Saudi Telecom Company (stc) and Ericsson have signed a partnership agreement to further drive 5G connectivity in Saudi Arabia.
Announced at the sidelines of the Mobile World Congress in Barcelona, the partnership will see stc strengthen the kingdom’s 5G network indoor coverage and performance.
Under the agreement, stc and Ericsson will explore the technical capabilities of 5G network slicing and long range mmWave for stc to expand their 5G network’s coverage and performance.
The two organisations also seek to elevate customer experience, and unleash the value of new services that can be introduced to consumers and enterprises.
“5G is completely reshaping both our professional and personal lives by connecting a large number of users. Through joint collaboration, Ericsson is supporting stc in realising our digital ambitions and evolving it, with the latest technologies to enhance our network,” said Badr Al-Lhieb, Infrastructure Sector VP, stc.
“The MoU is one of many steps we are undertaking together to bring the best and the latest technologies to our subscribers and to the Kingdom, in line with Saudi Vision 2030.”
Further into the partnership, Ericsson will deliver a view on 5G for indoor coverage as well as identifying the indoor customer experience and possible ways of enhancement.
A proof of concept (PoC) will be offered to identify stc’s network evolution strategy using long range millimeter wave (mmWave) technology and to highlight the advantages and benefits of 5G network slicing.
Ericsson mmWave portfolio addresses the high network capacity requirements in urban areas that include popular, crowded locations and hotspots that cater to a large number of users. It delivers high-quality connectivity for outdoor coverage in populated areas and helps drive strong indoor-mall coverage across stc network.
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“One of Ericsson’s major focus areas is enabling the digital transformation of industries,” said Mathias Johansson, Vice President and Head of Customer Unit Saudi Arabia and Egypt, Ericsson Middle East and Africa.
“We are working with stc to tap on the 5G potential to unleash new services that will elevate customer experience and expand network coverage for their consumers and enterprises. Hand-in-hand with stc to accelerate Saudi Vision 2030, we are certain that stc will reap the innovative benefits of the wide range of possibilities that 5G technology offers.”
The two organisations believe that network slicing will play a crucial role in enabling stc provide innovative services to consumers and enterprises with flexibility and agility.
