Nokia, a multinational telecommunications company, has highlighted the potential for 5G fixed wireless access (FWA) to transform the connectivity landscape and bring the benefits of high-speed to more people in the Middle East and Africa (MEA) region.
FWA refers to using 5G wireless technology to provide high-speed broadband connectivity to households and businesses not connected to fixed-line networks. In a recent MEA Mobile Broadband Index report, Nokia noted that the MEA region is home to many underserved households and businesses that could benefit from 5G FWA. The report also highlighted the potential for 5G FWA to provide high-speed broadband connectivity to remote and rural areas, where laying fixed-line networks may not be feasible or cost-effective.
Nokia has been working with several operators in the MEA region to deploy 5G FWA networks. In Saudi Arabia, Nokia partnered with Mobily to launch the country’s first 5G FWA network in 2020. The network has provided high-speed broadband connectivity to households and businesses in underserved areas.
Nokia has also been working with other regional operators, including Zain Kuwait, Orange Egypt, and Vodacom South Africa, to deploy 5G FWA networks. These deployments have helped to bridge the digital divide in the region and provide high-speed broadband connectivity to more people.