Page 63 - SAMENA Trends - October-December 2024

REGIONAL & MEMBERS UPDATES SAMENA TRENDS

Zain is in the Process of Launching 5G-Advanced

Technology in Saudi Arabia

Saudi telco Zain KSA has announced the frequency enhances indoor coverage in empowering businesses to create highly
acquisition of new spectrum in the 600 residential and commercial spaces due to efficient, state-of-the-art communication
MHz band with the aim of boosting its 5G its strong penetration capabilities through solutions. We look forward to making
Standalone (5G SA) mobile services. The both physical and natural barriers, it a positive impact for our nation and its
telco secured the new frequencies in a added. Acting CEO of Zain KSA Saad bin people,” the executive said. In May, Zain
recent spectrum auction conducted by the Abdulrahman Al-Sadhan said: “The 600 KSA had announced plans to invest a
Communications, Space and Technology MHz band is a key enabler for achieving total of SAR1.6 billion ($427 million) to
Commission (CST) of Saudi Arabia. these national goals, driving digital expand its 5G network and digital services
The Arab telco noted that the 600 MHz innovation and accelerating 5G adoption ecosystem in Saudi Arabia. The operator
spectrum enables more comprehensive to fuel the growth of the digital economy said it will expand its current 5G network
coverage across cities, villages, remote and support the transition to Industry 4.0. coverage to 122 cities across the country.
areas and highways across Saudi Arabia, Acquiring these new frequencies marks The telco’s plan stipulated the expansion of
thereby expanding service reach, improving a significant step toward enhancing the its 5G network sites in the country to more
quality and increasing the capacity of its quality of our services for individuals and than 7,000, covering over 66% of Saudi
5G network. The carrier added that this businesses. It enables us to expand our Arabia’s populated area. The operator also
frequency band offers greater flexibility in enterprise solutions portfolio and improve said that nearly 45% of the new expansion
delivering advanced 5G services, including our existing services.” “This specific band plan will support 5G-Advanced (5G-A)
Internet of Things (IoT) and smart city also offers advanced capabilities that technologies.
solutions. Furthermore, deploying this support private and enterprise networks,

Zain Bahrain Pioneers” Deployment of Dual Band Massive MIMO Technology

in the Region

Zain Bahrain, an innovator in the telecommunications industry,
has announced the groundbreaking deployment of the latest
generation Dual Band Massive MIMO (Multiple Input Multiple
Output) radios, becoming the first operator in the region to
implement this advanced technology. This significant milestone
enhances the quality and efficiency of mobile connectivity for
Zain customers. The AIR 3229 is a newly designed dual-band
TDD Antenna Integrated Radio unit featuring 32 transmitters and
32 receivers per band (B78/B41). These Massive MIMO radios
support two separate frequency bands within a single multi-
mode antenna integrated radio unit, facilitating faster and more
efficient 5G and 4G network expansions. This innovative approach
eliminates the need for additional antennas, simplifies installation,
and optimizes physical space in urban areas, underscoring
Zain Bahrain’s commitment to innovation and efficiency. Zain experience for ZAIN-BH customers across the kingdom. “We are
Bahrain’s new technology offers substantial operational benefits, excited to lead the region in deploying Dual Band Massive MIMO
including a passive cooling system that reduces maintenance technology. This innovative solution aims to enhance our network
requirements and increases energy efficiency by up to 20% capacity and efficiency, reinforcing our commitment to delivering
compared to deploying two separate radio components. This the best mobile experience to our customers. Zain Bahrain will
commitment to sustainability aligns with Zain Bahrain’s goal continue to invest in cutting-edge technology and expand its
of reducing emissions. The innovative solution ensures Zain network capabilities to provide superior connectivity and service
Bahrain’s dedication to providing a world-class network user to our valued customers,” said a spokesperson for Zain Bahrain.

63 OCT-DEC 2024