Today's Edition
AMEINAH ALZEYOUDI (ABU DHABI)
The UAE has officially become the global leader in fibre-to-the-home (FTTH) penetration, reaching an outstanding 99.5% coverage, based on the latest data from the European FTTH Council.
This achievement solidifies the country's position as a pioneer in fibre infrastructure and digital connectivity, marking a significant milestone in the country's ongoing efforts to transform its digital landscape.
According to data from September 2024, a total of 29 countries have now surpassed a 50% FTTH penetration rate, marking an increase of eight additional countries compared to the previous year. This rise in global penetration demonstrates the accelerating efforts to expand high-speed fibre networks and improve digital accessibility across the world.
The UAE's success in fibre optic penetration places it firmly at the top of the global rankings, surpassing other leading nations, according to the European FTTH Council's annual report.
Following the UAE in FTTH penetration are South Korea at 96.6%, China at 93.6%, Barbados at 91.4%, and Hong Kong at 89.9%.
The country's near-total FTTH coverage is a result of targeted investments, government-driven initiatives, and a deep commitment to digital transformation. The advanced fibre network infrastructure established within the country plays a crucial role in supporting the development of smart cities, enhancing the competitiveness of businesses, and ensuring seamless digital experiences for both residents and enterprises.
e& UAE contributes the largest share of leadership in the country's telecommunications sector - providing high-speed Internet to more than 2.88 million homes across the Emirates.
The telecom giant's fibre optic infrastructure extends over 14.5 million kilometres, equivalent to more than 360 times the circumference of the Earth. In 2011, Abu Dhabi became the first capital in the world to be fully covered by a fibre optic network.
Masood M. Sharif Mahmood, CEO of e& UAE, said the FTTH penetration achievement is not just a number; rather, it is the result of the company's tireless efforts that began in 1986 when it first launched fibre optic technology in the UAE for the transport sector network, paving the way for building an advanced digital system in the country.
Transforming Services
The robust fibre network in the UAE has significantly improved digital services, enabling advancements in technologies such as IoT (Internet of Things), smart homes, and the foundation for future innovations like 5G and 6G.
By providing reliable, high-speed internet access, the fibre infrastructure supports business growth, drives innovation, and ensures that digital services are accessible to all residents and businesses in the country.
The UAE has become a model of excellence in fibre optic connectivity.
By achieving near-universal FTTH penetration, the country sets a benchmark for other nations aspiring to build robust and future-proof digital ecosystems. The UAE's approach to developing and expanding its digital infrastructure is a leading example of how nations can bridge the digital divide and enhance access to essential services in sectors such as healthcare, education, and entertainment.
Looking beyond fibre optic connectivity, the UAE is focused on the future, with an eye on the transformative capabilities of 6G. Building on the successes of 5G and 5G-Advanced (5G-A), the UAE aims to lead the world in the development and deployment of 6G technology.
With 6G, the UAE envisions a new era of hyperconnectivity, ultra-low latency, and significantly higher data speeds, far surpassing the capabilities of current technologies.
The UAE is leveraging its existing digital infrastructure and fostering strategic collaborations to pioneer the development of 6G. This forward-thinking approach positions the country at the forefront of the next technological revolution, which will have a profound impact on all aspects of life and business.
