Mobily partners with Ericsson to double its data speed using 4x4 MIMO Technology

Mobily, together with Ericsson (NASDAQ:ERIC), is introducing TDD 4x4 MIMO technology to its LTE network in the western region of Saudi Arabia. This technology will be deployed using the state-of-the-art Ericsson Radio System and L16 network software release. Thanks to 4x4 MIMO technology, Mobily subscribers can enjoy higher data speeds, increased network capacity, and an overall enhanced end-user experience. With mobile data traffic expected to double year-on-year, it is imperative to find solutions, like 4x4 MIMO technology, that will optimize data usage.

“We want to ensure that our end-user will reap significant benefits from the deployment of 4x4 MIMO technology,” said Maziad AlHarbi, Chief Technology Officer at Mobily. “Ericsson’s unique 4x4 MIMO technology enables us to accelerate data speeds to a maximum of up to 220 Mbps on a 20 MHz LTE TDD carrier. Undoubtedly, this will significantly improve our customer experience, which corresponding with our strategy.”

Ericsson’s 4x4 MIMO technology addresses data speed and capacity demands in the most challenging areas and this in turn helps deliver a superior, improved connectivity experience to on-the-go Mobily subscribers. 4x4 MIMO technology increases the spectral efficiency of the LTE connection thus doubling the data speed – to reach up to 220 Mbps on a 20 MHz TDD carrier – without the need for additional spectrum.

The fact that data speeds are increased using existing spectrum of the network provides a cost effective means to increase LTE network capacity.

Ali Eid, Head of Ericsson Saudi Arabia, Jordan and Palestine added: “Ericsson’s 4x4 MIMO technology will give Mobily the ability to enhance its customers’ experience – and ensure higher speeds with expanded and improved app coverage. Mobile broadband is now an integral part of our everyday lifestyle where constant connectivity is expected anytime, anywhere. By introducing our integrated 4x4 MIMO to the LTE network, we will be able to offer Mobily a more reliable and higher capacity network – especially designed to support its customers’ connected lifestyles.”

Ericsson is present today in all high traffic LTE markets including the US, Japan, and South Korea, and is ranked first for handling the most global LTE traffic. In addition, forty percent of the world’s total mobile traffic is carried over Ericsson networks.  More than 250 LTE RAN and Evolved Packet Core networks have been delivered worldwide, of which 190 are live commercially.