Zain KSA and Huawei Complete Large-Scale Commercial Deployment of 600MHz 5G SA Network

Zain KSA and Huawei Complete Large-Scale Commercial Deployment of 600MHz 5G SA Network

Source: CFO (China Fiber Online) - Adapted from original article

RIYADH, Saudi Arabia – Zain KSA, in collaboration with Huawei, has successfully completed the large-scale commercial deployment of a 600MHz 5G Standalone (SA) network in Saudi Arabia. This milestone significantly expands 5G coverage across the region and marks a major step forward in the nation's digital transformation, aligning with the goals of Saudi Vision 2030.

The new 600MHz 5G SA network brings substantial performance improvements, reducing latency by 50% and increasing uplink speeds by ten times for users at the cell edge. This enhancement enables faster response times for AI-driven mobile applications and smoother real-time interactions. The upgraded network is set to power a new generation of services, including cloud computing, ultra-high-definition live streaming, and IoT applications, positioning Riyadh as a global model for a mobile AI city.

Zain KSA has established a 600MHz 5G SA demonstration zone in Riyadh, with full commercial deployment in Riyadh and Jeddah planned for the fourth quarter of 2025. The network will subsequently be expanded to other major cities, towns, and key inter-city highways. The deployment utilizes innovative technologies like carrier aggregation, ultra-wideband, and multi-antenna techniques to synergize low-band spectrum with Zain KSA's existing high-band 5G spectrum.

This synergistic approach delivers broader and deeper 5G coverage, even in challenging environments such as underground parking garages and museums. It also provides stable and reliable connectivity for services like Voice over New Radio (VoNR), RedCap, HD video calls, real-time mobile AI interaction, cloud applications, and mobile gaming.

The sub-1GHz spectrum offers extensive coverage, while FDD mode helps lower latency and boost uplink rates, creating an ideal foundation for real-time interactive services, IoT, and vehicular communication in the mobile AI era. With the low-frequency terminal ecosystem maturing rapidly and several leading smartphone brands launching compatible devices, Zain KSA can now achieve wider network coverage across urban, rural, and roadside areas using fewer base stations. This strategy not only enhances service quality and coverage but also optimizes investment costs and supports sustainable network evolution.

Mr. Mohammad AlNujaidi, Chief Technology Officer at Zain KSA, stated, "This deployment marks a significant leap in expanding 5G coverage and reliability, delivering a high-performance digital experience for both individual and enterprise customers. Furthermore, this technology enables wide-area coverage with fewer sites, making our infrastructure deployment more efficient and further demonstrating our commitment to sustainable innovation."

Mr. Fang Xiang, Vice President of Huawei Wireless Network Product Line, commented, "The 600MHz band is a golden frequency for achieving ubiquitous 5G and 5G-Advanced coverage, providing high-quality deep coverage, high uplink capacity, and low latency. We are honored to collaborate with Zain KSA on this milestone commercial deployment. Looking ahead, we will continue to pursue joint innovation in networks, applications, and business to deliver greater value and drive sustainable business growth."