The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has launched the latest generation of WiFi technology, WiFi-6e, which features data transfer speeds exceeding (5) times that of the current generation of WiFi technologies, alongside significantly increased capabilities to accommodate more users, according to the Saudi newspaper "Al-Riyadh." This makes Saudi Arabia the first globally in terms of the total available frequency spectrum for WiFi technology. The Kingdom has also conducted the first "LEO Satellite" communication trial in the Middle East and North Africa, successfully providing innovative and effective solutions for covering remote areas. Additionally, it announced plans to hold a new auction for available frequencies for 5G networks and mobile communications, on the sidelines of the international technical conference LEAP22 hosted in Riyadh from February 1 to 3.
Dr. Mohammed bin Saud Al-Tamimi, Governor of the Saudi Communications and Information Technology Commission, stated that WiFi-6e technology will enable high connection speeds of up to 2.4 Gbps. He emphasized that this will position the Kingdom as a leader in adopting modern digital technologies such as virtual reality, augmented reality, and the Internet of Things, thereby enhancing the returns from the digital economy and supporting investment in emerging wireless technologies. It is expected that the contribution of WiFi technologies to the Kingdom's GDP will quadruple, rising from $4.7 billion in 2021 to more than $18 billion by 2030.
The Governor of the Commission also mentioned that the authority aims to adopt future networks based on integrated terrestrial and space technologies, such as "LEO Satellite," ensuring reliable coverage for users of various communication technologies across the Kingdom. This will enhance the Kingdom's benefits from the space economy and its integration with the digital economy. The global space market was valued at $341 billion in 2020 and is expected to grow to $576 billion by 2030.
Al-Tamimi added that the Commission plans to hold a new spectrum auction in the first half of this year, aiming to make the Kingdom the first globally in the total available frequency spectrum for 5G networks and mobile communications. This shift is expected to increase the contribution of 5G technology to the GDP more than elevenfold, rising from $1.4 billion in 2021 to over $15 billion by 2030.
