Yemeni Media: Advancing Telecommunications Services to Boost National Economic Development

Sawt Al-Amal (Voice of Hope) – Ahmed Bajoaim

The telecommunications sector is considered the cornerstone of economic development in societies worldwide, alongside several key factors. Within Yemen’s current context, this sector is among the fundamental drivers that can enhance economic growth. The substantial financial revenues generated by this vital sector amount to over $150 million annually, according to the International Growth Center (IGC), a UK-based international development center. However, due to the ongoing conflict, these financial returns are not consolidated into a single treasury, resulting from political divisions since early 2015.

Local media plays a prominent role in assessing, analyzing, and discussing the challenges that the telecommunications sector may face in Yemen. Additionally, it highlights the economic and social significance of this vital sector. In this report, we will uncover the various roles of media, particularly journalism, in discussing economic challenges, analyzing their impact on the telecommunications sector, and understanding how media influences the enhancement and comprehensive development of this sector. We will explore how media services can match or approach those of other Arab and global countries in terms of features and speed. Furthermore, we will present both the positive and negative aspects of local media in this context.

The Role of the Media

Ahmed Bajubair, the Technical Administration Director at Hadhramout Television, stated that the telecommunications sector is one of the essential service sectors that contribute to the national economy. Despite facing challenges, this sector continues to provide its services. The ongoing conflict has impacted various sectors, including significant portions of the transportation and tourism sectors.

He added that the continuation of the telecommunications sector’s work facilitates communication among citizens, enables the provision of commercial deals, and ensures access to crucial information about global markets.

 Ahmed Bajubair further clarified that Hadhramout Television has dedicated numerous reports and programs, hosting experts to shed light on the importance of the telecommunications sector and address the challenges it faces. The channel also hosts specialists and analysts to provide recommendations and solutions for improving service quality in Yemen, enhancing internet network quality, and expanding its coverage nationwide, making it accessible to all members of the community. Hadhramout Television covers sector news and projects across various service and developmental domains.

Media presenter Hamdi Al-Yafei emphasized that the field of telecommunications has become a pillar of any country’s economy and one of its sustainable assets. It contributes millions of dollars annually to the national treasury. Consequently, the focus on this sector and its development has witnessed significant leaps. Countries compete in the realm of telecommunications, and Yemen has recently experienced positive progress. Despite the current situation in the country, there has been an expansion of 4G internet service, even though most nations worldwide surpassed this stage long ago. Continuing to enhance and update the sector in Yemen will strengthen the national economy and elevate its status.

Hamdi Al-Yafei, the media presenter, highlighted that local media addresses the challenges of the telecommunications sector. Unfortunately, they often frame it within the context of political disputes between conflicting parties. Each side blames the other and claims to be the primary beneficiary of the telecommunications decline in Yemen. These discussions will likely only conclude through political understandings between the parties. Consequently, some media outlets focus on this aspect not for positive critique, analysis, or proposing solutions and recommendations, but rather the opposite. Furthermore, local media has become biased and serves specific interests. As a result, neutral and constructive outcomes that contribute to the development and enhancement of the sector are scarce.

Telecommunications Support Media

The telecommunications sector is one of the essential sectors that supports journalistic work and contributes to the prosperity of media institutions. In turn, these institutions play a role in enhancing economic development in Yemen.

Abdullah Bakhrissa, a lecturer at Hadramout University and a researcher in media and communication, emphasizes that communications and information technology are essential for professional journalism. The flourishing of media organizations relies on these technologies. Weak or disrupted communications significantly impact the journalistic process. Without reliable connectivity, journalists and media outlets cannot effectively function.

Abdullah Bakhrissa, a lecturer at Hadhramout University and a researcher in media and communication, emphasizes the importance of media (visual, auditory, and written) in discussing the significance of preserving the telecommunications sector. Media plays a crucial role in delving into its details and providing recommendations to elevate it in line with global advancements. It is essential for media to maintain a professional and objective role, relying on analysis from experts and verifying sources. By doing so, media can propose solutions to enhance the quality of services that meet public expectations. Leveraging specialized expertise contributes to the development and advancement of the sector, which remains one of Yemen’s economic lifelines in both the present and the future.

The television correspondent Matie Bamuzahem highlighted the positive role of media in showcasing the telecommunications sector. It serves as a critical backbone for all types of media, enabling the flow of information, shaping words, and transmitting images. The significance of this sector remains evident amidst Yemen’s current circumstances. Despite the ongoing conflict that has affected various sectors, the financial returns from telecommunications continue to contribute to the national economy. Many other economic resources have been disrupted due to the conflict that has persisted for nine years.

Matie Bamuzahem added that the development of the telecommunications sector and internet services will greatly assist youth, as well as medium and small companies, in creating new job opportunities. Many young people will have their own projects. It is essential for media to discuss the role of telecommunications in reducing unemployment levels and raise awareness about the economic and social benefits of the sector for youth. After all, they are among the groups most affected by unemployment.

In the same context, journalist Samia Saleh described the telecommunications sector as one of the most crucial economic sectors in any country, particularly in Yemen. The sector serves as a gateway for trade and investment, allowing companies and institutions to rely on communications for exchanging information, data, and ideas. Additionally, the telecommunications sector promotes innovation and technology, enabling business development and facilitating e-commerce and online shopping. This contributes to the growth of the digital economy, increases revenues, and provides employment opportunities for all segments of society, including youth and women.

The different media outlets, including new media, play a crucial role in discussing the telecommunications sector and analyzing communication services and the internet. The increase in telecommunications companies in Yemen can be a double-edged sword. On one hand, it may foster a competitive environment among companies to improve service quality and meet customer aspirations. On the other hand, it could lead to profit-driven motives without implementing developmental projects for service enhancement. Some companies might create justifications and shift responsibility to the current political situation in Yemen. Therefore, it is essential for the media to fulfill its expected role and expose any manipulation if it exists.

As journalist Samia Saleh stated: “Media contributes to raising awareness and educating society about the importance of the telecommunications sector, preserving it, and its role in economic development. Regular coverage of telecommunications news, developments, and challenges is essential. Additionally, media provides detailed analysis of the service and the obstacles it faces. This enables users, investors, and decision-makers to understand the reasons behind any issues and seek appropriate solutions. Moreover, media can play a crucial role in monitoring any violations or breaches in telecommunications services, documenting them, and advocating for improvements.

Challenges

The continuation of the conflict in Yemen remains one of the most significant challenges faced by the telecommunications sector. The ongoing war threatens the telecommunications infrastructure and hinders the operations of media outlets.

Ahmed Bajubair, the Technical Director at Hadhramout Television, emphasizes that the conflict has led to severe difficulties in maintaining and repairing communication networks in several Yemeni provinces. Frequent service disruptions occur due to the destruction of communication cables and stations during clashes between conflicting parties. The continuous service interruptions result from the prolonged neglect of infrastructure repairs.

Media outlets play a crucial role in highlighting these challenges faced by the telecommunications sector and presenting them to relevant authorities. The key issues include poor service quality, failure to keep pace with global advancements, inadequate maintenance services, network deterioration, and the high cost and monopolization of services.

Bamuzahem points out that the conflict is one of the major challenges that has affected the telecommunications sector in Yemen. The sector is fundamentally one of the weakest communication systems globally, particularly in internet services. Internet services in Yemen are both the most expensive and least efficient. This situation arises due to the lack of regular maintenance, failure to update services, and the inability to keep up with technological advancements. These factors have a negative impact on the operations of all entities that rely on communication services and the internet, including media outlets.

The most prominent problems faced by Yemen’s telecommunications sector include frequent internet cable disruptions. These disruptions occur due to vandalism, either by citizens or criminal gangs, as well as natural phenomena such as floods and sandstorms. Additionally, issues like poor service quality, inadequate coverage, and the failure to promptly adopt new technologies exacerbate the challenges faced by the sector.

Recommendations

To provide solutions and proposals that contribute to improving the quality of telecommunications and internet services in Yemen, Ahmed Bajubair, the Technical Director at Hadhramout Television, emphasizes the importance of ending the ongoing conflict. By doing so, the institution would be able to maintain existing cables, lay new ones, and strengthen the network. Furthermore, opening up competition among global telecommunications companies would lead to better offerings. It is also crucial for media programs to review recommendations and studies presented by experts in the field, as this can enhance and develop the service.

Additionally, media presenter Hamdi Alyafie underscores the need to separate the telecommunications file from political conflicts. Doing so would prevent the service from being further affected and allow the sector to keep pace with more advanced nations. Moreover, investment in the telecommunications sector requires a healthy environment independent of political considerations. Improving logistical services and facilitating faster and immediate repairs for any disruptions in communication services are equally important.

Media researcher Abdullah Bakhrissa calls for media attention to focus on these problems, discuss and analyze them through serious and objective journalistic content. This approach can lead to clear investigative results that address the challenges faced by the telecommunications sector in more innovative and sustainable ways. Studying these problems, understanding their dimensions and intricacies, and presenting a comprehensive reform vision can contribute to improving the current state of the sector.

Television correspondent Mutiea Bamuzahem highlights several crucial solutions recommended by various media outlets:

• Regular maintenance of communication stations, networks, and cables.
• Continuous development and enhancement of infrastructure.
• Keeping up with technological advancements in this field.
• Reducing the cost of communication and internet services, making them affordable while maintaining high quality.
• Creating job opportunities and enabling the state to prioritize telecommunications as a key economic resource.

Various media outlets have a significant impact on various issues, and perhaps the telecommunications sector is one of these issues that has recently captured public attention. This is due to the global advancements and the contrasting situation in Yemen. Through hosting experts, reports, or dialogues, the media addresses problems and proposes feasible and appropriate solutions. Additionally, media highlights the economic importance of the telecommunications sector and how harnessing it can lead to a qualitative leap for the Yemeni economy.