Progress in ICT industry policy and cybersecurity standards drive MENA and Central Asia toward an intelligent era

Telecom networks are an integral backbone of the digital infrastructure that powers our economies today. They’re the driving force behind every industry’s digital transformation, connecting businesses, people, and information like never before.

The rapid proliferation of connected devices and increasing reliance on digital services have underscored the need for comprehensive cybersecurity measures and industry-wide standards to mitigate risks and protect users’ data privacy. Robust cybersecurity frameworks built on globally recognized standards are critical to safeguard the very foundation of our digital economy, ensuring that innovation can thrive in a secure and trusted environment.

Moreover, the deployment of next-generation networks such as 5G and fiber-optic infrastructure requires significant investment and coordinated efforts from governments, regulators, and telecom operators. Spectrum allocation policies play a pivotal role in enabling the efficient rollout of these networks, ensuring operators have access to the necessary resources to deliver high-quality services to consumers and businesses alike. Governments must, therefore, strike a balance between promoting competition, encouraging investment, and safeguarding the public interest when formulating spectrum policies.

Recently, MENA and Central Asian telecoms stakeholders came together at a roundtable during MWC Shanghai 2024, the leading connectivity event in Asia Pacific. The session, ‘Middle East and Central Asia ICT Policy and Governance Forum’, was moderated by the GSMA, bringing together regulators and operators from the Middle East and North Africa (MENA), and Central Asia. The stakeholders included senior officials from the China Academy of Information and Communications Technology and Huawei to discuss industry policies, successful practices, and valuable insights on key industry trends.

Themed “Driving Policy and Innovation to Shape Our Digital Future,” the forum discussed the importance of spectrum, optical, and datacom policy planning. It also explored how carriers, enterprises, oversight agencies, and regulators can enhance mobile security capabilities and provide guidance for risk management strategies.

Mr. Jeff Wang, President of the Public Affairs and Communications Department, Huawei, said: “To fully reap digital dividends, we need to pay more attention to enhancing connectivity, embracing digital application, and empowering digital talent.”

The forum round table discussion featured two sessions focused on policy implementation and cybersecurity. The ICT Policy Implementation session explored spectrum planning for 5G and 5G-A networks, universal service funds (USF), and policies to promote mobile connectivity in rural areas, strengthening regulation of mobile and fixed networks to improve digital economy foundations. Based on their specific needs and achievements in these areas, the session provided recommendations for various countries, such as UAE, Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, and Iraq.

More than 50 countries globally are investing in super-fast optical fiber networks and Giga broadband to handle the network demands from future technologies like AR/VR and high-definition streaming. This digital upgrade is crucial to support the development of the regional ICT industry while ensuring a smooth user experience. Operators in MENA especially need to improve their optical fiber networks to provide homes and offices with the speed and stability for these advancements.

These developments can help address the barriers in the journey towards a fully connected, intelligent world. One of these is bridging the digital divide and ensuring universal access to connectivity. As digital services become increasingly essential for education, healthcare, and economic opportunities, policymakers must prioritize initiatives extending network coverage to underserved areas and making connectivity affordable. This may involve establishing universal service funds, public-private partnerships, and targeted subsidies to incentivize operators to invest in rural and remote regions.

Furthermore, the convergence of telecommunications with other sectors, such as healthcare, education, and transportation, necessitates a holistic approach to policy development. Regulators must foster cross-sector collaboration and create an enabling environment for developing innovative digital solutions that address societal challenges. This requires a forward-looking, flexible regulatory framework that encourages experimentation, promotes interoperability, and protects consumers’ rights.

The meeting further sought to promote the adoption of GSMA’s Network Equipment Security Assurance Scheme (NESAS) and Mobile Cybersecurity Knowledge Base (MCKB). Attendees also reviewed industry policies and best practices, with examples from China’s successful use cases. Mr. Aloysius Cheang, Chief Security Officer, Huawei Middle East and Central Asia, reiterated Huawei’s proactive approach to telecom cybersecurity standardization.

Cheang said, “As we chart our journey into the digital future, cybersecurity must safeguard the trust and resiliency of the network, the cyberspace, and the metaverse where data is the new oil as organizations’ assets are increasingly digitalized or virtualized. We must ensure that we continue to embrace the culture of openness, transparency, and collaboration. Cybersecurity is a team sport, and together with GSMA, we can leverage their good work, such as NESAS and MCKB, that will lay the foundation to secure broadband, 5G, 5G-A, and beyond.”

Mr. Jawad Abassi, Head of MENA at GSMA, who moderated the roundtable discussion, said, “The GSMA regularly explores a range of security considerations including secure by design, 5G deployment models and security activities.”

The Organisation of the Islamic Cooperation-Computer Emergency Response Team (OIC-CERT) is also one of the international organizations active in the 5G era standards. Last year, its 5G Security Working Group announced the launch of a Harmonized and Unified Cybersecurity Certification System (HUCCS) to systematically and comprehensively provide a common assurance mechanism for the individually certified cybersecurity outcomes of 5G networks and services among the OIC member states. Huawei was the first global ICT player to join the OIC-CERT, currently the third-largest CERT organization in the world.

Robust national network development strategies, aligned with visions and key industries, are crucial for MENA. The growing demand for advanced services necessitates network upgrades, vital for ambitious projects like Saudi Arabia’s 10Gbs Society. Supportive policies from governments will incentivize carriers and enterprises to invest in infrastructure optimization.