Ericsson and stc have entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to investigate possibilities for deploying 5G services and future network architectures.
Signed at the Mobile World Congress 2023, the MoU aims to assist stc in achieving its objective of transitioning smoothly towards cloud-native technologies and open network designs. This would enhance the flexibility of stc’s 5G infrastructure and hasten the delivery of services while expanding 5G offerings.
Moreover, stc and Ericsson will explore how future network architectures can facilitate various new 5G use cases in Saudi Arabia, in keeping with the national objectives of the Saudi Vision 2030 to establish advanced digital infrastructure.
“In our journey to provide enhanced 5G services to individuals and businesses across Saudi Arabia in line with Saudi Vision 2030, we are constantly exploring future network architectures based on the principles of openness, intelligence, automation, and security,” said Bader Abdullah Allhieb, Infrastructure Sector VP, stc.
“In particular, the cloudification of RAN opens exciting opportunities for us and our customers. We look forward to collaborating with Ericsson to explore new models for network performance while ensuring the operational excellence that our customers expect from stc.”
stc intends to attain open, resilient, and secure network designs by investigating innovative 5G deployment models and different network architectures. This includes steering Cloud Radio Access Network (RAN) conversations and offering the latest Ericsson Fronthaul 6000 solutions. Cloud RAN refers to a cloud-native software solution that manages the compute functionality in the RAN.
Håkan Cervell, Vice President and Head of Customer Unit stc, Saudi Arabia and Egypt at Ericsson Middle East and Africa, said, “We are pleased to sign the Memorandum of Understanding with stc, to explore how the adoption of Cloud RAN solutions can help stc optimise their 5G bandwidth, operate networks more efficiently, and improve overall network performance. We look forward to collaborating with stc to identify new ways of deploying cloud-native networks virtually everywhere, on any cloud, and any server platform for increased network flexibility, faster delivery of services, and greater scalability.”
