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SPS Fair 2023 – The Latest Industrial Automation Trends – IoT Analytics

The SPS Fair 2023—the latest industrial automation trends report is a comprehensive summary of the key highlights, comparison of 7 prominent industrial automation OEMs, 14 generative AI showcases, and 17 in-depth insights assembled by the IoT Analytics analyst team at SPS fair 2023. These insights are based on >75 booth visits, >50 individual interviews, and attendance of several presentations. 5 analysts were present for a total of 7 days.

The main purpose of this document is to help our readers stay abreast of the newest trends in industrial automation and stay ahead of the evolving market landscape.

All discussed insights are centered around Industrial IoT / Industry 4.0–related topics.

About SPS 2023

About SPS 2023

The SPS is a coveted industrial exhibition encompassing a broad spectrum of digital and smart automation solutions. In 2023, the event evolved beyond its traditional focus areas such as control, drive, and sensor technology, to also highlight software and IT. In response to the expanding scope of the event in the post-COVID era, the organizers extended the exhibition space from 14 to 16 halls.

Report highlights

  • IT/OT convergence at the center of attention. “IT meets automation” was this year’s main theme, and the topic of IT and OT convergence took center stage at many exhibits.
  • Increasing emphasis on sustainability and energy management. We noted a significantly larger focus on sustainability this year than in 2022, as prominent exhibitors highlighted initiatives such as circularity, energy management, and CO2 reduction.
  • Generative AI solutions popping up. We identified 14 different showcases of generative AI at the event.
  • Hardware gets AI acceleration. AI accelerators are increasingly built into edge IPCs, PLCs, and related hardware so that AI use cases, such as machine vision or process optimization, can be supported.
  • New wireless connectivity innovations. Wireless connectivity in industrial spaces remains a rising theme.

Further insights can be found in the report with relevant examples/proof-points.

What will drive RedCap adoption? A carrot and a stick – RCR Wireless News

Market drivers for RedCap adoption are expected to involve both the desire to join the 5G ecosystem, and eventual LTE sunsets

For a new technology, emerging is one thing. Taking off is another. And the forecasts for 5G New Radio Reduced Capability (RedCap) are relatively modest, all things considered, showing steady growth for the technology but that it is still expected to have a smaller share of connections than LTE through the end of the decade. Joe Madden, co-founder of analyst firm Mobile Experts, says that in his company’s forecasts out to 2030, there is not a point at which RedCap crosses over to become more prolific when compared to something like LTE-M.

Counterpoint Research expects that 5G RedCap modules will make up 18% of total cellular IoT module shipments by 2030—what it describes as “significant market potential, particularly in developing nations where the cost is key to wide technology adoption for digital transformation.”

“If we want to tackle some of these interesting business cases and really get the price point so the business can take off, then we need to provide the right types of options,” said Paul Harris, principal architect in the Office of the CTO at Viavi Solutions. “People don’t want to be paying for chipsets that are too performant in the wrong types of devices.” Harris also noted that standards work on RedCap continues, with a series of recommendations on reducing RedCap’s performance even further with support of just five megahertz of bandwidth, even lower data rates and reduced peak data rates as well as additional power savings in the form of Extended Discontinuous Reception (allowing longer periods during which a device can power off). While that work on “eRedCap” is still taking shape in Release 18 and additional features may be available to scale down RedCap further in Release 19. “It’s still kind of a moving target and probably will continue to be, but there will probably be different categories that get introduced of RedCap as it goes on,” he said. Harris goes on to offer up a potential vision of a RedCap market where there is a gradual progression into some parts of the market addressed with the initial Rel. 17 RedCap options, and that by Rel. 19, a scaled-back RedCap market could open up for even lower-complexity, lower data-rate devices that then leads to an explosion of 5G sensor devices.

So perhaps that full vision of digital transformation will actually be reached with 5G as the one-network-to-rule-them-all, with RedCap at its heart. But it certainly sounds like if that is achieved, it’s not going to be until a lot closer to 2030, if not after. 

Which is why the general consensus seems to be that RedCap, ultimately, will have both a carrot and a stick to drive adoption. That carrot is that it is part-and-parcel of 5G, the latest and greatest G, promising to shift IoT devices into the current generation of cellular at a reasonable price point and with some hope for future-proofing. 

“5G is absolutely the directional technology,” said Bill Stone, VP of technology development and planning at Verizon. “I do think it’s inevitable that we’ll be seeing all of IoT evolve over time, and it’s going to be starting as soon as next year. We’re going to see all of the IoT device community moving over to 5G, because that’s where—with 5G NR SA—we’re going to see the potential for much longer lifecycles [and] the ability to support that, to make commitments for longer-term support of IoT devices.” 

Stone also pointed that in order for IoT devices to on Verizon’s 5G spectrum assets, particularly its C-Band spectrum, they will have to be 5G (and 5G Standalone at that). “The only way to get there is through RedCap,” he said. He also noted that by the time Verizon is set to launch RedCap commercially (currently expected in 2024), it will have an expansive C-Band footprint in which those devices can operate in 5G SA mode. Verizon has not disclosed its 5G SA covered POPs, but it began moving commercial traffic onto its 5G core in late 2022. And as always, networks continue to evolve. “The bulk of our capability and capacity over time is moving into 5G, with C-Band, millimeter wave, and the conversion of other spectrum to 5G—that’s going to be another driving force, I think, behind the adoption of RedCap,” Stone said. “The capabilities that we’re going to have as we move further into the future with RedCap on 5G are going to become very attractive to the IoT community.”

So that’s the carrot: That RedCap is built for a 5G world and will evolve with it. The stick, then, is the eventual and inevitable network sunsets for LTE.

“Ultimately, we are going to be moving to this point where urban deployments, and the use of spectrum and things like this, are going to be moving toward 5G dominance,” said Viavi’s Paul Harris. Operators’ priorities will slowly but surely shift to the point where yes, LTE is still there, but the priority is on 5G and further evolution to 6G. And for some applications, particularly IoT devices with longer lifecycles like connected cars and smart grid devices, businesses and device developers already need to be thinking about what network technology they want those devices to be on, and which is likely to still be supported, in three or five or even 10 years.

Designers are already thinking about products that will come out several years from now,
according to module maker Fibocom’s David Lieber, director of the company’s North American sales. Fibocom (which uses Qualcomm’s chips) announced multiple RedCap modules earlier this year: its FG131 series, which is pin-compatible with Fibocom’s FG621 LTE Cat 6 modules so that users have a 5G upgrade path; and its FG132 series, pin-compatible with the company’s NL668 LTE Cat 4 modules for migration from Cat 4 without changing hardware designs. Fibocom’s modules are sampling as of late November, with commercial availability expected around the first quarter of 2024.

Faced with a choice between LTE and 5G, Lieber says that product designers would rather have 5G in their upcoming device lines — if they can get it at a reasonable price point. Lieber goes on to put one of the major market drivers for RedCap a bit more bluntly: “It’s going to be fear of the unknown. You don’t want to be caught on the wrong side of the technology. If you’re designing something for 2025, some sort of IoT product—let’s just say, a smart speaker for your house. Are you going to bet on a 4G technology when everybody’s talking about 5G?” Maybe not, especially if device OEMs can get 5G RedCap at half the price of a full 5G solution. Lieber said that he thinks RedCap will be the next big thing for anything that is remotely consumer-facing. “If you’re the big point-of-sale players, are you going to want to create your 2025 new line of point-of-sale products on a 4G technology?” he asks theoretically. LTE will still work alongside 5G for years to come, of course, but for product designers who have to think long-term and plan for their products’ life cycles, the LTE sunset is a bit too close for comfort—which Lieber says will ultimately be the “real impetus” for RedCap adoption.

Looking for more insights on performance, price and development of 5G RedCap? Download the editorial feature report “5G-enabled IoT: Will RedCap help deliver on the promise of digital transformation?” and watch the accompanying on-demand webinar, featuring Viavi Solutions and Fibocom.

Interoperability in IoT Ecosystems: Navigating Challenges and Strategies – IoT Business News

By Marc Kavinsky, Lead Editor at IoT Business News.

As the Internet of Things (IoT) continues to expand, interoperability within IoT ecosystems has emerged as a critical issue. With an ever-growing number of IoT devices and platforms, ensuring these systems can effectively communicate and work together is paramount. This article delves into the challenges of interoperability in IoT ecosystems and discusses strategies to overcome these hurdles, ensuring seamless integration and functionality.

Understanding Interoperability in IoT

IoT ecosystems are rapidly evolving, encompassing a wide array of devices from home appliances to industrial sensors. As of 2023, the number of connected IoT devices globally is in the billions, a number that is expected to grow exponentially. This growth, while promising, introduces complexity and challenges in maintaining interoperability among diverse systems.

Interoperability in IoT refers to the ability of different IoT systems and devices to communicate, exchange, and interpret shared data with one another, regardless of the manufacturer, model, or operating system. This is vital for creating efficient, scalable, and sustainable IoT ecosystems.

Challenges in Achieving Interoperability

  • Diverse Hardware and Standards: IoT devices are produced by numerous manufacturers with different hardware configurations and standards, making interoperability a significant challenge.
  • Varied Communication Protocols: IoT devices use a range of communication protocols (like Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Zigbee, and others), which often lack uniformity, further complicating interoperability.
  • Data Format and Semantic Differences: Even when devices can connect, differences in data formats and semantics can hinder effective communication and data exchange.
  • Security Concerns: Ensuring secure data exchange between devices while maintaining interoperability is a complex challenge, given the varying security protocols and standards.

Strategies for Ensuring Interoperability

  • Adopting Universal Standards and Protocols: Developing and adopting universal standards and protocols is crucial. This includes efforts by organizations like the IEEE, IETF, and ISO to create and promote widely accepted standards.
  • Open Platforms and APIs: Encouraging the use of open platforms and Application Programming Interfaces (APIs) allows different devices and systems to communicate more seamlessly.
  • Modular Design and Frameworks: Implementing modular designs in IoT devices can facilitate interoperability, as it allows for easier integration of components from different manufacturers.
  • Common Data Models and Semantic Frameworks: Establishing common data models and semantic frameworks ensures that data exchanged between devices is understood consistently across different systems.

The Role of Industry Consortia

Industry consortia play a significant role in driving interoperability in IoT. Organizations like the Open Connectivity Foundation (OCF), the Industrial Internet Consortium (IIC), and the Zigbee Alliance work towards creating unified standards and certification programs for IoT devices and systems.

Government and Regulatory Bodies

Government and regulatory bodies are increasingly involved in setting guidelines and regulations to promote interoperability in IoT. This includes setting compliance standards for security and data privacy, as well as encouraging the adoption of universal standards.

The Importance of Testing and Certification

Testing and certification are crucial for ensuring interoperability. This involves rigorous testing of IoT devices and systems to ensure they can operate seamlessly across different ecosystems and comply with established standards.

Case Studies: Success Stories of Interoperability

Several industries have successfully implemented interoperable IoT ecosystems:

  • Smart Home Technology: Companies like Apple, Google, and Amazon are working towards interoperable smart home ecosystems, allowing different smart home devices to communicate regardless of the brand.
  • Healthcare: Interoperable IoT systems in healthcare have enabled better data sharing across various medical devices, improving patient care and operational efficiency.
  • Manufacturing: In the manufacturing sector, interoperable IoT systems have streamlined production processes, allowing different machines and sensors to work in unison.

Future Trends and Developments

Looking ahead, the trend is towards increased standardization and interoperability in IoT. This includes the development of more sophisticated AI and machine learning algorithms to manage and facilitate interoperability across complex IoT ecosystems.

Conclusion

Interoperability remains a key challenge in the expanding world of IoT. However, through collaborative efforts, the adoption of universal standards, and the implementation of robust testing and certification processes, significant strides are being made. As we advance, the focus on interoperability will continue to grow, playing a critical role in the success and sustainability of IoT ecosystems.

e-book – Extending battery life for IoT devices and battery-free possibilities in Cellular IoT – Electronics Weekly

It’s a guide to optimizing energy efficiency in low power wireless technologies – covering the realm of energy efficiency in low power wireless technologies.

Download the IoT e-book »

In four sections, Nordic Semiconductor explores different strategies and technologies aimed at revolutionising power consumption in the ever-evolving landscape of cellular IoT and low power wireless devices, says the company.

Take a deep dive into the following topics and learn more:

  • Towards a battery-free world for cellular IoT and other wireless technologies
  • Extend your battery life with nRF Cloud’s CoAP interface
  • Analyzing power consumption in Thread Sleepy End Devices
  • Up to 4x battery life: The benefits of assisted GPS in asset tracking

Note that to download the content you will have to provide some details to Electronics Weekly and Nordic Semiconductor and agree to receive at least one email.

Download the IoT e-book »

Quectel prioritizes security across its full portfolio: CEO – RCR Wireless News

Quected recently engaged Finite State to rigorously test its IoT modules

Quectel has been prioritizing security across its entire portfolio and has been implementing rigorous security measures to ensure the integrity of its products and services as well as its customers’ privacy and data, Norbert Muhrer, president and CSO at Quectel Wireless Solutions, told RCR Wireless News.

The executive noted that the substantial potential of the IoT sector to transform industries and enhance lives on a global scale means that security is critical to this sector.

“We implement robust security measures at every stage of our product lifecycle. Quectel’s IoT modules prioritize security from the outset, integrating industry-leading practices and standards into every aspect of development, from product architecture, design, development, supply chain, effectively pre-empting potential vulnerabilities,” said Muhrer.

The executive also explained that Quectel continuously works to improve its security measures within R&D processes, software and hardware technology, certification, organizational structure, personnel setup and system management. He also noted that the firm is committed to upholding the highest standards of security, privacy and compliance within the IoT industry.

“With this in mind, we have engaged Finite State, a third-party expert security firm focused on managing software supply chain risk for the enterprise, to rigorously test Quectel’s IoT modules to demonstrate Quectel’s commitment to transparent, verifiable product security,” Muhrer said, adding that the partnership enhances the security of Quectel’s modules through rigorous security testing, improved software supply chain visibility and comprehensive risk management.

The executive explained that the initial penetration testing and analysis has been performed on the most critical Quectel cellular modules sold in the U.S. The platforms verified by Finite State to date represent approximately 70% of all North American IoT modules shipped within the last 18 months, according to Muhrer.

“Finite State is approaching this partnership with its standard practice of meticulous analysis of product and supply-chain security risk. Through this collaboration, Quectel is both addressing the industry’s security concerns and differentiating itself as a market leader in the IoT industry, dedicated to providing secure and reliable products (…) The first progress report released to Quectel concludes that its modules’ security score, as reflected in Finite State’s risk profiling, started strong when testing began earlier this year and got stronger rapidly as Quectel implemented Finite State’s recommendations,” the executive added.

Muhrer also highlighted that companies across all vertical sectors are faced with rapidly evolving regulatory environments, and they have a need for robust and verifiable information about secure development practices to protect their customers. “Quectel is committed to delivering secure modules and we go above and beyond industry standard practices by conducting independent third-party cyber security audits.”

In addition to its recent partnership with Finite State, Quectel is also participating in the formulation of new industry security certification standards, such as the CTIA Cybersecurity Certification Working Group and pursuing additional cyber security certifications from various U.S. entities as new standards are formulated and adopted, Muhrer added.

Samsara Inc (IOT) Down 0.39% in Premarket Trading – InvestorsObserver

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Friday, December 08, 2023 08:51 AM | InvestorsObserver Analysts

Mentioned in this article

Samsara Inc (IOT) is down -0.39%% today.

Overall Score - 65
IOT has an Overall Score of 65. Find out what this means to you and get the rest of the rankings on IOT!

IOT stock closed at $33.73 and is down -$0.13 during pre-market trading. Pre-market tends to be more volatile due to significantly lower volume as most investors only trade between standard trading hours.

IOT has a roughly average overall score of 65 meaning the stock holds a better value than 65% of stocks at its current price. InvestorsObserver’s overall ranking system is a comprehensive evaluation and considers both technical and fundamental factors when evaluating a stock. The overall score is a great starting point for investors that are beginning to evaluate a stock.

IOT gets a average Short-Term Technical score of 60 from InvestorsObserver’s proprietary ranking system. This means that the stock’s trading pattern over the last month have been neutral. Samsara Inc currently has the 46th highest Short-Term Technical score in the Software – Infrastructure industry. The Short-Term Technical score evaluates a stock’s trading pattern over the past month and is most useful to short-term stock and option traders.

Samsara Inc’s Overall and Short-Term Technical score paint a mixed picture for IOT’s recent trading patterns and forecasted price.

Click Here To Get The Full Report on Samsara Inc (IOT)

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Cientra, Invas Collaborate To Develop 5G IoT Solutions For Agriculture, Mining – BW Businessworld

Cientra and Invas partnered to develop innovative wireless sensors and actuators for sectors including mining and agriculture.

This collaboration focuses explicitly on developing IoT device sensors and actuators for a variety of applications, including smart farming and mining.

“Our 5G business initiatives are being expedited in order to provide a robust portfolio of repeatable solutions that can be customized to satisfy the needs of our customers for such solutions. We wholeheartedly concur with our esteemed Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, that India possesses the capacity to actively participate in the advancement and integration of technologies, rather than merely consuming the same. At this moment, the digital revolution in India is at a critical turning point.” said Anil Kempanna, CEO of Cientra

The principal aim of this initiative is to instigate a paradigm shift in the agricultural and mining industries of the country through the guarantee of optimal IoT device quality while upholding the security and integrity of the 5G network.

The company said in a statement, this will enable the expansion of potential applications of Internet of Things (IoT) systems, particularly in sectors such as agriculture and mining where edge computing and IoT solutions are in increasing demand. Businesses that adopt the Internet of Things (IoT) face obstacles pertaining to device registration on 5G networks in terms of security and identification. The organizations shall implement 5G security functionalities and 5G standard authentication to conduct real-time data insight monitoring and predictive maintenance, thereby overcoming these challenges and enhancing security

“Our solution’s service-based architecture (5G 3GPP) has the potential to transition to 6G and subsequent generations. We’re doubling down on Invas’s IoT capabilities to take it one notch higher,” continued Anil. “What we’re doing is, in pursuit of enhancing our customers’ satisfaction and addressing the growing demand for organizations to equip or retrofit with the necessary connectivity and visibility to securely optimize daily business operations, we are leveraging the complete capabilities of Invas to mobilize our collective expertise and knowledge.”

Cientra is at the forefront of 5G application platform initiatives due to its innovative offering to process and use large amounts of data and user-friendly interface. We are delighted to collaborate with them in order to facilitate the smooth transition of our clientele to this IoT-as-a-Service paradigm, enabling them to promptly experience the advantageous outcomes for their enterprises,” said Neeraj Dhawan, Managing Director of INVAS

With this alliance both the companies collaboratively aim to revolutionise the IoT and 5G landscape especially for Agriculture and Mining industries with complete solutions for real time monitoring of field through the use of a network of low power sensors and actuators controlled remotely by Smartkheti Website and Mobile Application


Glasgow’s Spire Global wins new IoT space contract – DIGIT.FYI

Spire Global, Inc., the Glasgow-based global provider of space-based data, analytics, and space services, was awarded a space services contract by Lacuna Space, a leading satellite IoT connectivity provider.

Under the agreement, Spire will initially build and launch six satellites carrying Lacuna Space’s payload and antennna, with the opportunity to scale the constellation to dozens of satellites. Lacuna Space will operate its payloads and receive encrypted data at its Harwell headquarters.

“Satellites play a critical role in providing IoT connectivity across the globe, particularly to remote, underserved, and developing areas of the world. These services are transformational in enabling new applications across a wide variety of industries and solving some of the biggest challenges facing humanity today,” said Frank Frulio, the general manager of Space Services at Spire.

With six satellites manufactured by Spire at its facility in Glasgow, UK, in addition to Lacuna Space’s ten earlier satellites, Lacuna Space will be able to scale its IoT network for low-cost, reliable global connections to sensors and mobile equipment.

“With Spire Space Services, we have streamlined the process to architect, build, launch and operate satellites reliably, and at a much lower cost than it would typically require new space companies to build infrastructure in space, allowing revolutionary technologies, like Lacuna’s IoT network, to reach the market faster,” Frulio added.

Lacuna focuses on IoT services for agriculture, maritime, logistics, remote infrastructure and environmental monitoring, with applications such as measuring soil moisture for farmers in remote regions to improve crop yield or tracking the movement of assets.

“This contract is a very important step in Lacuna’s progression into commercial operations, and represents over five years of intensive development work to refine the concept and achieve the scalability and reliability required to provide a global commercial service,” said Rob Spurrett, CEO and co-founder of Lacuna Space.

These satellites feature Lacuna’s new proprietary, ultra-high density Gentoo satellite gateway. The satellite gateways work in conjunction with Lacuna’s ground scheduling network, which enables adaptive regional, fine frequency algorithms developed using AI from years of satellite-based spectrum scans.

“Glasgow produces more satellites than anywhere else in Europe, and this contract between Spire Global and Lacuna Space is a fantastic example of how the UK’s strong heritage in space manufacturing is accelerating our progress towards global connectivity and new commercial applications for telecommunications,” said Craig Brown, investment director at the UK Space Agency.


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“This collaboration will unlock opportunities for businesses, using satellites to transfer data and information between millions of sensors on the ground that make up IoT, with the potential to scale up further. I’m looking forward to watching the constellation come to life.”

Spire Global has just this autumn launched its own web-based application designed to streamline satellite constellation operations with funding from the European Space Agency, a testament to its global presence in the space industry.

The company has designed, built, and launched more than 170 satellites, and handles the end-to-end management of the satellites, from manufacturing and launch, to satellite operations and customer operates.

Nokia and du to lead in UAE with 5G-Advanced RedCap – TelecomTV

  • The 5G-Advanced RedCap trial demonstrates du’s readiness to trial innovative use cases that could unlock new revenue opportunities in the Internet of Things (IoT) and Industry 4.0

Dubai, United Arab Emirates – Nokia and du, from Emirates Integrated Telecommunications Company (EITC), today announced the successful conclusion of the UAE’s first 5G-Advanced 5G Reduced Capability (RedCap) trial over a commercial network. The trial showcased the readiness of du’s 5G network for innovative use cases in areas such as the Internet of Things (IoT), wearables, and Industry 4.0 to address 5G monetization challenges.

The two companies trialed MediaTek’s T300 series RedCap test equipment in du’s 5G Standalone (SA) Radio Access Network (RAN) built with Nokia’s AirScale radio products, leveraging the existing mid-band Spectrum. This will follow extending RedCap over low band frequencies, ensuring extreme coverage and connectivity. Notably, the low band in 600MHz, is a vital connectivity band currently under discussion at the World Radio Conference WRC-23 taking place in Dubai.

With RedCap devices expected to be commercially available from 2024, it will significantly augment du’s diversified use case portfolio to include cost-efficient 5G home wireless, wearables, video surveillance, and wireless industrial sensors.

5G devices commonly feature intricate hardware and energy-intensive capabilities, resulting in higher cost, size, and power consumption. RedCap technology is dedicated to streamlining 5G devices, specifically targeting compact IoT devices like wearables and health trackers, as well as ruggedized routers and sensors for environmental or condition-based monitoring. These devices exhibit lower demands for battery life and reduced bandwidth requirements. RedCap ensures they sustain performance while optimizing their power efficiency. Nokia has been instrumental in driving the evolution of RedCap IoT functionality in collaboration with the telecommunications industry.

Saleem Alblooshi, Chief Technology Officer at du, said: “This collaboration introduces the revolutionary 5G-Advanced RedCap functionalities, enabling seamless connectivity of RedCap devices to cutting-edge 5G networks. Nokia’s unparalleled innovation simplifies and pioneers the development of 5G devices, particularly wearables and small IoT devices, significantly enhancing LTE-CAT4 performance and optimizing energy efficiency. These remarkable technological advancements are pivotal in propelling Industry 4.0 revolution.”

Mikko Lavanti, Senior Vice President at Nokia MEA, said: “This new collaboration between du and Nokia represents not only a significant step forward in the monetization of 5G technology but also solidifies the UAE’s position as a pioneer in the evolution of 5G use cases for society and enterprises. As the collaboration progresses, both companies are poised to revolutionize the way we experience and interact with 5G technology, unlocking unprecedented possibilities for innovation and connectivity.”

Dr. Ho-Chi Hwang, General Manager of Wireless Communication System and Partnerships at MediaTek, said: “It’s essential to bring new capabilities of 5G to the UAE, and this trial is an important step in that direction. We are proud to have provided our RedCap devices to further develop the ecosystem for 5G monetization. We hope, by pioneering the technology in the Middle East and Africa region, MediaTek will be able to assure our customers of more innovative 5G products and services coming their way.”