Ericsson, stc sign five-year deal to upgrade Saudi mobile networks

Ericsson has signed a five-year Master Frame Agreement with Saudi operator stc to upgrade and expand the kingdom’s mobile infrastructure. The deal covers 5G hardware and software, cloud-native systems and AI tools, and builds on the companies’ earlier work together on Saudi Arabia’s first 5G network in 2019.

Stc will use Ericsson’s technology to speed up 5G rollout, introduce standalone 5G, 5G-Advanced and massive MIMO, and add features such as network slicing to tailor connectivity for different consumer and enterprise uses. The partnership is pitched as supporting Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 goals, including preparation for 6G and self-optimising networks, while stc positions the move as part of its plan to create a more scalable and resilient network and to strengthen the country’s digital economy. Ericsson has already made Riyadh the base for its Africa and Middle East operations.