stc and Ericsson sign MoU at MWC 2022 for 5G and beyond

stc and Ericsson (NASDAQ: ERIC) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) at Mobile World Congress 2022 in Barcelona, Spain to explore 5G capabilities and to strengthen stc’s 5G network indoor coverage and performance.

The collaboration between stc and Ericsson will explore the technical capabilities of 5G network slicing and long range mmWave for stc to expand their 5G network’s coverage and performance, elevate customer experience, and unleash the value of new services that can be introduced to consumers and enterprises. 

As part of this collaboration, Ericsson will deliver a view on 5G for indoor coverage as well as identifying the indoor customer experience and possible ways of enhancement.  A proof of concept (PoC) will be offered to identify stc’s network evolution strategy using long range millimeter wave (mmWave) technology and to highlight the advantages and benefits of 5G network slicing.

Ericsson mmWave portfolio delivers multi-gigabit speeds, capacity, and exceptional mobile broadband speeds. Ericsson mmWave will directly benefit the high network capacity requirements in urban areas that include popular, crowded locations and hotspots that cater to a large number of users. 

The Ericsson product range will deliver high-quality connectivity for outdoor coverage in populated areas and help drive strong indoor-mall coverage across stc network. 

Badr Al-Lhieb, Infrastructure Sector VP, at stc says: “5G is completely reshaping both our professional and personal lives by connecting a large number of users. Through joint collaboration, Ericsson is supporting stc in realizing our digital ambitions and evolving it, with the latest technologies to enhance our network. The MoU is one of many steps we are undertaking together to bring the best and the latest technologies to our subscribers and to the Kingdom, in line with Saudi Vision 2030.“

 Mathias Johansson, Vice President and Head of Customer Unit Saudi Arabia and Egypt at Ericsson Middle East and Africa says: “One of Ericsson’s major focus areas is enabling the digital transformation of industries. We are working with stc to tap on the 5G potential to unleash new services that will elevate customer experience and expand network coverage for their consumers and enterprises. Hand-in-hand with stc to accelerate Saudi Vision 2030, we are certain that stc will reap the innovative benefits of the wide range of possibilities that 5G technology offers.”

The PoC will pave the way for network slicing on the stc network in the future. The capabilities of (mmWave) will be further enhanced with 5G network slicing services. Network slicing will play a crucial role in enabling stc offering innovative services to consumers and enterprises with flexibility and agility.