Riyadh — Mubasher: Saudi Telecom Company (stc) has sealed a multi-year agreement with Ericsson at LEAP 2026 in Riyadh to further expand stc’s 5G network across Saudi Arabia, according to a press release.
Signed at LEAP 2026 in Riyadh, the agreement aims to enhance connectivity, network performance, and next-generation digital services in support of Saudi Arabia’s digital transformation.
It also marks a major milestone in the world’s first commercial deployment of Ericsson Radio 4496, a quad-band Frequency Division Duplexing (FDD) radio from the Ericsson Radio System portfolio. The high-power 400-watt unit combines four low-frequency bands, including stc group’s newly acquired 600 MHz spectrum, into a single radio.
The deployment will enable stc group to extend 5G coverage across wider areas while improving network efficiency and reducing power consumption.
Additionally, the 600 MHz spectrum, combined with mid-band deployments, will help extend coverage to rural and remote areas, improve indoor connectivity, and enhance the utilization of the Saudi group’s spectrum assets.
This expansion will deliver faster, more consistent 5G experiences across all regions and will strengthen network capacity in areas of growing demand.
Sultan Alturki, Technology Procurement General Manager at stc group, indicated: “The 5G expansion agreement with Ericsson will strengthen 5G connectivity across Saudi Arabia and enhance the experience for our customers. By expanding network capacity and deploying 600 MHz spectrum, we can extend reliable connectivity to more areas, elevate the customer experience and support Saudi Arabia’s growing digital needs .”
Fadhel Isa, Head of Networks at Ericsson Saudi Arabia, said: “The latest 5G expansion agreement builds on that foundation, combining additional 5G capacity with 600 MHz spectrum to extend connectivity across more areas of the Kingdom.”
