Bahrain 'on track to roll out 5G networks next month’
Source：gdnonline.com
From：Taiwan Trade Center Kuwait
Update Time：2019/07/17
Bahrain is on track to roll out 5G networks next month, according to a government minister.
Housing Minister Bassem Al Hamer said it would prove essential in the adoption of smart city technology, which he described as a necessary requirement for the future of urban communities.
Both VIVA Bahrain and Batelco are launching 5G networks.
Mr Al Hamer told a panel at the first session of the UN-Habitat Assembly, which concludes today in Kenya, that he hoped smart city innovation would result in more interaction between the government and individuals.
“It is possible to use monitoring devices to collect data and information, such as traffic congestion, temperature, air quality, the efficiency of electricity, water and other networks – which then can be analysed by artificial intelligence,” said Mr Al Hamer during the event at the UN-Habitat headquarters, in Nairobi.
“It will be an essential element in the quality and efficiency of services, and therefore countries can achieve development goals that focus on sustainable cities.
“Many countries in the world are currently connecting cities with 5G technology, which maximises the possibilities and raises the efficiency of the use of these technologies – and enhances efficiency and capabilities of the infrastructure.
“(5G) has become essential and represents one of the key components of smart cities.
“Bahrain will begin to implement it next month.”
Successful commercial trials for 5G technology were held in June last year.
VIVA has partnered with Chinese telecom giant Huawei to set up its network, while Batelco is working with Swedish company Ericsson.
In February VIVA said its network was already completed and enabled.
The following month Batelco announced its 5G deployment would happen in phases in key locations.
5G technology will enable customers to enjoy super-fast Internet and smart technologies driven by the Internet of Things (IoT), as well as virtual reality, ultimate real-time gaming and 3D 8K video.
It also provides a platform for artificial intelligence and connected cars.
Source:https://www.gdnonline.com