Key players like Viasat and BSNL have demonstrated the potential of D2D through India's first satellite-enabled, direct-to-device service, while Skylo’s non-terrestrial network is powering Verizon’s commercial satellite messaging services, expanding connectivity to remote areas.
The integration of low Earth orbit (LEO) and geostationary (GEO) satellites is further advancing D2D capabilities, offering affordable and efficient solutions for underserved regions. Netcracker’s Digital Satellite Solution is capitalizing on this trend by providing scalable tools for satellite network operations, while AALTO’s Zephyr aims to revolutionize global connectivity. As testing of LEO satellite technology intensifies, D2D promises to redefine communication standards, bridging the digital divide and setting the stage for ubiquitous 5G NTN integration.
DAS: A Gold-Medal Winner
Distributed antenna systems (DAS) have been instrumental in ensuring seamless connectivity during major global events in 2024. At the Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games, Orange deployed extensive DAS infrastructure to manage immense data traffic generated by spectators, athletes, and media, ensuring uninterrupted communication throughout the venues. Similarly, during the America’s Cup, advanced DAS solutions provided reliable connectivity for live broadcasts and real-time data analytics, enhancing both operational efficiency and spectator experience. Ericsson’s Enterprise 5G strategy also highlights the growing demand for DAS in dense environments, with Manish Tiwari, Ericsson’s Head of Private Cellular Networks, Enterprise Wireless Solutions, emphasizing that traditional systems like Wi-Fi often fall short of the technical demands required at such high-profile events.
The FIFA World Cup 2024 further benefited from significant DAS deployments. Levi’s Stadium introduced a new 5G DAS, providing robust wireless coverage for fans to share their experiences and access digital services without interruption. Additionally, the Asia-Pacific tower and small cell market saw a rise in small cells and DAS adoption, which now account for 37.8% of deployments. This trend reflects the industry’s adaptability to technological demands, particularly in dense urban and event-focused areas.
DAS advancements enable higher reliability, capacity, and low-latency connectivity, meeting enterprises’ increasing automation needs and ensuring similar global events are technologically seamless. Contrastingly, through a strategic collaboration with Nokia and AGC Glass Europe, Zain KSA is currently testing ‘WAVE by AGC’ transparent glass technology in Jeddah to enhance the delivery of indoor 5G coverage in real-world conditions, mitigating the need for intrusive equipment, such as traditional DAS and smart micro-outdoor solutions.
Unexpected Industry Impacts
In 2024, the ICT industry faced a series of unanticipated disruptions, highlighting vulnerabilities in infrastructure, security, and policy. The CrowdStrike-Microsoft outage exposed the overreliance on cloud services, emphasizing the critical need for robust cybersecurity frameworks. This global internet outage halted operations across industries, underscoring the fragility of interconnected networks. Geopolitical tensions in the Asia Pacific disrupted telecom infrastructure projects, while China’s telecom strategy was thrust into the spotlight amid supply chain challenges. In Bangladesh, violent student protests over a new jobs quota system led to an internet blackout, showcasing how social unrest can directly impact digital connectivity. Similarly, the Sahel region grappled with political instability, which threatened telecom infrastructure and investment, catalyzing the need for innovative connectivity solutions in remote areas.
Security threats also surged, with GPS spoofing emerging as a risk for airline systems and A2P SMS fraud targeting telecom networks in Burkina Faso, Libya, and Tanzania. In Ethiopia’s conflict-affected Tigray region, Safaricom began 4G network expansion amidst extensive infrastructure damage resulting from over a year of conflict. Sudan’s telecommunications sector faced similar struggles, with targeted attacks on facilities and satellite internet restrictions.
On the regulatory front, the UAE approved an AI policy, cementing its position as a tech leader, while TDRA and MECA stakeholders advanced ICT policies and cybersecurity standards. Globally, ITU members reached agreements on AI and metaverse standards, even as countries like the Philippines faced policy hurdles in broadband expansion. Facilitating the discourse on ICT standardization, business, and regulatory perspectives, this year, Telecom Review hosted the ITU CxO meeting for the sixth consecutive year.
6G Stepping-Stones
A new era of advanced connectivity is taking shape: 35 cities and regions have collaborated to launch 5G-A networks, setting the stage for future innovations. At the forefront of these developments, the UAE has emerged as a key player, with the TDRA leading efforts to secure spectrum allocation for 6G. During the 18th edition of the Telecom Review Leaders’ Summit, Eng. Tariq Al Awadhi, Executive Director of Spectrum Affairs at the TDRA, emphasized the importance of effective spectrum management, noting that it is the backbone of the nation’s 6G and ICT future. The TDRA’s commitment to pioneering 6G services before 2030 is a testament to the UAE’s ambition to lead in cutting-edge technologies.
The next frontier will build on the successes of 5G, and companies like e& UAE are already enhancing their 5G-A capabilities, aiming to offer robust solutions to both consumers and enterprises. Similarly, Detecon’s Konstantinos Pentikousis highlighted that frequency bands such as cm-wave and sub-terahertz are crucial for complementing 5G, and are being explored due to their potential in facilitating the establishment of 6G networks, which will drastically improve data rates and latency. In parallel, AIS is leading the charge towards a 6G-ready future, focusing on next-generation technologies, and laying the groundwork for seamless connectivity. On the global stage, the US and Sweden have united in their efforts to foster 6G innovation, collaborating to explore and develop cutting-edge solutions that will define the next generation of mobile networks, further accelerating the global transition to 6G and beyond.
The shift to 6G will also revolutionize satellite communications. Innovations in low Earth orbit (LEO) satellites are enhancing connectivity, with companies like du shaping the policies and infrastructure necessary to support 6G technologies. Likewise, NTT DOCOMO and its partners in Japan have conducted the country’s first AI-powered 6G indoor test, bringing artificial intelligence into the realm of connectivity to optimize performance and network management.
In the corporate arena, global collaborations are making strides toward 6G. In South Korea, KT and LG have partnered to drive developments in full-duplex technology, while China has already launched its first 6G test network, utilizing 4G infrastructure as a stepping stone. This marks the beginning of a more integrated and efficient 6G ecosystem. Meanwhile, in an exclusive interview with Telecom Review, Ericsson’s Börje Ekholm noted that the, “architecture of 5G is cloud-based, very akin to what we anticipate for 6G,” as both technologies share fundamental structural similarities.
The sustainability aspect of 6G is another significant factor. Nokia is spearheading the SUSTAIN-6G initiative, which focuses on ensuring that 6G technologies are not only advanced but also environmentally responsible. As Huawei’s Dr. Tong Wen pointed out, real innovation will be key to reshaping the mobile industry, with 6G offering the potential for groundbreaking improvements in efficiency, sustainability, and connectivity.
Trends to Watch in 2025
As we move into 2025, several key ICT trends are poised to redefine the technological landscape. Ubiquitous networks will expand connectivity, supporting the intelligent world and driving industrial intelligence across sectors.
The convergence of IT and OT systems will continue to grow, though this integration expands cyberattack surfaces, highlighting the critical need for enhanced cybersecurity, particularly for manufacturers. Streaming telemetry will provide near-real-time insights into network performance, enabling proactive management and optimization.
Additionally, the rise of AICT companies, which combine artificial intelligence with communication technologies, will fuel new innovations. The advent of synchronous digital hierarchy (SDH) will streamline high-speed data transmission, while commercialized 5G private line scenarios will offer secure, dedicated network solutions for enterprises.
These trends signal a dynamic and interconnected future where innovation and security are inextricably linked.
