STC Group and Ericsson have finalized a multi-year contract to broaden the telecommunications provider’s fifth-generation wireless infrastructure throughout Saudi Arabia. The deal was announced at the LEAP 2026 technology conference in Riyadh.
The partnership focuses on installing new network sites, boosting capacity at current locations, and advancing STC’s standalone 5G architecture. A central component involves preparing for specialized connectivity services while integrating Ericsson’s Radio System portfolio, which includes baseband systems, Massive MIMO technology, and related radio access network software.
A notable milestone within the contract is the commercial launch of the Ericsson Radio 4496. This quad-band Frequency Division Duplexing unit merges four low-frequency bands into a single 400-watt device. The hardware incorporates STC’s recently acquired 600 MHz spectrum to extend coverage across broader regions while lowering energy usage.
The integration of 600 MHz low-band radios alongside mid-band options aims to improve signal reliability in rural areas, remote zones, and inside buildings. This approach allows the operator to utilize its spectrum resources more effectively as the network grows.
Sultan S. Alturki, STC Group’s general manager for technology procurement, stated that the expansion will enhance customer experiences by increasing capacity and reaching more locations. He noted the agreement supports the Kingdom’s rising digital requirements.
Fadhel Isa, Ericsson Saudi Arabia’s head of networks, described the deal as a continuation of their long-standing collaboration across multiple mobile generations. He emphasized that combining additional capacity with the new spectrum will extend connectivity throughout the country.
Ericsson has supplied radio access network equipment to STC from its second-generation services through 5G. The company supported the operator’s initial 5G launch and subsequent growth. Site deployment is scheduled to start in 2026 and proceed over the duration of the multi-year agreement across Ericsson’s operational areas in Saudi Arabia.
