Ericsson and Mobily Collaborate to Advance Networks in Saudi Arabia Through Open RAN

LEAP 2024, the annual technology event in Riyadh, serves as a significant platform for showcasing and highlighting Saudi Arabia’s commitment to embracing and advancing technological innovations. The signing ceremony during this event underscores the country’s dedication to fostering partnerships and initiatives that contribute to its technological growth and development.

The collaboration between Mobily and Ericsson is a pivotal move in advancing Mobily’s network capabilities. The focus is on exploring the potential advantages of Open RAN, a technology that allows for more flexibility and efficiency in the deployment of 5G networks.

The partnership with Ericsson will delve into various options for deploying 5G across a versatile network architecture, encompassing both purpose-built Radio Access Network (RAN) solutions and Cloud RAN. This exploration reflects the commitment to leveraging innovative technologies for enhancing the telecommunications infrastructure and meeting the demands of evolving connectivity standards.

The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Mobily and Ericsson signifies a significant step in advancing Mobily’s network infrastructure through the adoption of Open RAN technology. Open RAN introduces flexibility to the network architecture, and the collaboration aims to explore various deployment options for 5G.

The focus includes both purpose-built Radio Access Network (RAN) and Cloud RAN, offering a versatile approach to enhance the 5G capabilities of Mobily’s network. Additionally, the agreement outlines plans for network segmentation and the strategic deployment of Cloud RAN in specific locations to maximize efficiency and performance.

The collaboration between Mobily and Ericsson focuses on the implementation of Ericsson’s Cloud RAN solution, a cloud-native architecture that aligns with the principles of Open RAN. This innovative approach provides Mobily with a flexible and scalable network infrastructure, allowing for efficient 5G deployment.

By integrating seamlessly with Mobily’s existing Ericsson Radio System, the Cloud RAN solution facilitates the evolution of the network architecture. This partnership aims to explore various deployment options, emphasizing the significance of Cloud RAN in advancing Mobily’s 5G capabilities.

Mobily’s Chief Technology Officer, Alaa Malki, emphasizes the strategic partnership with Ericsson in advancing Saudi Arabia’s technological landscape as part of Vision 2030. Ericsson’s expertise in cloud and Open RAN technology positions them as a trusted ally in Mobily’s network evolution. Together, they aim to contribute to the country’s digital transformation, aligning with the vision to position Saudi Arabia as a globally advanced technological economy.

The newly established memorandum of understanding between Mobily and Ericsson is in harmony with the goals set forth by the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology (MCIT) and the Communications, Space, and Technology Commission (CST). This strategic alignment reflects a shared commitment to advancing network openness and virtualization, fostering innovation, and contributing to the overall technological advancement of the telecommunications sector in Saudi Arabia.

The memorandum of understanding between Ericsson and Mobily signifies a notable advancement in Mobily’s network transformation, introducing enhanced flexibility and scalability to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The collaboration aims to explore the application of Open RAN principles, fostering innovation and accelerating the digital transformation aligned with the ambitious Saudi Vision 2030. This strategic partnership reflects a shared commitment to leveraging cutting-edge technologies for the benefit of the Kingdom’s telecommunications landscape.

The enduring collaboration between Ericsson and Mobily is dedicated to harnessing state-of-the-art technologies to enhance connectivity, elevate network performance, enrich user experiences, and promote sustainability. This longstanding partnership underscores a shared commitment to advancing telecommunications capabilities and fostering innovation in the evolving landscape of mobile communications.