Zoran Lazarević, Chief Technology Officer at Ericsson Middle East & Africa
The Middle East and Africa stand at a defining moment in their digital transformation journey — a region where early 5G leaders and emerging markets coexist in the same ecosystem. Few understand this complexity better than Zoran Lazarević, Chief Technology Officer at Ericsson Middle East & Africa, who has spent years overseeing the evolution of mobile networks across diverse markets.
“Some operators in the GCC are already among the global 5G leaders,” Lazarević says. “But as a region, there are still countries where 5G is yet to be deployed. Our mission is to help each market unlock the full potential of the technology.”
Unlocking the Underused Power of 5G
While several operators in the Gulf region have achieved maturity in 5G rollouts, Lazarević points out that many networks are still in their non-standalone phase — limiting their ability to fully utilize 5G’s transformative features such as network slicing, differentiated connectivity, and private networks
“Standalone 5G brings the real 5G experience,” he explains. “It’s not just about faster speeds — it’s about flexibility, new monetization models, and integration with emerging technologies like drones and autonomous vehicles.”
To accelerate this transition, Ericsson is helping operators identify business-ready use cases and ecosystem partnerships that drive revenue while enhancing public and enterprise connectivity.
6G: An Evolution, Not a Revolution
Ericsson has been working quietly but steadily on 6G for several years — and according to Lazarević, the world is now entering the “finish line” of defining what it will be.
“Standardization starts next year,” he reveals. “We expect early deployments by 2028 or 2029 and commercial rollout by 2030.”
Unlike the leap from 4G to 5G, 6G will focus on evolution, not disruption — leveraging existing infrastructure while introducing powerful capabilities. Among them, Lazarević highlights Integrated Sensing and Communication (ISAC), a feature that enables radio networks to detect and interpret physical surroundings.
“Imagine using radio signals to identify drones or sense vehicles approaching from behind a corner,” he explains. “6G will turn networks into intelligent sensors — expanding their role far beyond connectivity.”
Other focal points include advanced security, ultra-low latency, and energy-efficient operations, all of which will define the networks of the next decade.
When Networks Reach the Sky: Integrating Satellites and 5G
A major step toward universal connectivity lies in integrating non-terrestrial networks (NTN) — particularly satellites — with terrestrial 5G systems. Ericsson is already running proof-of-concept trials with Thales and Qualcomm, exploring how LEO satellites can complement ground-based networks..
“Satellites are not competitors; they’re complements,” Lazarević emphasizes. “Where terrestrial networks can’t reach — at sea, in deserts, or remote rural zones — satellites extend coverage seamlessly.”
He points out, however, that satellite-based 5G brings unique technical challenges such as Doppler shifts, signal delay, and mobility handovers between fast-moving satellites. Much of this is already being addressed in 3GPP Release 17, paving the way for smooth satellite-to-device communication in future releases
Direct-to-Device: A New Frontier for Connectivity
One of the most promising NTN use cases is Direct-to-Device (D2D) communication — enabling standard smartphones to stay connected via satellite when outside network coverage.
“In the GCC, you have vast desert areas where it’s impractical to build terrestrial infrastructure,” says Lazarević. “D2D over satellites ensures people can still make calls, send messages, or share videos even in remote locations.”
He stresses that while satellite bandwidth cannot yet match terrestrial throughput, seamless handover between both systems will be a key innovation goal for 5G and 6G networks
Spectrum and Coexistence: The Next Big Debate
Spectrum management remains a delicate balance between terrestrial and satellite demands. Lazarević believes the industry is still shaping its strategy.
“Reusing terrestrial spectrum for satellite communication poses interference risks,” he notes. “Dedicated bands like S-band for mobile satellite services (MSS) may be the cleanest path forward.”
He also highlights that millimeter-wave spectrum offers “plenty of capacity” for satellite broadband terminals, such as those used for aviation or maritime connectivity
AI: From Hype to Reality
Reflecting on recent industry trends, Lazarević observes that Artificial Intelligence has finally moved from theory to practice.
“AI is no longer a buzzword — it’s everywhere now,” he says. “In our own networks, AI is driving automation and pushing us toward level-four autonomous operations. Across industries, it’s become an integral part of how systems think and act.”
Pioneering the Future, Region by Region
From ultra-connected GCC metropolises to developing African markets, Ericsson’s mission is clear — to make advanced connectivity available to all. The company’s work on 5G, 6G, and NTN integration underscores its belief in inclusive innovation and sustainable evolution.
“We’re not just building faster networks,” concludes Lazarević. “We’re building smarter, more secure, and more adaptable ones — networks that will sense, think, and connect the world in entirely new ways.”
