Herculean effort
Broadband supplier Umniah has announced Ericsson as its partner for the launch of its first phase of 5G technology deployment in the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan. Umniah will introduce 5G in the Kingdom in several phases and across several governorates. Ericsson will supply its 5G systems and expertise to build Umniah’s 5G network. In addition, Ericsson will run integration and support services for a 5G network catering for demand for immersive user experiences for individuals and enterprises in the Kingdom.
Jordan is a constitutional monarchy and a founding member of the Arab League and the Organisation of Islamic Co-operation. As an upper middle income economy with a skilled workforce it is attractive to foreign investors. Though known an historical treasure it has many modern enterprises. Its collective health expertise has made it a destination for medical tourism. The Internet of Things could hold the key to solving inherent challenges such as its water scarcity, lack of natural resources and logistical challenges in dealing with a large flow of refugees. Creative use of 5G supported systems could turn this regional turmoil into economic growth if the problems are conquered and the systems exported.
The agreement was signed by Samer Taha, Chief Financial Officer of Umniah, and Kevin Murphy, Vice President and Head of Ericsson Levant Countries and Country Manager of Ericsson Jordan, in the presence of senior members of Umniah and Ericsson. On obtaining the 5G and frequency licenses from the Telecommunications Regulatory Commission (TRC), Umniah started preparing the infrastructure for its 5G network in preparation for offering 5G in the Kingdom within the deadline set by the TRC.
Science and technology is the country’s fastest developing economic sector. This growth is occurring across multiple industries, especially nuclear technology. The Jordan Research and Training Reactor, which began working in 2016, is a 5 MW training reactor located at the Jordan University of Science and Technology in Ar Ramtha. The facility is the first nuclear reactor in the country and will provide Jordan with radioactive isotopes for medical usage and provide training to students to produce a skilled workforce for the country’s planned commercial nuclear reactors.