Saudi Arabia’s telecom giant, KSA, is making significant strides towards expanding its 5G Standalone services by acquiring new spectrum in the 600 MHz band. This acquisition was a result of a recent auction conducted by the Communications, Space and Technology Commission of Saudi Arabia.
The 600 MHz band is game-changing for KSA. It enhances coverage across urban and remote areas, improving network quality and capacity. This development enables the telco to offer robust 5G services, including IoT applications and smart city solutions. The spectrum’s penetration ability through physical barriers significantly boosts indoor coverage, benefiting both residential and commercial spaces.
KSA’s Acting CEO, Saad bin Abdulrahman Al-Sadhan, remarked that the 600 MHz band is crucial for advancing national digital goals. It accelerates digital innovation and fosters 5G adoption, fueling economic growth and supporting Industry 4.0.
The carrier plans to invest SAR1.6 billion ($427 million) to expand its 5G network, extending coverage to 122 cities. The expansion will include more than 7,000 5G network sites, covering over 66% of the country’s populated area. Furthermore, 45% of this plan will endorse 5G-Advanced (5G-A) technologies.
Mohammed Abdulazis AlNujaidi, Engineering Executive General Manager at KSA, revealed that the telco aims to escalate 5G-A services from 2024 onwards. These services, initially launched in Riyadh, offer enhanced FWA 2.0 services.
KSA’s roadmap includes expanding 5G-A services to the top eight cities by 2025, with a second phase covering 18 main cities by 2030. This strategic approach positions KSA at the forefront of Saudi Arabia’s digital transformation.
