Saudi Arabia Trials Indoor 5G That Works for Every Network
Saudi Arabia has completed its pilot of indoor 5G standalone coverage using shared spectrum across all major mobile operators. The deployment took place in cooperation with Nokia, ACES NH, the Communications, Space and Technology Commission, and service providers Mobily and Zain KSA.
The trial used 4.0-4.1 GHz sharable indoor spectrum combined with active network sharing, allowing one system to serve multiple networks. The setup eliminates the need for separate 4G anchors and duplicate equipment inside buildings, while early modelling shows cost savings of more than 60%. The approach also reduces carbon emissions per gigabyte and is designed to extend service to low- and mid-traffic sites.
Nokia provided its Shikra radio units and software, enabling gigabit-class speeds across multistorey buildings while offering the flexibility to host both public and enterprise 5G on the same infrastructure. The system's design allows operators to expand more quickly with lower upfront investment.
Mobile data usage across the region is expected to nearly double by 2030. With 80% of mobile traffic originating indoors, the pilot points to an alternative model for efficient in-building coverage. The project has also been recognised by the Small Cell Forum with a 2025 award for innovation in neutral host models.
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CairoScene
6 days ago
- CairoScene
Saudi Arabia Trials Indoor 5G That Works for Every Network
The deployment took place in cooperation with Nokia, ACES NH, the Communications, Space and Technology Commission, and service providers Mobily and Zain KSA. Saudi Arabia has completed its pilot of indoor 5G standalone coverage using shared spectrum across all major mobile operators. The deployment took place in cooperation with Nokia, ACES NH, the Communications, Space and Technology Commission, and service providers Mobily and Zain KSA. The trial used 4.0-4.1 GHz sharable indoor spectrum combined with active network sharing, allowing one system to serve multiple networks. The setup eliminates the need for separate 4G anchors and duplicate equipment inside buildings, while early modelling shows cost savings of more than 60%. The approach also reduces carbon emissions per gigabyte and is designed to extend service to low- and mid-traffic sites. Nokia provided its Shikra radio units and software, enabling gigabit-class speeds across multistorey buildings while offering the flexibility to host both public and enterprise 5G on the same infrastructure. The system's design allows operators to expand more quickly with lower upfront investment. Mobile data usage across the region is expected to nearly double by 2030. With 80% of mobile traffic originating indoors, the pilot points to an alternative model for efficient in-building coverage. The project has also been recognised by the Small Cell Forum with a 2025 award for innovation in neutral host models.
Mid East Info
19-06-2025
- Mid East Info
Nokia, e& and MediaTek achieve multi-gigabit speeds with six-component carrier aggregation - Middle East Business News and Information
First use of 400 MHz mid-band spectrum in the region on e&'s commercial network Enables e& UAE to maximize existing spectrum assets and strengthen its position as the world's fastest mobile network Powered by Nokia's Massive MIMO radios and baseband solutions, validated end-to-end with MediaTek's flagship 5G device Dubai, United Arab Emirates – Nokia, in collaboration with e& UAE, the flagship telecommunications arm of e& in the UAE, and MediaTek, today announced the Middle East's first successful demonstration of six-component carrier (6CC) aggregation in 5G Standalone (SA). The trial combined 400 MHz of e& UAE's 5G mid-band spectrum, unlocking multi-gigabit peak throughput rates that would allow subscribers to download UHD movies in seconds. For e& UAE, the milestone further solidifies its position as the world's fastest mobile network while future-proofing radio access network investments. The trial utilized e& UAE's commercial spectrum across 3.5 GHz, 2.6 GHz, 2.1 GHz and 1.8 GHz bands and delivered a throughput of 5.8 Gbps. Nokia supplied its latest high-capacity equipment from the AirScale portfolio, including Habrok 64 Massive MIMO radios, dual-band radios, baseband solutions and carrier aggregation software. MediaTek provided a prototype smartphone powered by its flagship 5G chipset, which supports 6CC carrier aggregation. Mark Atkinson, Senior Vice President and Head of Radio Access Networks at Nokia, said: 'Together with our long-standing partners, e& and MediaTek, Nokia is once again pushing the limits of technology by aggregating six mid-band component carriers. Our industry-leading carrier aggregation solutions help maximize 5G performance with existing spectrum assets, paving the path to Advanced 5G. Multi-gigabit speeds are a true game-changer for end-user experience in the UAE's competitive market for both consumers and enterprises.' Abdulrahman Al Humaidan – Vice President Access Network at e& UAE, said: 'Aggregating six mid-band carriers lets us squeeze every bit of performance out of the spectrum that we have available for 5G. This breakthrough shows that 5G Advanced isn't a distant vision, but a concrete enabler for multi-gigabit speeds across the UAE without waiting for new frequencies. Working with Nokia and MediaTek, we now have a clear blueprint for scaling this capability nationwide.' He added: '5G is redefining what's possible — from ultra-fast downloads to real-time connectivity that powers everything from mobile streaming to smart cities. At e&, we're pushing the boundaries of 5G performance to ensure people across the country experience the full potential of next-generation speed and reliability. This isn't just about faster connections — it's about enabling the UAE's digital future.' Nokia and e& UAE are paving the way for future enhancements to 5G networks by providing the critical technology foundation that supports the growing demand for data and digital services in the region. HC Hwang, General Manager of Wireless Communication System and Partnership at MediaTek said: 'Successfully completing the 6CC carrier aggregation trial in partnership with e& and Nokia marks a significant leap forward in 5G technology advancement. This achievement, conducted on our new M90 modem platform, underscores MediaTek's commitment to pushing download speeds, enhancing network performance, and delivering unparalleled connectivity.' About Nokia: At Nokia, we create technology that helps the world act together. As a B2B technology innovation leader, we are pioneering networks that sense, think and act by leveraging our work across mobile, fixed and cloud networks. In addition, we create value with intellectual property and long-term research, led by the award-winning Nokia Bell Labs, which is celebrating 100 years of innovation. With truly open architectures that seamlessly integrate into any ecosystem, our high-performance networks create new opportunities for monetization and scale. Service providers, enterprises and partners worldwide trust Nokia to deliver secure, reliable and sustainable networks today – and work with us to create the digital services and applications of the future. About e&: e& is a global technology group committed to advancing the digital future across markets in the Middle East, Asia, Africa and Europe. With the group's financial performance in 2023 showing a consolidated net revenue of AED 53.8 billion and a net profit of AED 10.3 billion, e& continues to maintain its position as a financial powerhouse, reflected by its strong credit rating and solid balance sheet. Founded in Abu Dhabi over 48 years ago, e& has evolved from a telecom pioneer into a technology group. Its footprint now spans 38 countries, offering a comprehensive portfolio of innovative digital services ranging from advanced connectivity, entertainment, streaming and financial services to AI-powered solutions, cloud computing, ICT, cybersecurity and IoT platforms. The Group is structured around five core business pillars: e& UAE, e& international, e& life, e& enterprise and e& capital, each catering to distinct customer and market needs. These pillars empower e& to lead in various sectors, from telecom and digital lifestyle to enterprise services and venture investments. The ongoing strategic investments in AI, IoT, 5G and cloud services reinforce its leadership in the global technology landscape, driving the future of smart connectivity and innovation. 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Bolstering its leadership position as a digital telco that champions customers in a hyper-connected digital world, e& UAE will pivot the new sustainable demand into future spaces such as private networks, autonomous vehicles, and AI.
CairoScene
23-05-2025
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Pilgrims Can Now Activate eSIM Cards Upon Arrival in Saudi Arabia
Pilgrims arriving in the Kingdom can activate eSIMs instantly through local telecom apps, bypassing in-person service centres. Pilgrims visiting Saudi Arabia for Hajj and Umrah can now digitally activate eSIM cards upon arrival, thanks to a new initiative launched by the Communications, Space and Technology Commission (CST), the Ministry of Interior (MoI), and licensed telecom providers. The system allows pilgrims to request eSIMs from local operators and verify their identity using biometric data through the Absher platform, enabling activation without the need to visit a store or wait until reaching their accommodation. The move aims to simplify access to mobile services, ensuring pilgrims are connected from the moment they enter the Kingdom. It forms part of CST's wider strategy to enhance digital services for pilgrims in line with Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030.
