The broadband revolution has accelerated exponentially. Broadband is no longer perceived as a new telecom service but as a necessity for every individual. Governments look at broadband as an effective tool for positioning the country as a lucrative investment hub, telecom providers look at broadband as their new source of revenues while individuals want to be connected anytime everywhere. At this stage, it might not be necessary to repeat that broadband can benefit the whole society, but some countries have gone even further to announce broadband as a legal right.
Our cover story for this month highlights STC’s major achievements in the Saudi Arabian telecom market and sheds the lights on STC’s expansion beyond their local market through an interview with Eng. Saud Al-Daweesh, Chief Executive Officer of the STC Group.
On the mobile side, this issue explores the untapped opportunities of mobile health (M-health). Today, mobile technology has a significant role to play in the delivery of new health care services and it is presenting many opportunities for underdeveloped countries and for operators to generate new sources of income. Our feature raises the question: Will M-health service hold to its expectations or will it disappear like many other mobile services?
On the digital side, we tackle the increasing potential of online advertising. As internet technology keeps progressing and reaches unconquered markets, new opportunities arise for companies to get their message out and be seen. With the broadband boom and the digital content increase, the online advertising market is growing tremendously.
On the efficiency side, CO2 emissions associated with network operations are the primary focus for operators. While vendors are striving to provide the most efficient technology with low energy consumption, the environmental risk is still there. Environmental concern, declining natural resources and climate change have become an important concern to the world. Our feature on TCO2 tackles the environmental perspective of network operations.