Today’s telecom news includes announcements on stc Group, Ericsson, Starlink Mobile, 4iG Group, SpaceX, Movandi, ACES, among others.
stc and Ericsson Sign Multi-Year Deal to Accelerate Saudi 5G Expansion
Saudi Arabia’s stc Group and Ericsson have signed a multi-year agreement to expand 5G connectivity across the Kingdom, including new sites, additional network capacity and expansion of the operator’s 5G Standalone network. A key element is the commercial deployment of Ericsson Radio 4496, described as the world’s first commercial deployment of the quad-band radio. The 400-watt unit combines four low-frequency bands, including stc’s newly acquired 600 MHz spectrum. The low-band deployment is expected to extend 5G coverage into rural and remote areas, improve indoor connectivity and reduce network power consumption. The expanded infrastructure will also support sectors such as logistics, energy, mining, tourism and public services, while strengthening Fixed Wireless Access.
Starlink Mobile Set to Expand Satellite-to-Phone Services into Hungary and Balkans
Starlink Mobile is set to expand its satellite-to-phone ambitions into Hungary and the Balkans through agreements involving Hungarian telecom and defence group 4iG Group and SpaceX. The partnership is expected to bring Starlink’s direct-to-device connectivity capabilities into Hungary, potentially extending mobile connectivity beyond the reach of conventional terrestrial networks. The development reinforces the growing role of satellite networks in the European mobile communications market, particularly as operators explore ways to complement terrestrial coverage with satellite connectivity. The agreements were signed in Texas by 4iG Group Chairman and CEO Gellért Jászai and SpaceX President and COO Gwynne Shotwell. The move signals further progress toward integrating satellite connectivity into mainstream mobile services.
ACES and Movandi Join Forces on 5G, Open RAN and Future 6G
Saudi technology group Advanced Communications and Electronic Systems Company and Movandi have signed a memorandum of understanding to advance next-generation 5G and future 6G technologies. The partnership combines ACES’ capabilities in small cells, Open RAN, RF front-end and antenna technologies with Movandi’s expertise in mmWave RF, beamforming and semiconductor systems. The companies plan joint research, field validation and proof-of-concept deployments covering mmWave connectivity, advanced RF technologies, indoor and outdoor small cells and Open RAN architectures. The collaboration will initially focus on Saudi Arabia while creating opportunities across the wider Middle East and global markets. The agreement also supports Saudi Arabia’s digital infrastructure ambitions under Vision 2030.