The international satellite industry came together in a webinar on "Fostering New Generation of Satellite Technologies in Saudi Arabia"; organized by the Saudi telecom regulator the Communications and Information Technology Commission (CITC).
Satellite technologies markedly are among the most exciting innovations in the ICT sector and are now entering the mainstream. Commercially; they are ready to be considered alongside terrestrial technologies such as fiber; microwave; Wi-Fi and mobile; in order to drive global broadband adoption.
The webinar also follows the recent release of CITC's "spectrum outlook for commercial and innovative use"; which seeks to optimize the use of the spectrum in Saudi Arabia; namely enabling satellite technology; safeguarding satellite industry investments; and encouraging development in order to satisfy the Kingdom's demand for connectivity.
Dr. Mohammed Al-Otaibi; deputy governor for Radio Spectrum at CITC explained the rationale also behind the webinar; saying: :In our role as Saudi Arabia's digital regulator; we above all understand that satellite technologies are an integral part of the Kingdom's digital transformation.''
Al-Otaibi further emphasized the importance of emerging technologies in the satellite industry for areas with poor connectivity; noting: ''New LEO satellite technologies support providing broadband services through complementing existing terrestrial networks and connecting unconnected areas; with also a potential speed that can reach 100 Mbps with low latency''.
In addition to faster internet speeds; the new generation of satellite technologies will surprisingly improve broadband services in aircraft and ships; in order to enable the Internet of things services; and in order become part of the wireless networks of the future.
To emphsize aim of the sessions also featured discussions with several; high-profile international satellite service providers; including Laith Hamad; Director Government; and Regulatory Engagement at OneWeb; Omar Qaise; Founder & CEO of OQ Technologies; Zeina Mokaddem; VP at Inmarsat; Amy R. Mehlman; VP Government Affairs and Global Policy at VIASAT; Badr Alsuwaidan; VP & CTO at ARABSAT; also Mohaned Juwad; SM Spectrum Policy at INTELSAT.
