Riyadh: A panel discussion titled 'Last Mile, Maximum Capacity: Providing Connectivity to the Unconnected' was held on Monday as part of the exhibition accompanying the Global Symposium for Regulators 2025 (GSR-25), hosted by the Communications, Space and Technology Commission in Riyadh.
According to Saudi Press Agency, the session emphasized the importance of integrating terrestrial and non-terrestrial networks to bridge the digital divide and connect the unconnected, presenting case studies and innovative financing models to expand access to communication services in remote areas.
Participants noted that around 2.6 billion people worldwide remain unconnected, stressing the importance of mobile satellite services in supporting devices and communications, ensuring reliable information transfer, and protecting against harmful radio frequency radiation.
They emphasized the need to adopt international best practices to maximize the benefits of these services while noting the significant challenges and pressures facing the global telecommunications sector.
The participants also underscored the importance of fostering competitiveness among operators, ensuring effective spectrum management, and establishing local and international partnerships to create tangible opportunities on the ground.
Additionally, they stressed the need to expand opportunities for beneficiaries, increase licenses and regulations to strengthen international cooperation, and address key challenges such as the digital divide and advancing cybersecurity to ensure secure and efficient communication services.