Omantel launches 5G based innovative ICT solutions at drydock

Muscat: Omantel, the leading integrated telecom and ICT services provider in the Sultanate, in cooperation with Asyad Group, the Middle East's integrated logistics provider, announced the successful Proof of Concept trials to provide video surveillance ‘video as a service’ and high-speed internet for vessels docking at the drydock over 5G technology.

The trials are part of the existing cooperation between Asyad Group and Omantel to benefit from ICT solutions in streamlining the operation of Asyad Group companies. The Special Economic Zone at Duqm has been selected for these two trials as they play a key role in the economic diversification efforts in the Sultanate in addition to the presence of a large number of local and international companies that can benefit from such solutions.

Commenting on this, Eng. Baha Mohammed Redha Al Lawati, Vice President Enterprise Unit at Omantel said, “The Proof-of-Concept trials reflect our unparalleled technological capabilities and the key role played by Omantel as an enabler for digital transformation in the Sultanate. This will enable the adoption of innovative solutions to different challenges facing enterprises and the enhancement of video surveillance services, in addition to providing ultra-high internet speeds for ships docked at the dry dock. The trials also mark the first use of the 5G technology in providing smart video surveillance services and analytics in the Sultanate for enterprise customers.

"We are confident that such solutions can be rolled over to various sectors and industries in the Special Economic Zone in Duqm and the rest of the Sultanate which will help in overcoming different challenges facing various business sectors," he added.

Dr Sultan bin Zayed bin Muhammad Al Hinai, Acting Vice President of the Technology Support Unit at Asyad Group, said, “We are proud of this cooperation with Omantel and the positive results of the two trials. The 5G based services will undoubtedly contribute to enhancing the digital transformation within Asyad Group. This forms the first use of 5G technology in smart video surveillance and providing high-speed internet services for our clients and business partners from various international shipping companies who carry out their annual fleet and giant ships maintenance here.”

"The Proof-of-Concept trials are part of Asyad Group's efforts to benefit from new technologies to boost the group’s competitiveness globally and to provide practical solutions that enhance the quality of the services and offer an unmatched experience. This step will contribute to strengthening the drydock’s role in logistics and increase the efficiency of its services. The results, which exceeded expectations, reiterate the importance of the steps taken by Asyad Group towards digital transformation and deployment of state-of-the-art technologies across the Group.” he concluded.

5G is a key enabler for the adoption of the fourth industrial revolution (4IR) technologies such as the Internet of Things “IoT”, Artificial Intelligence, Blockchain and Big Data. In addition to the unparalleled data transfer speeds that 5G technology provides and offers ultra-low latency and instantaneous response to a higher number of connected devices. 5G is also expected to recolonise the services provided by many sectors, including education, health, transportation and entertainment, in addition to being an integral component of future smart cities.