Laser Focus World is an industry bedrock—first published in 1965 and still going strong. We publish original articles about cutting-edge advances in lasers, optics, photonics, sensors, and quantum technologies, as well as test and measurement, and the shift currently underway to usher in the photonic integrated circuits, optical interconnects, and copackaged electronics and photonics to deliver the speed and efficiency essential for data centers of the future.

Our 80,000 qualified print subscribers—and 130,000 12-month engaged online audience—trust us to dive in and provide original journalism you won’t find elsewhere covering key emerging areas such as laser-driven inertial confinement fusion, lasers in space, integrated photonics, chipscale lasers, LiDAR, metasurfaces, high-energy laser weaponry, photonic crystals, and quantum computing/sensors/communications. We cover the innovations driving these markets.

Laser Focus World is part of Endeavor Business Media, a division of EndeavorB2B.

Laser Focus World Membership

Never miss any articles, videos, podcasts, or webinars by signing up for membership access to Laser Focus World online. You can manage your preferences all in one place—and provide our editorial team with your valued feedback.

Magazine Subscription

Can you subscribe to receive our print issue for free? Yes, you sure can!

Newsletter Subscription

Laser Focus World newsletter subscription is free to qualified professionals:

The Daily Beam

Showcases the newest content from Laser Focus World, including photonics- and optics-based applications, components, research, and trends. (Daily)

Product Watch

The latest in products within the photonics industry. (9x per year)

Bio & Life Sciences Product Watch

The latest in products within the biophotonics industry. (4x per year)

Laser Processing Product Watch

The latest in products within the laser processing industry. (3x per year)

Get Published!

If you’d like to write an article for us, reach out with a short pitch to Sally Cole Johnson: [email protected]. We love to hear from you.

Photonics Hot List

Laser Focus World produces a video newscast that gives a peek into what’s happening in the world of photonics.

Following the Photons: A Photonics Podcast

Following the Photons: A Photonics Podcast dives deep into the fascinating world of photonics. Our weekly episodes feature interviews and discussions with industry and research experts, providing valuable perspectives on the issues, technologies, and trends shaping the photonics community.

Editorial Advisory Board

  • Professor Andrea M. Armani, University of Southern California
  • Ruti Ben-Shlomi, Ph.D., LightSolver
  • James Butler, Ph.D., Hamamatsu
  • Natalie Fardian-Melamed, Ph.D., Columbia University
  • Justin Sigley, Ph.D., AmeriCOM
  • Professor Birgit Stiller, Max Planck Institute for the Science of Light, and Leibniz University of Hannover
  • Professor Stephen Sweeney, University of Glasgow
  • Mohan Wang, Ph.D., University of Oxford
  • Professor Xuchen Wang, Harbin Engineering University
  • Professor Stefan Witte, Delft University of Technology

Nokia MEA Mobile Broadband Index 2024: 5G driving rapid digital transformation

Press Release
Nokia MEA Mobile Broadband Index 2024: 5G driving rapid digital transformation

  • 5G adoption in MEA expected to reach one in four subscriptions by 2029, highlighting its critical role in future connectivity towards digital transformation.
  • 5G subscriptions in MEA expected to reach 519 million by 2029, representing 23% of total mobile connections.
  • GCC region to lead 5G adoption with 90% of subscriptions projected to be on 5G networks by 2029.
  • 5G Fixed Wireless Access (FWA) subscriptions set to grow from 11% in 2022 to an estimated 38% of MEA’s total FWA subscriptions by 2029, driven by 5G advancements.

15 October 2024
Dubai, UAE - Research from Nokia reveals that 60% of CSPs in MEA region are adopting 5G to enhance their digital transformation. While 4G subscriptions are projected to stabilize by 2027, 5G adoption is anticipated to surge dramatically, signifying a pivotal shift in the region's technological landscape.

In addition, Nokia’s Mobile Broadband Index Report 2024 highlights the continued rapid adoption of 5G technology in the region, projecting that by 2029, 5G subscriptions will reach 519 million, with 48% of total data traffic expected to be driven by 5G.

5G is playing a critical role in the region’s future connectivity landscape, with nearly 23% of all mobile subscriptions in the MEA region expected to be 5G by 2029. This accelerated adoption is particularly evident in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) sub-region, where 90% of all mobile subscriptions are projected to be 5G by 2029. This growth is largely driven by significant government investments in 5G infrastructure and robust support for advanced connectivity solutions.

The rise of 5G technology is not only increasing the number of subscriptions but also transforming the region’s data traffic dynamics. By 2029, 5G and 4G networks are expected to account for over 90% of the total data traffic in the MEA region. In the GCC alone, 90% of all data traffic is predicted to be carried over 5G networks.

Fixed Wireless Access (FWA) powered by 5G technology is also increasingly being adopted, growing from 11% in 2022 to 38% by 2029. This surge in FWA adoption is driven by the need for faster internet speeds and lower latency, particularly in underserved or remote areas.

Mikko Lavanti, Senior Vice President for Mobile Networks, MEA at Nokia, said: “The adoption of 5G is increasingly important for countries across MEA to meet the rising demand for data services. This transition accelerates digital transformation while allowing CSPs to unlock new revenue opportunities. Nokia’s services empower CSPs to unlock the full potential of their networks, delivering advanced connectivity solutions that are critical for the region’s development.”

Download the full Nokia MEA Mobile Broadband Index report here.

Resources and additional information
Webpage: Mobile networks

About Nokia 
At Nokia, we create technology that helps the world act together.

As a B2B technology innovation leader, we are pioneering networks that sense, think and act by leveraging our work across mobile, fixed and cloud networks. In addition, we create value with intellectual property and long-term research, led by the award-winning Nokia Bell Labs.

With truly open architectures that seamlessly integrate into any ecosystem, our high-performance networks create new opportunities for monetization and scale. Service providers, enterprises and partners worldwide trust Nokia to deliver secure, reliable and sustainable networks today – and work with us to create the digital services and applications of the future.

Media inquiries
Nokia Press Office
Email: Press.Services@nokia.com

Follow us on social media
LinkedIn X Instagram Facebook YouTube


Primary Logo

Stock Quote API & Stock News API supplied by www.cloudquote.io
Quotes delayed at least 20 minutes.
By accessing this page, you agree to the following
Privacy Policy and Terms Of Service.