stc Group and Ericsson Expand Saudi 5G Partnership
stc group and Ericsson have signed a multi-year agreement to expand 5G connectivity across Saudi Arabia. The companies announced the agreement at LEAP 2026 in Riyadh on September 1.
The partnership will add new network sites and increase capacity across existing locations. It will also expand stc group’s 5G Standalone network and support differentiated connectivity services.
5G Network Expansion Across Saudi Arabia
The agreement also introduces the world’s first commercial deployment of Ericsson Radio 4496. The quad-band Frequency Division Duplexing radio combines four low-frequency bands into a single 400-watt unit.
Importantly, the deployment includes STC Group’s newly acquired 600 MHz spectrum. This low-band spectrum can extend 5G coverage across wider areas. It can also improve indoor connectivity and reach rural and remote locations.
Meanwhile, Ericsson and stc group will deploy additional Ericsson Radio System products. These include 600 MHz low-band radios, Massive MIMO, mid-band radios, baseband systems and RAN software.
The expanded infrastructure should also strengthen network capacity in areas facing higher demand. In addition, the lower-band deployment can reduce network-wide power consumption.
Supporting Saudi Arabia’s Digital Transformation
The upgraded network will support several sectors across the Kingdom. These include logistics, energy, mining, tourism and public services. Furthermore, stc group plans to strengthen Fixed Wireless Access where fiber connectivity remains unavailable.
The agreement also extends Ericsson’s software subscription model to stc group. As a result, the operator can continuously upgrade its network with newer software capabilities. The arrangement aims to improve both network performance and operational efficiency.
Sultan S. Alturki, Technology Procurement General Manager 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 at Ericsson Saudi Arabia, 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.”
Deployment Begins in 2026
The relationship between Ericsson and stc group spans several generations of mobile technology. Their collaboration has covered networks from 2G through 5G, with Ericsson serving as a principal RAN supplier to stc group.
Now, the companies are extending that relationship as Saudi Arabia accelerates its digital infrastructure development. The new network sites are scheduled to begin deployment in 2026. Deployment will continue throughout the multi-year agreement across Ericsson’s geographic footprint in Saudi Arabia.
The agreement therefore adds further capacity and coverage to stc group’s 5G network. At the same time, the use of 600 MHz spectrum could help broaden reliable connectivity beyond densely populated areas.
The move comes as Ericsson highlights 5G Advanced, AI-powered networks and programmable connectivity at LEAP 2026. The company says these technologies can support Saudi Arabia’s broader digital transformation and Vision 2030 ambitions.
