Ericsson and stc group expand 5G partnership in Saudi Arabia at LEAP 2026

Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, September 2^nd, 2026: stc group, Saudi Arabia’s leading digital enabler, has signed a multi-year agreement with Ericsson at LEAP 2026 in Riyadh to further expand stc’s 5G network across Saudi Arabia.

The agreement strengthens the longstanding collaboration between the two companies to enhance stc's network, deliver world-class connectivity, and advance next-generation technologies in support of Saudi Arabia’s digital transformation. Its scope includes new network sites, additional capacity at existing sites, expansion of the 5G Standalone network and preparation for differentiated connectivity services.

It also marks a major milestone in low-band innovation with the world's first commercial deployment of the Ericsson Radio 4496, part of the Ericsson Radio System portfolio. This new quad-band Frequency Division Duplexing (FDD) radio aggregates four low-frequency bands, including stc group's newly acquired 600 MHz spectrum, into a single, high-power 400-watt unit.

The deployment will enable stc to expand wide area 5G coverage while lowering power consumption for a more sustainable network. Combined with mid-band deployments, the 600 MHz spectrum will extend reach in rural and remote areas, improve indoor connectivity while maximizing the value of stc’s spectrum assets as the 5G network scales. This expansion is designed to deliver faster, more consistent 5G experiences across all regions and will strengthen network capacity in areas of growing demand.

The deployment will use Ericsson Radio System products, including low-band radios supporting 600 MHz, Massive MIMO and mid-band radios, baseband and associated radio access network (RAN) software and features.

The expanded network will support connectivity across logistics, energy, mining, tourism and public services while strengthening Fixed Wireless Access as a fixed broadband alternative in areas outside fiber coverage.

The agreement also extends Ericsson's software subscription model to stc group, ensuring the network is continuously upgraded with the latest innovations to enhance network performance and operational efficincy.

Sultan S. Alturki, Technology Procurement GM at stc group, says: “The 5G expansion agreement with Ericsson will strengthen 5G connectivity across Saudi Arabia and enhance the experience for our customers. By expanding network capacity and deploying 600 MHz spectrum, we can extend reliable connectivity to more areas, elevate the customer experience and support Saudi Arabia’s growing digital needs .”

Fadhel Isa, Head of Networks for Ericsson Saudi Arabia at Ericsson, says: “Our longstanding partnership with stc has supported the evolution of mobile connectivity in Saudi Arabia across multiple network generations. The latest 5G expansion agreement builds on that foundation, combining additional 5G capacity with 600 MHz spectrum to extend connectivity across more areas of the Kingdom.”

Ericsson and stc group’s relationship spans multiple generations of mobile technology, from 2G to 5G. Ericsson has been a principal RAN supplier to stc group and supported its 5G launch and subsequent expansion. Deployment of the new network sites is planned to begin in 2026 and continue throughout the multi-year agreement period across Ericsson’s geographic footprint in Saudi Arabia.