Latest news with #PetraSchirren
Gulf Business
11-07-2025
- Business
- Gulf Business
Ericsson Gulf chief outlines strategy for standalone 5G and AI integration
Petra Schirren, president of Ericsson Gulf at Ericsson Europe, Middle East and Africa Ericsson's Gulf operations are doubling down on advanced 5G deployments, Fixed Wireless Access (FWA), and sustainability-driven network innovation as the region accelerates its digital transformation agenda, according to Petra Schirren, president of Ericsson Gulf at Ericsson Europe, Middle East and Africa. Marking her first 100 days in the role, Schirren told Gulf Business that she has focused on meeting customers, stakeholders and regulatory bodies across the region to better understand the opportunities and challenges shaping the GCC's fast-evolving telecom landscape. 'Even though I've been in the industry for 25 years, every region has its own flavour. What's really exciting to see here… is the unison that operators, industries, and the government have around digitalisation, inclusion, and sustainability,' she said. One of the most defining characteristics of the Gulf, she noted, is the speed and scale of 5G rollout. 'They've taken a leap to really be at the forefront. They want to drive change—they don't just want to sit around and wait for it to happen,' said Schirren. According to Schirren pointed out that several operators in the region have already deployed 5G standalone (SA) networks, unlike many global peers. 'Only about 30% of the world outside of China has built standalone 5G. That's really where the capabilities of 5G get exposed—whether it's slicing, APIs or differentiated connectivity,' she said. Beyond consumer use cases, enterprises are playing a growing role in the 5G monetisation story. 'With 5G, we're moving away from just pure volume of data. It's now about differentiated connectivity—what can we do with the network, how can we prioritise traffic for emergency services, or design offerings for gamers, or set up a dedicated slice for a Formula 1 race or a concert,' she added. Schirren also highlighted FWA as a game-changing technology, especially for enterprise, logistics and port infrastructure in the GCC. 'If deployed with large spectrum, it can be better than fixed broadband in some cases. The performance of 5G now, especially with SA, allows us to do slicing for differentiated connectivity,' she said. From a policy perspective, the Gulf's regulatory environment has been key to enabling this momentum. 'Governments here have been very pragmatic. They've delivered spectrum early, avoided charging high upfront fees, and been clear that digital infrastructure is foundational to national visions. They're more leading than learning at this point,' she said. The region's telecom ambitions are also being supported by local talent development. In 2024, Ericsson launched initiatives such as the Gen-E Graduate Program in Bahrain and Oman, as well as Excelerate&, a 12-month programme in collaboration with e&, focused on 5G, cloud and data science for young Emiratis. Schirren confirmed that Ericsson is working closely with CSPs (Communications Service Providers) and ministries to bridge the digital divide. 'We always do audits and analysis of the network's performance to identify coverage holes and direct investments. It's not just about monetisation—it's about service for the nation,' she said. The push for AI-led networks is gaining traction too. 'We've built AI into most of our offerings—from self-learning algorithms in network products to automated business support tools and customer interaction models. The vision is to have an autonomous, programmable network that is faster, cheaper, and more efficient,' she said. Sustainability On sustainability, Ericsson has committed to halving total value chain emissions by 2030 and achieving Net Zero by 2040. 'We've always strived for every generation of products to deliver more with less,' said Schirren. 'We work closely with partners, and sustainability is now embedded in how we evaluate vendors and shape our business model.' Initiatives like the energy-saving software deployed with Batelco in Bahrain have already cut energy consumption by 30 per cent. Ericsson's product take-back programmes and monthly knowledge-sharing sessions further embed sustainability into its operations and partnerships. The company has also been recognised by Looking ahead, Schirren believes the region is well-positioned to become a global digital leader. 'We're extremely proud to play such a critical role when it comes to the vision of digitisation,' she said. 'We're already seeing real-world use cases like traffic management, connected recycling, and defence connectivity. Now it's about working with stakeholders to turn this vision into reality.'
TECHx
24-06-2025
- Business
- TECHx
Ericsson Reports 5G and FWA Growth in Gulf Region
Home » Smart Sectors » Telecom » Ericsson Reports 5G and FWA Growth in Gulf Region Ericsson has revealed new insights into 5G and Fixed Wireless Access (FWA) trends in the June 2025 edition of its Mobility Report. The company highlighted strong momentum in 5G adoption and FWA deployment across the Gulf region and globally. According to the report, global 5G subscriptions are expected to exceed 2.9 billion by the end of 2025. By 2030, 5G networks are projected to handle 80 percent of global mobile traffic. In the Gulf, 5G is forecast to represent 90 percent of all mobile subscriptions by 2030, reaching 86 million. Ericsson noted that demand for high-speed broadband alternatives and national smart city goals are driving strong FWA adoption. FWA is set to make up over 35 percent of new fixed broadband connections, growing to 350 million by the end of 2030. The report emphasized the role of 5G FWA in expanding broadband coverage in areas where wired infrastructure is not feasible. Ericsson also reported that 5G networks handled 35 percent of global mobile traffic by the end of 2024. This figure is expected to increase to more than 80 percent by 2030. In the Gulf, service providers are evolving from traditional telcos to digital service providers. This shift is being powered by technologies such as artificial intelligence, edge computing, cloud, and 5G. From 2024 to 2030, mobile subscriptions in GCC countries are projected to grow at an annual rate of 3 percent, reaching 95 million. By 2030, 5G will account for 90% of mobile subscriptions in the Gulf. FWA is helping close connectivity gaps and support smart city goals. Ericsson reported that CSPs are also exploring monetization opportunities through 5G Standalone (5G SA) and 5G Advanced. These enable new services based on quality and performance instead of just data volume. The report includes use cases for sectors such as gaming, live events, point-of-sale, VPNs, and media production. It also features a study on how Generative AI may impact mobile network traffic and a collaborative article with Sony. The article highlights how dynamic slicing and QoD APIs can enhance live media production over 5G. Petra Schirren, President of Ericsson Gulf at Ericsson Europe, Middle East and Africa, said the region is characterized by high 5G penetration and digital ambition. She noted that Gulf service providers are delivering customized experiences powered by advanced technologies like AI and FWA.
TECHx
05-05-2025
- Business
- TECHx
UAE Consumers Expect More from 5G Connectivity: Ericsson
Home » Smart Sectors » Telecom » UAE Consumers Expect More from 5G Connectivity: Ericsson A new report from Ericsson (NASDAQ: ERIC) reveals shifting consumer expectations around 5G connectivity in the UAE. The ConsumerLab report, titled 'Elevating 5G with Differentiated Connectivity,' outlines key trends and revenue opportunities for communication service providers (CSPs). The survey shows that one in three 5G users in the UAE no longer accept best-effort performance. Over 50% of users face connectivity issues in crowded locations. As a result, reliable coverage and sufficient capacity are becoming essential for customer satisfaction. Interest in premium 5G connectivity is also rising. About 44% of users are willing to pay more for better performance during critical tasks. Around 32% are likely to adopt these premium services early. Moreover, 22%—called 'assurance seekers'—actively look for elevated connectivity and are ready to pay for it. To tap into this demand, CSPs need targeted strategies. Segmenting users based on performance needs can help providers offer value-added services. The report also notes how Generative AI (GenAI) is changing usage behavior. About 22% of 5G users would pay 10% more for performance assurance, especially for latency- and uplink-sensitive apps like: GenAI tools and augmented reality Video calling and interactive services With more users adopting such apps, CSPs must prepare for increased traffic. The need for low latency and stronger uplink and downlink capacity is growing. There are also financial gains to consider. CSPs could increase average revenue per user (ARPU) by 5% to 14% through differentiated connectivity. New revenue could also come from offering quality-on-demand (QoD) APIs to app developers. However, alternative pricing models are key, as preferred by 24% of users. Petra Schirren, Vice President and Head of Ericsson Gulf, said, 'The latest Ericsson ConsumerLab report highlights a valuable opportunity for growth in the UAE's 5G network landscape. As AI-powered applications become more prevalent, users' expectations for enhanced connectivity are rising, and so is their willingness to pay for performance assurance.' The report is based on an online survey of over 1,100 people, including 1,000 active 5G users. Conducted in June and July 2024, the study reflects the views of more than 6 million smartphone users in the UAE, including over 3 million using 5G. The findings are part of Ericsson's ongoing research into global 5G markets since 2019.
Zawya
05-05-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Ericsson ConsumerLab highlights rising interest in differentiated connectivity among UAE consumers
22 percent of 5G users are willing to pay 10 percent more for performance assurance on latency- and uplink-sensitive apps. The report identifies revenue generation opportunities for communication service providers. A new Ericsson (NASDAQ: ERIC) ConsumerLab report titled 'Elevating 5G with Differentiated Connectivity' has revealed some unique insights and consumer trends related to 5G in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The report also identifies revenue generation opportunities for communication service providers (CSPs) in the 5G space. The report identifies four key trends shaping the UAE's 5G landscape: One in three 5G users in the country are no longer willing to accept best-effort 5G performance. The survey notes that satisfaction with 5G decreased as more than 50 percent of users face issues in high-traffic locations. Therefore, ensuring good 5G coverage in addition to sufficient capacity is essential for differentiated connectivity. The appetite for differentiated connectivity is growing. 44 percent of 5G users in the UAE are interested in paying for differentiated connectivity that guarantees better performance for critical tasks, and 32 percent are likely to be among its first adopters. Meanwhile, 22 percent of users, known as 'assurance seekers', actively seek elevated connectivity for critical applications and are happy to pay for it. To make the most of this trend, service providers must develop actionable segmentation strategies that identify key consumer groups. Generative AI (GenAI)is redefining the way people use 5G. The report shows that 22 percent of 5G users are willing to pay 10 percent more for performance assurance on latency and uplink-sensitive apps, such as those featuring GenAI, augmented reality (AR) and video calling, compared to established app categories. As the usage of these apps grows, CSPs must prepare for shifts in network traffic with rising demands on uplink and downlink capacity as well as low latency. Service providers could see an increase in consumer average revenue per unit (ARPU). Transitioning to differentiated connectivity has the potential to increase 5G consumer ARPU by 5 to 14 percent. CSPs also have the opportunity to unlock new revenue pools by exposing quality-on-demand (QoD) network application programming interfaces (APIs) to application service providers. However, capturing the full potential of differentiated connectivity will require CSPs to explore alternative payment models, as preferred by 24 percent of 5G users. Petra Schirren, Vice President and Head of Ericsson Gulf at Ericsson Europe, Middle East and Africa, says: 'The latest Ericsson ConsumerLab report highlights a valuable opportunity for growth in the UAE's 5G network landscape. As AI-powered applications become more prevalent, users' expectations for enhanced connectivity are rising, and so is their willingness to pay for performance assurance. We look forward to working with our partners in the country to leverage on the report's insights, drive positive change, and enhance the overall 5G experience for consumers through co-creating tailored connectivity experiences.' The Ericsson report is based on an online survey of more than 1,100 respondents across the UAE, including 1,000 active 5G users, conducted during June and July 2024. The research scope is reflective of the opinions of over 6 million smartphone owners in the country, including more than 3 million 5G users. The report is part of the comprehensive Ericsson Research series, which has monitored the evolution of the global 5G consumer market since 2019. ABOUT ERICSSON: Ericsson's high-performing, programmable networks provide connectivity for billions of people every day. For nearly 150 years, we've been pioneers in creating technology for communication. We offer mobile communication and connectivity solutions for service providers and enterprises.
TECHx
29-04-2025
- Business
- TECHx
Ooredoo Qatar Upgrades 5G Charging System with Ericsson
Home » Smart Sectors » Telecom » Ooredoo Qatar Upgrades 5G Charging System with Ericsson Ooredoo Qatar has partnered with Ericsson to modernize its charging system. The move strengthens their long-standing collaboration and supports the operator's digital goals in the 5G era. The upgrade uses Ericsson's Cloud Native Infrastructure (CNIS) and includes the latest version of Ericsson Charging. It also features the cloud-native Charging Access Function (CAF), which delivers a 3GPP-compliant 5G Charging Function (CHF). This will help Ooredoo Qatar monetize 5G standalone services while improving performance, security, and efficiency. The new platform supports advanced 5G use cases such as: Cloud gaming and HD video streaming Augmented and virtual reality (AR/VR) applications Thanks to this modernization, Ooredoo Qatar can enable high-speed, low-latency services. It also creates space for new business models and partnerships. Sheikh Ali bin Jabor Al Thani, CEO of Ooredoo Qatar, said the move marks a key step in their innovation journey. It supports customer experience and strengthens Ooredoo's position in the 5G market. Petra Schirren, Vice President at Ericsson Gulf, said the upgrade provides a future-ready platform that allows smooth monetization of 5G services. Ericsson has worked with Ooredoo Qatar since 2008. This latest development is another milestone in their efforts to drive digital transformation and network evolution.
