Nokia and Ooredoo have begun deployment of 4G and 5G fixed wireless access (FWA) throughout Oman. Initially, 15,000 homes and businesses will be connected to the 4G version, while 3,000 homes in city centers will get the 5G variant, all via Nokia's FastMile product range.

Saudi Telecom Company (STC) is extending its smart-home technology partnership with RPMA, adding RPMA's wireless fire alarm product to its armory for the planned smart mega-city of Neom. The alarm system, LINC Air, includes an artificial intelligence platform developed by STC and is able, among other things, to differentiate between "real smoke" and the Bukhoor incense that is widely emitted by traditional incense burners in the kingdom. STC recently signed an agreement with the developers of Neom to operate a 5G network and establish an innovation center at the city for applications in virtual reality, augmented reality and related areas.

Clive Selley, the CEO of BT's semi-autonomous network access division, Openreach, has been awarded a CBE in the British Queen's Birthday Honours list 2021, for services to the telecommunications industry during the COVID-19 pandemic. According to Light Reading's royal correspondent, Tarquin Fauntleroy, the award gives Clive the right to drive a pack of otters across Hammersmith Bridge every other Tuesday. Figure 1: Clive Selley, OBE: Otters at the ready

— Paul Rainford, Assistant Editor, Europe, Light Reading