Page 13 - SAMENA Trends - May 2020

REGIONAL & MEMBERS UPDATES SAMENA TRENDS

number of customers still using 3G devices 5G footprint in the months and years to enjoy the best possible experience with the
on stc network. As part of this process, come. A number of 5G Internet packages network, as part of a comprehensive digital
stc is committed to ensuring a smooth have been launched by the company, along transformation journey. stc is a technology
transition of all remaining 3G customers with the introduction of compatible 5G pioneer in the region and at a global
(to 4G and 5G devices) before the actual devices (e.g. Smartphones, Routers, Mi- level, therefore, this move will cement
shutdown date in 2022. The 3G freed Fi, etc.). The new and highly advanced 5G its leadership status in the kingdom and
spectrum will be re-utilized in the new and use cases are designed to benefit many will remain a dynamic role model for
more advanced technologies. stc has been customers and industry verticals. 5G the operators in the region. 4G and 5G
focusing investment in the 4G network will offer the necessary high speed data, technologies will provide the incentive for
over the last few years; delivering the latency, security and reliability to support economic growth; at both individual and
best 4G network in the kingdom, in terms VOLTE voice services and cutting-edge enterprise level, supporting the Kingdom’s
of both coverage and quality. stc has the “Industry 4.0” capabilities, incorporating vision 2030”. The aforementioned
largest 4G customer base in the country, advanced technologies such as AI, Data technological advancements by stc will
who can now enjoy fastest and most Analytics, IoT, etc. Eng. Khaled Al Dharrab, help in transforming the digital landscape
reliable Internet services, through different Infrastructure VP, stc, said: “stc took a bold of the country and will also confirm
flexible customer offerings. stc has also and daring decision to phase out its legacy stc’s position as a “world-class digital
embarked on the mission of being the 3G network in order to focus investment on leader providing innovative services and
pioneer in the 5G technology. It has already more modern and advanced technologies platforms to its customers and enabling
rolled out 5G network in many parts of the such as 4G and 5G technologies. This will the digital transformation in the MENA
kingdom and will continue to expand its ensure that stc customers continue to region”.

stc Group and Nokia Sign a Strategic 5-Year Master Frame Agreement

stc Group and Nokia signed
a five-year Master Frame
Agreement (MFA) to further
strengthen their strategic
partnership. The agreement
aims to expedite buying process
of Nokia’s latest equipment,
software and services for stc
Group to introduce innovative
services faster to its subscribers
as a pioneer. This will allow stc
Group companies to seamlessly
buy advanced technologies
such as 5G, Internet of Things
(IoT), IP & Optical network
technologies, and customer
experience management from
Nokia’s end-to-end portfolio for
mobile and fixed networks. For stc GCEO and by Rajeev Suri, President and Amr K. El Leithy, SVP of Middle East and Africa
the first time in the region, the CEO of Nokia. stc Group CEO Nasser Suliman market at Nokia said: “We are committed to
agreement was remotely signed Al-Nasser said: “This strategic partnership bringing our technology innovations to stc in
due to COVID-19 pandemic, with Nokia, supports Saudi Vision 2030 an agile manner, and supporting stc Vision to
purely relying on software focused on leveraging advanced technologies be a world-class digital leader, empowering
innovations and demonstrating for digital transformation and growth of the innovative services and platforms for digital
the power of AR and AI. These country, aligning with stc Rawafed Program transformation. This agreement is a major
technologies enabled Virtual that aims to enhance local content”. “We milestone in the stc -Nokia strategic ties and is
Signing Ceremony in a digital strive to introduce advanced technologies and a strong testimony of the solid relationship we
environment. The agreement services faster as a true pioneer and ensure have built with STC over the years.”
was signed by the signatories that enrich our subscribers’ lives”, he added.

13 MAY 2020