Ensuring the Fourth Industrial Revolution’s Connectivity Requirements in the UAE

Alawadhi, Khalid; Almarri, Khalid

Ensuring the Fourth Industrial Revolution’s Connectivity Requirements in the UAE

Date

2023

Authors

Alawadhi, Khalid

Almarri, Khalid

Publisher

Springer Link

Abstract

The international community has recognized the critical role of information and communication technology (ICT) in the advancement of humanity. ICT is a critical component of each of the United Nations’ (UN) 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) (ITU 2021). Nonetheless, 48% of the world’s population remains unconnected to the internet (Henri 2020, p. 2), resulting in what is referred to as the digital divide. The information and communications technology industry is making strenuous efforts to provide diverse connectivity options in metropolitan areas. However, little effort is being taken to guarantee that underserved markets are connected (Sheikh and Halima 2020). In the UAE, we identify underserved markets and classify them as rural villages, remote agricultural/industrial areas, and vehicles in motion. By examining the present ICT market, we can discover a possible solution to this problem through the use of cutting-edge satellite communications technology. Numerous initiatives involving the use of Non-Geostationary Orbit (NGSO) satellites to deliver broadband access began to emerge. The primary benefit of NGSO satellites over Geostationary Orbit (GSO) satellites is their proximity to the Earth’s surface (NGSO is approximately 2000 km above sea level, while GSO is at an elevation of around 36,000 km above sea level). The objective is to perform market research and analyze the connectivity solutions available today. Finally, we will be able to choose the option that is expected to resolve the issue.

Description

This open access book presents contributions on a wide range of scientific areas originating from the BUiD Doctoral Research Conference (BDRC 2022)

Keywords

information and communications technology, ICT, digital divide, satellite connectivity, NGSO satellites, fourth industrial revolution, 4IR

Citation

Alawadhi, K., Almarri, K. (2023). Ensuring the Fourth Industrial Revolution’s Connectivity Requirements in the UAE. In: Al Marri, K., Mir, F., David, S., Aljuboori, A. (eds) BUiD Doctoral Research Conference 2022. Lecture Notes in Civil Engineering, vol 320. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-27462-6_3