• The two companies will probe the prospects of new, more open, and innovative network architectures to support stc in delivering enhanced 5G services. 
• Ericsson Cloud RAN as a deployment option that will help stc accelerate efforts to increase network flexibility, delivery of services, and scalability of stc’s 5G networks.

Ericsson (NASDAQ: ERIC) and stc have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to explore deployment options and future network architectures for delivering 5G services. Signed at Mobile World Congress 2023, the MoU seeks to support stc in its goal to seamlessly evolve towards cloud-native technologies and open network designs, thus increasing the flexibility of stc’s 5G infrastructure to accelerate delivery of services while scaling up 5G offerings.

Under this MoU, stc and Ericsson will also examine how future network architectures will enable a variety of new 5G use cases in Saudi Arabia, in line with the Saudi Vision 2030’s national objectives to build cutting-edge digital infrastructure.

stc aims to implement open, resilient, and secure network designs by exploring novel 5G deployment models and different network architectures. This involves driving Cloud Radio Access Network (RAN) discussions and providing the latest Ericsson Fronthaul 6000 solutions. Cloud RAN is a cloud-native software solution that handles compute functionality in the RAN.  

Bader Abdullah Allhieb, Infrastructure Sector VP, says: "In our journey to provide enhanced 5G services to individuals and businesses across Saudi Arabia in line with Saudi Vision 2030, we are constantly exploring future network architectures based on the principles of openness, intelligence, automation, and security. In particular, the cloudification of RAN opens exciting opportunities for us and our customers. We look forward to collaborating with Ericsson to explore new models for network performance while ensuring the operational excellence that our customers expect from stc.”

Håkan Cervell, Vice President and Head of Customer Unit stc, Saudi Arabia and Egypt at Ericsson Middle East and Africa, says: "We are pleased to sign the Memorandum of Understanding with stc, to explore how the adoption of Cloud RAN solutions can help stc optimize their 5G bandwidth, operate networks more efficiently, and improve overall network performance. We look forward to collaborating with stc to identify new ways of deploying cloud-native networks virtually everywhere, on any cloud, and any server platform for increased network flexibility, faster delivery of services, and greater scalability.”

Ericsson and stc started collaborating on 5G technology in 2019 and continue today with the goal of rapidly promoting the adoption of 5G in the region and accelerating the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s digital age.