How GCC Telecoms Can Close the Digital Divide and Boost Digital Transformation

By: Naorus Abdulghani, Group Chief Technology Officer, Beyond ONE

The GCC region stands at the cusp of a digital renaissance, driven by ambitious initiatives like Saudi Vision 2030 and the UAE’s digital transformation goals. This vision promises a future where technology and innovation empower individuals, businesses, and communities, driving unprecedented growth and prosperity. However, to fully unlock this potential, a crucial challenge must be addressed: the benefits of the digital age are accessible to all.

While the GCC is making significant strides in technological advancement, a digital divide persists, limiting the participation of certain segments of the population in the digital economy. From rural communities and migrant workers to lower socioeconomic groups and SMEs, many face barriers to accessing reliable and affordable connectivity. This disparity not only hinders individual progress but also hampers the region’s overall digital transformation.

The inability to connect at the speeds necessary to utilize today’s digital tools can derail any attempt to improve access to services like fintech, edtech, and health-tech, particularly outside of major cities where network speeds can vary greatly. It’s like trying to navigate a modern highway with a horse and cart – the journey is not just slow, it’s impossible. If success in becoming the world’s leading digital economy is achieved, individuals and businesses need to be empowered to participate fully in the digital economy.

Telecom operators, as the architects of the region’s digital infrastructure, have an opportunity to bridge this divide and accelerate progress. By evolving from traditional telcos to techcos, they can offer a broader range of services beyond connectivity, empowering individuals and businesses to thrive in the digital age. This transformation requires a shift in mindset, from a focus on infrastructure alone to a broader vision of enabling digital inclusion and a more connected and empowered society.

This transformation demands a radical rethinking of personalization and inclusivity. It’s about understanding the unique needs of diverse communities and tailoring solutions that cater to their specific requirements. It’s about recognizing that a one-size-fits-all approach is no longer sufficient in a world where digital access is as essential as electricity or water. It’s about creating an environment where everyone feels valued, heard, and empowered to explore the digital world without limitations.

The future of digital services lies in creating an integrated ecosystem that seamlessly connects people, businesses, and governments. This ecosystem should provide access to a range of services, from high-speed internet and cloud computing to fintech, edtech, and health-tech solutions. It should be built on a foundation of robust and reliable infrastructure, ensuring that everyone can benefit from the power of technology.

Imagine a world where a rural farmer can access the same financial tools as an urban entrepreneur, where students in a remote village can receive the same quality of education as those in a major city, and where healthcare services are readily available to everyone, regardless of their location. This is the potential of a truly inclusive digital ecosystem, one that echoes the spirit of exploration and connection that has always been at the heart of human progress.

The transition from telco to techco is undoubtedly challenging. It requires significant investment in infrastructure, innovation, and talent development. It also necessitates a shift in mindset, from a focus on connectivity alone to a broader vision of enabling digital empowerment. But the rewards of this transformation are immense.

By closing the digital divide and accelerating the region’s digital transformation, telecom operators can unlock new growth opportunities, drive innovation, and contribute to a more equitable and prosperous future for all. They can become the catalysts for change, empowering individuals and businesses to thrive in the digital age and helping the GCC region achieve its ambitious vision of becoming a global digital leader.