Interview: Sheikh Ali Bin Jabor Al Thani
In what ways are upgrades to the 5G network expected to improve costumer experience?
SHEIKH ALI BIN JABOR AL THANI: Key capabilities of 5G include higher download speeds and ultra-low latency. These improve overall customer satisfaction, especially for streaming services, as reduced buffering allows for smoother content delivery. The benefits of ultra-low latency extend beyond entertainment to applications in the e-sports space, virtual reality (VR) and sensor-driven use cases. During the 2022 FIFA World Cup, we showcased immersive experiences with VR proof-of-concepts. We are exploring opportunities to scale these up in relevant industries, such as mobile cloud gaming.
Network slicing for 5G is driving business-to-business (B2B) solutions in manufacturing, oil and gas, and logistics. These leverage security, flexibility and enhanced service level agreements. Additionally, 5G’s efficiency in internet of things deployment enables customised solutions like the smart metering and real-time crowd control management deployed during the World Cup.
What opportunities can be unlocked by 50 GB-capable passive optical networks (50G PON)?
SHEIKH ALI: The introduction of 50G PON connectivity delivers speeds of up to 50 Gbps on a single connection. In Qatar, next-generation fibre optic networks not only enhance bandwidth, but also provide full-service support, low latency and intelligence. This serves a range of scenarios, including homes, government offices, enterprises, business and industrial campuses, and backhaul capabilities for telecoms companies.
This innovation paves the way for high-bandwidth, latency-sensitive applications, including videos, online collaboration and coordination solutions, 3D cloud design, high-quality artificial intelligence applications and more. Initial deployment in Qatar will focus on B2B customers and high-speed connectivity areas, with plans to extend 50G PON connectivity to consumers for applications such as 8K content and VR gaming.
To what extent does investment planning help to support evolving market trends?
SHEIKH ALI: Capital expenditure is currently dedicated to bolstering both mobile and fixed network coverage and capacity across the country. Given the continual evolution and development of new geographic areas within Qatar, the focus is on ensuring optimal connectivity in these emerging regions. The exponential growth in data consumption – fuelled by faster networks, devices and applications – has been a significant factor. Our investment strategy extends beyond data transmission to include the storage of data and content.
How can Qatar encourage the formation of local start-ups in the telecoms industry?
SHEIKH ALI: The ICT sector contributes an average of 2.7% to Qatar’s non-hydrocarbon real GDP annually, and this share has been growing. From a supply perspective, the telecoms segment is mature and dominated by key players instrumental in building mobile and fixed broadband infrastructure, data centres and cloud connectivity. Substantial investment has helped expand data centre capacity, enhance local and international connectivity, and drive digital content localisation.
While telecoms and infrastructure companies lead in capital expenditure on the supply side, challenges arise on the demand side. ICT companies often highlight limited access to funding as a key hurdle, necessitating improvements in terms of requirements, cost and equity investment. Small and medium-sized enterprises, in particular, face difficulties in securing commercial loans, and the venture capital landscape for start-ups, despite growth, remains less developed compared to regional counterparts. Access to talent is another crucial factor. While junior local talent is available, a significant portion of senior professionals is sourced from expatriate labour. To address these challenges, there is a need for capacity building within the local market, with the active participation of industry players.
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