stc and Ericsson Sign Multi-Year Agreement to Expand Saudi Arabia's 5G Network in 2026

en.Wedoany.com Reported - On September 2, Saudi Telecom Group (stc) and Ericsson signed a multi-year agreement at LEAP 2026 in Riyadh to further expand stc's 5G network across Saudi Arabia. The scope of the agreement includes adding new network sites, expanding existing sites, extending 5G Standalone, and preparing for differentiated connectivity services.

The agreement marks the world's first commercial deployment of Ericsson Radio 4496. Part of the Ericsson Radio System portfolio, this quad-band FDD radio aggregates four low-band frequencies—including stc's newly acquired 600MHz spectrum—into a single 400-watt high-power unit. The deployment will enable stc to expand wide-area 5G coverage while reducing power consumption, delivering more sustainable network operations. Combined with mid-band deployments, the 600MHz spectrum will extend coverage in rural and remote areas, improve indoor connectivity, and maximize the value of stc's spectrum assets.

The deployment will utilize Ericsson Radio System products, including low-band radios supporting 600MHz, Massive MIMO and mid-band radios, baseband, and related RAN software and features. The expanded network will support connectivity for the logistics, energy, mining, tourism, and public services sectors, while also enhancing Fixed Wireless Access as a fixed broadband alternative in areas beyond fiber coverage.

The agreement also extends Ericsson's software subscription model to stc, ensuring continuous network upgrades to the latest technologies, improving network performance and operational efficiency.

Sultan S. Alturki, General Manager of Technology Procurement at stc Group, stated that the agreement will strengthen 5G connectivity across Saudi Arabia and enhance customer experience. Fadhel Isa, Head of Ericsson Saudi Arabia Networks, noted that the partnership spans multiple generations of mobile technology from 2G to 5G, with Ericsson serving as stc's primary RAN supplier.

Deployment of new network sites is scheduled to begin in 2026 and will continue throughout the multi-year agreement period. stc completed its acquisition of Zain KSA in December 2024, with a transaction value of approximately SAR 8.5 billion (around USD 2.25 billion), securing low-band spectrum resources including 600MHz.