By Kevin Muprhy, Vice President and Head of Ericsson Levant Countries and Global Customer Unit Ooredoo Group
The introduction of 5G technology in the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan is a major development that has the potential to generate significant economic benefits for the country. In this article, I will explore the importance of 5G in Jordan and detail its potential impact on the country's Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

Recently, Ericsson commissioned a study by management consulting firm Analysys Mason titled “The Future Value of Mobile in Emerging Markets” showcasing the potential economic, consumer and environmental benefits of 5G connectivity in 15 national emerging markets. According to the study, these markets could benefit from GDP growth between 0.3 and 0.46 percent through 2035, with an estimated three-to-seven-fold cost-to-benefit ratio. Although Jordan was not one of the 15 countries in the study, we can still apply these findings to the Hashemite where we could foresee a strong link between 5G adoption and GDP growth.

One of the primary ways in which 5G could boost Jordan's GDP is through its ability to provide faster and more reliable connectivity. This is particularly important for Jordan, as the country has made significant efforts in recent years to position itself as a regional hub for technology and innovation. With 5G, businesses and individuals in Jordan will be able to access high-speed internet, enabling them to further participate in the global economy and take advantage of new opportunities for economic growth. It is worth mentioning that the mobile phone penetration in Jordan has increased dramatically in the second quarter of 2022, reaching 7.4 million subscriptions according to theTelecommunication Regulatory Commission.

In addition to its impact on connectivity, 5G could also drive innovation and enable the development of new technologies. With its high speeds and low latency, 5G can support a wide range of applications and services, including the Internet of Things (IoT), autonomous vehicles, and virtual and augmented reality. This could lead to the creation of new businesses and job opportunities in Jordan, as well as the potential for new technologies to improve various sectors such as healthcare, transportation, and agriculture.

Another way in which 5G could contribute to GDP growth in Jordan is through its potential to improve the efficiency and productivity of existing businesses. For example, 5G could enable the adoption of new technologies that automate various processes, resulting in cost savings and increased efficiency.

It could also enable businesses to access new markets and customers through the use of online platforms and services.
Finally, the introduction of 5G in Jordan could also have a positive impact on the country's tourism industry. Tourists will be able to access high-speed internet while traveling, enabling them to stay connected and make use of online services such as booking and transportation.

The technology can help create new tourism-related innovations such as virtual and augmented reality experiences, giving visitors a close to real-life interaction with tourism activities. This could attract more visitors to the country.

Although the full potential of 5G technology is yet to be tapped, there is no doubt that it will create never-before-seen experiences for individuals, businesses, and society by making the unimaginable possible. The Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan will indeed reap the benefits of 5G technology and its associated socio-economic benefits, while boosting industries and transforming how its citizens connect and interact with each other.

By Kevin Muprhy, Vice President and Head of Ericsson Levant Countries and Global Customer Unit Ooredoo Group
The introduction of 5G technology in the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan is a major development that has the potential to generate significant economic benefits for the country. In this article, I will explore the importance of 5G in Jordan and detail its potential impact on the country's Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

Recently, Ericsson commissioned a study by management consulting firm Analysys Mason titled “The Future Value of Mobile in Emerging Markets” showcasing the potential economic, consumer and environmental benefits of 5G connectivity in 15 national emerging markets. According to the study, these markets could benefit from GDP growth between 0.3 and 0.46 percent through 2035, with an estimated three-to-seven-fold cost-to-benefit ratio. Although Jordan was not one of the 15 countries in the study, we can still apply these findings to the Hashemite where we could foresee a strong link between 5G adoption and GDP growth.

One of the primary ways in which 5G could boost Jordan's GDP is through its ability to provide faster and more reliable connectivity. This is particularly important for Jordan, as the country has made significant efforts in recent years to position itself as a regional hub for technology and innovation. With 5G, businesses and individuals in Jordan will be able to access high-speed internet, enabling them to further participate in the global economy and take advantage of new opportunities for economic growth. It is worth mentioning that the mobile phone penetration in Jordan has increased dramatically in the second quarter of 2022, reaching 7.4 million subscriptions according to theTelecommunication Regulatory Commission.

In addition to its impact on connectivity, 5G could also drive innovation and enable the development of new technologies. With its high speeds and low latency, 5G can support a wide range of applications and services, including the Internet of Things (IoT), autonomous vehicles, and virtual and augmented reality. This could lead to the creation of new businesses and job opportunities in Jordan, as well as the potential for new technologies to improve various sectors such as healthcare, transportation, and agriculture.

Another way in which 5G could contribute to GDP growth in Jordan is through its potential to improve the efficiency and productivity of existing businesses. For example, 5G could enable the adoption of new technologies that automate various processes, resulting in cost savings and increased efficiency.

It could also enable businesses to access new markets and customers through the use of online platforms and services.
Finally, the introduction of 5G in Jordan could also have a positive impact on the country's tourism industry. Tourists will be able to access high-speed internet while traveling, enabling them to stay connected and make use of online services such as booking and transportation.

The technology can help create new tourism-related innovations such as virtual and augmented reality experiences, giving visitors a close to real-life interaction with tourism activities. This could attract more visitors to the country.

Although the full potential of 5G technology is yet to be tapped, there is no doubt that it will create never-before-seen experiences for individuals, businesses, and society by making the unimaginable possible. The Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan will indeed reap the benefits of 5G technology and its associated socio-economic benefits, while boosting industries and transforming how its citizens connect and interact with each other.