Bjørn Taale Sandberg, Head of Telenor Research, revealed during his latest visit to Pakistan, the 20 technology trends that will shape the year 2020. Like the previous year, this year’s technology trends, as projected by Telenor Group’s research arm, will take a prominent lead in developing the global digital ecosystem supported by cellular service providers, device makers, and internet companies. The Technology Trends 2020 were revealed and discussed during an interactive session at Telenor Pakistan Headquarters 345. According to Telenor Research, real green innovations will eventually go beyond the hype by combining Big Data, AI (Artificial Intelligence) tech, and IoT(Internet of Things) to significantly contribute towards protecting the environment. So far, there has been more of an industrial use of IoT than public and in 2020, the technology will get closer to people to become ‘Internet of Bodies’ with connected health, medical, and communications devices attached to human bodies. While 2019 was the year of 5G testing, another tech trend projects 2020 to be the year of widespread 5G launches; the combination of 5G, IoT, and AI will also spur industry collaborations that share competence and co-create world-changing platforms. “Many of the trends we spotlight for next year show innovation charging ahead faster than ever, enabled by more access and more demand, as well as by revolutionary new tech platforms and socio-political forces,” says Bjørn Taale Sandberg, Head of Telenor Research. “At the same time,other trends suggest we are having a common technological epiphany, a kind of digital realisation. People are waking up and examining how and where technologies, including AI, Machine Learning, IoT, and new network innovations will best and most securely connect them with the people and things that matter most.” Must Read: TCL joins hands with Peshawar Zalmi for PSL 2020 With more people waking up to the fact that companies make their money from user data by using it to sell tailored advertisements, 2020 will be a year where people start to become more cautious about sharing their personal information on digital platforms. Sardar Mohammad Abubakr, Chief Digital & Strategy Officer Telenor Pakistan, shared how there would be an increase in competition to earn customer trust related to data they share on digital platforms and also commented on other tech trends including better entertainment content by the streaming giants, more and more global players increasing competition in the mobile/console gaming space, and increasing debate around ethical AI & regulation of big tech companies. “The increased access and demand of technological solutions are helping these trends take shape and drive development of the digital ecosystem faster than ever before,” said Irfan Wahab Khan, CEO Telenor Pakistan and Head of Emerging Asia Cluster Telenor Group. “In this age of digitisation, we anticipate how the technologies and trends will impact people and we aim to connect them to solutions that matter the most to them. Telenor Pakistan’s capability to provide innovative solutions and the identification of these trends enables us to stay ahead of the game and increase our speed to market.” Chairman Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) Major General Amir Azeem Bajwa (R), also spoke on the occasion. While delivering his closing remarks, Chairman PTA said, “PTA is playing pivotal role in the growth and development of telecom sector in Pakistan.” He stated that “PTA is facilitating in the provision of high quality and latest ICT services to the consumers. Technology trends forecasted by Telenor are becoming more and more pertinent and relevant to Pakistan and he thanked Telenor Pakistan for charting out the expected technological advancements for long term development of the country.” Telenor Research is Telenor Group’s corporate unit for scientific research which plays a key role in providing insight and competence that enable Telenor to become a software and data-driven company.
Telenor Pakistan and Serena Hotels bring breakthrough hospitality solution
To ensure seamless connectivity for tourists and guests, Telenor Pakistan, in partnership with Serena Hotels Pakistan, has launched a revolutionary, first-of-its-kind digital platform. This solution, called ‘S TEL,’ will be a complimentary service for Serena Hotel guests allowing them to enjoy free international and local calls along with 4G internet and hotspot options, all packed in a dedicated smartphone placed in their rooms. S Tel was unveiled at an event held at Serena Hotel in Islamabad where management of both organizations was present alongside their teams. Telenor’s ‘S TEL’ works as seamlessly as it meets the connectivity challenges of travellers while on the move. Through this platform, the guests will be able to stay in touch with the hotel for their basic amenities and also connect with their friends and family around the world. “Telenor Pakistan’s ‘S TEL’ is an innovative breakthrough not only in Pakistan’s but the region’s hospitality industry,” said Irfan Wahab Khan, CEO Telenor Pakistan and Head of Emerging Asia Cluster Telenor Group, while sharing his thoughts on the development. “We pride in being industry leaders in introducing technological innovations and after our digital interventions on agriculture and social inclusion fronts, we are now aiming to transform businesses by providing them state of the art solutions that makes their processes more efficient. I’m pleased to partner with Serena Hotel for this solution and hopeful that this partnership will go a long way in setting new trends that are necessary to boost the tourism and hospitality industry in Pakistan.” Must Read: Tecno launches Spark 4 Lite “We are ecstatic to have partnered with Telenor Pakistan for making this digital platform a reality,” said Aziz Boolani, CEO Serena Hotels – South & Central Asia. “Being the country’s hospitality leaders, we want to deliver our guests a wholesome digital and connectivity experience that is hard to match. With ‘S Tel’ we have come closer to achieving our goal as it offers guests a robust connectivity solution that makes their stay comfortable, safe, and memorable. This feature-rich application not only makes roaming charges and connectivity issues a thing of the past for our guests, but also works to lift tourism in the country with features such as the city guide. We trust that our guests will further enjoy their experience at Islamabad Serena Hotel with ‘S TEL’ being at their disposal.” As the guests check in to their room, the smartphone already has their basic details on ‘S TEL’ that can be accessed and used instantly. The smartphone is removable and the guest may take it with them to anywhere in the city. This means that the guests may place an order for their favourite meal or request for laundry pickup remotely, even before reaching back to the hotel. ‘S TEL’ also works as an absolute virtual local city guide which includes tourist attractions and sightseeing spots. Both organizations have ensured that this platform keeps user privacy a priority. To keep the user data secure, the device operates in Kiosk mode only allowing guests to stay connected to their friends, family and hotel management.. Upon check-out, it ensures privacy and protection of guest information by wiping all usage and communications data.
Telenor Pakistan celebrates UN “International Day of the Girl” reiterating its commitment towards Diversity and Inclusion
In line with its commitment to a diverse work-culture and focus on encouraging female participation in the workforce, Telenor Pakistan celebrates International #Day of the Girl through symbolically making Tayyaba Arshi the CEO of the company for a day. The purpose of this day is to highlight and address the needs and challenges girls face, while promoting girls’ empowerment and the fulfilment of their human rights. This years’ theme for ‘Day of the Girl’ is ‘GirlForce: Unscripted and Unstoppable’. Tayyaba Arshi, an ex-employee at Telenor Pakistan, has won the accolade of her peers as being a perseverant and hardworking individual, in spite of her physical disability. She started her journey by joining Telenor Pakistan under the ‘Open Mind Program’ as a fresh employee. Here, she was able to extend the stay from 6 months (the set duration of the program) to a well-deserved four years – all through hard work, honesty, and loyalty to her job. Tayyaba has attended and wona number of national and international forums and prizes, adding motivation and experience to her achievement arsenal that will enable her to keep succeeding in life. Currently, Tayyaba is serving in the Securities & Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP) as Management Executive. Must Read: Ufone and HBL sign CNY/RMB Trade Finance Facility Agreement Telenor Pakistan continues to empower societies trough reduced inequalities, with ground-breaking programmes such as Open Mind Pakistan under which we have employed over 100 differently abled individuals and Naya Aghaaz, which has re-employed over 70 women with career breaks. Telenor has made diversity and inclusion a part of its corporate culture and has established industry benchmarks with its policies. While handing over the role, Irfan Wahab Khan, CEO Telenor Pakistan& Head of Emerging Asia Clustersaid, “This occasion highlights the level of success we believe that all Pakistani girls and people with disabilities are capable of achieving if given the right opportunitiesand tools. We are committed to finding solutions for challenges that girls face, especially working towards bridging the digital skills gender gap and encouraging female participation in Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics (STEM) fields. We wish all Pakistani girls a happy and empowering ‘Day of the Girl’! Women truly are an unstoppable force and we will continue uplifting them in whatever way we can”He gave a hearty congratulations to Tayyaba for her great achievements. As the symbolic CEO of Telenor Pakistan, Tayyaba Arshi highlighted the importance of ‘Day of the Girl’ and ‘Open Mind Program’ initiativeswhich aims to include women and people with disabilities to the workforce. She added that gender and physical abilities are in no way the determinants behind employee appointment, and instead, the selection should be based on skills, commitment, and hardwork so that our society can absorb, celebrate and practice human rights and equality.
Telenor Pakistan brings 4G to Gilgit Baltistan
Telenor Pakistan is spearheading another leap towards empowering the Pakistani society through the roll out of its 4G services in Gilgit Baltistan. To bring the benefits of digital communications to the people of Gilgit Baltistan, Telenor Pakistan has used state-of-the-art satellite solution by refarming its network sites in Gilgit and Skardu. Gilgit Baltistan is home to one of the world’s highest mountain ranges where deployment of fiber optic is challenging due to its geographical terrain and extreme weather. To provide telecom services, Gilgit Baltistan was mainly served with Legacy VSAT satellite network. As a smart alternative, Telenor Pakistan is now using O3b satellite network to provide 4G services which is a constellation of numerous satellites that orbit only 8,000kms away from Earth. This low altitude reduces latency by up to four times while bringing it at par with long haul fiber transmission. “In this increasingly digital world where connectivity has become a need for growth and development opportunities, Telenor Pakistan is pleased to extend the benefits of high-speed mobile broadband to the people of Gilgit Baltistan where it was not possible through conventional means,” said Irfan Wahab Khan, CEO Telenor Pakistan and Head of Telenor’s Emerging Asia Cluster. “It’s a proud moment for us and a representation of our unwavering commitment to connect and empower the underserved areas and communities of Pakistan. I welcome the people of Gilgit Baltistan to this era of high-speed connectivity with the ambition to continue delivering and enhancing services in this region.” Must Read: Facebook helps to build Community Resilience Programs in Pakistan Hafiz Hafeezur Rehman, Chief Minister of Gilgit- Baltistan said,” We congratulate Telenor Pakistan on bringing 4G to the people of Gilgit Baltistan and appreciate their continued efforts to help Pakistan achieve its digitalization goals. We are moving towards a future where technology is increasingly becoming the cornerstone of the entire socioeconomic progress and if we don’t prepare for it, we would definitely be left behind. We are proud how massively Pakistan’s ICT sector is contributing to our national digital inclusion agenda, especially Telenor Pakistan with its bold initiatives to empower the Pakistani society. As we envision to transform Pakistan into a knowledge economy, continued support from key technology players like Telenor Pakistan will prove instrumental for reaching new milestones.” It is pertinent to note that in late 2015, Telenor Pakistan had launched 3G trials in Gilgit Baltistan via O3b satellite, becoming the first national operator to venture into the region’s tough terrain for delivery of mobile and broadband connectivity. Later, in 2018, the company powered the port city of Gwadar with 4G services through its state-of-the-art satellite solution. Owing to its strategic location, ongoing CPEC related developments with immense economic and geo-political potential, Gwadar is all set to emerge as a regional and global maritime hubthat was in dire need of quality NGMS services. The launch of 4G services in Gilgit Baltistan is the continuation of Telenor Pakistan’s unyielding efforts to ensure easy and affordable access to mobile internet. Telenor Pakistan has reached and empowered people through connectivity where no other network has reached before, and the latest initiative is another addition to this tradition of supporting and promoting digital inclusion for the masses. With over 44 million cellular subscribers and 15 million high-speed data users, Telenor Pakistan facilitates the growth of NGMS uptake in the country not only through network coverage, but also with its extensive portfolio of affordable 3G/4G devices and handsets.
Telenor Group joins Telecom Infra Project
Telenor Group has joined the Telecom Infra Project(TIP). The global mobile operator will contribute to two TIP project groups focused on wireless networking:OpenCellularandmmWave. News that Telenor Groupbecame a member of TIP was announced at a press event at Mobile World Congress in Barcelona today. “Driving the industry towards more openness is important for the ecosystem, as well as for Telenor Group,in order to pursue efficiency, innovation andattractive service experience. We are excited to collaborate with the world’s leading telecom operators, infrastructure providers and system integrators in TIP to trial open base stations in Pakistan and Terragraph in Malaysia.” said RuzaSabanovic, Chief Technology Officer for Telenor Group. Founded in 2016, the Telecom Infra Projectis an engineering-focused initiative driven by operators, suppliers, developers, integrators, and startups to disaggregate the traditional network deployment approach. The collective aim of the TIP community is to collaborate on new technologies, examine new business approaches and spur new investments into the telecom space. Must Read: Jazz Introduces Pakistan’s First 4G Enabled Feature Phone Telenor Group’s engagements in TIP will focus on selected trials on defining and advancing 60GHz wireless networking solutions (mmWave/Terragraph) in Malaysia, and open systems for base stations (OpenCellular) in Pakistan. These trials are planned for those two markets in the first phase to gain practical experience on performance and future opportunities. “Collaborating with global operators such as Telenor Group is key to our goal of helping to bring more people online,” said Chris Daniels, VP of Connectivity at Facebook. “We’re excited to see the momentum around solutions like Terragraph and Open Cellular, which we’re deploying with members of the TIP community.” Sharing his thoughts on the development, Irfan Wahab Khan, CEO Telenor Pakistan said, “I consider the trial of OpenCellular as another huge stride towards innovation and our ambition of using open source non-proprietary technologies which will help us build efficient and more customer-centric solutions in addition to ensuring network scalability. The open system will potentially enable us to overcome cost and logistical challenges especially in terms of extending our coverage to small and remote communities, thereby taking us one step closer to our ambition of connecting the unconnected” Key results of the trials will be contributed to the TIP community to enable further improvements of the technical solutions. In addition, working with other members of TIP will broaden the set of potential partners and industry insight that guides Telenor’s technical roadmaps. “We welcome Telenor Group to the TIP community and are looking forward to their contributions to the mmWave Networks and OpenCellular project groups,” said Axel Clauberg, TIP Chairman and Vice President, Technology Innovation, Deutsche Telekom AG. “TIP is seeing strong momentum as more global operators join us and work to develop and trial new approaches to traditional network deployment.”
PTCL signs Fiber Leasing Agreement for 3rd consecutive year with Telenor Pakistan
Pakistan Telecommunications Company Limited PTCL and Telenor Pakistan (TP), for the third consecutive year have entered into a fiber leasing agreement, under which PTCL will deliver fiber footprint to Telenor Pakistan. Prior to this agreement, PTCL and Telenor have successfully signed and executed two back to back fiber leasing agreement in 2016 and 2017. This initiative will ensure delivery of quality telecommunication services for the Pakistani market. This arrangement will enable Telenor Pakistan to utilize PTCL’s extensive nationwide fiber optic footprint and its expertise in deploying, operating and maintaining a fiber optic network. Dr. Daniel Ritz, President & CEO, PTCL and Irfan Wahab Khan, CEO, Telenor Pakistan, signed the agreement at a ceremony held at Telenor Campus 345, with top management of both the companies in presence. Dr. Daniel Ritz, President & CEO, PTCL on the occasion said, “We, at PTCL, are pleased to sign yet another Fiber Leasing Agreement with Telenor Pakistan for the 3rd consecutive year. PTCL has served as a backbone in the telecom industry by providing multiple services; thus, contributing to the overall growth of telecommunication sector nationwide. Telenor Pakistan’s partnership with PTCL will help them in expanding their 3G/4G network, which will enable end customers to have connectivity across Pakistan.” Must Read: ABB In Pakistan Celebrates 25 Years Of Pioneering Technology Leadership “As we are on the fast-track to materializing our digitization goals in Pakistan, our partnership for fiber backhaul and infrastructure sharing with PTCL will supplement our efforts to digitally include more people and provide them access to Telenor Pakistan’s best-in-class data services,” said Irfan Wahab Khan, CEO Telenor Pakistan. “As we intend to significantly strengthen our data network footprint nationwide, and we are pleased to be working with PTCL as our strategic partner for the third consecutive year. PTCL’s extensive infrastructure outreach has helped us reach out to the under-served areas in Pakistan and extend the benefits of communication technology to the masses. To further our mission of empowering the Pakistani society”. This agreement between the two leading market players will go a long way in envisioning a connected and prosperous Pakistan.
