Telecommunications
Telecommunications news covering 5G networks, broadband infrastructure, connectivity solutions, and telecom industry developments in Saudi Arabia and the region.

e& Launches Exclusive Hajj Package 2026 for Pilgrims | Saudi Shopper
e& UAE has launched an exclusive Hajj package for 2026, offering 50GB data and 1000 calling minutes for pilgrims to stay connected with families during the pilgrimage.

AMD Launches EPYC 8005 Server CPUs for Edge, Telco, and Cloud Storage
AMD launches EPYC 8005 Server CPUs with up to 84 Zen 5 cores, targeting edge, telco, and cloud storage with high performance per watt and a small footprint.

Minister Alswaha Visits Salla and Classera in Jeddah to Support Digital Commerce and Smart Education
Minister Alswaha visited Salla and Classera in Jeddah, discussing digital commerce and witnessing a smart education agreement between Classera and Zain KSA.

Telstra and Ericsson Collaborate on 6G Research with AI-Native Focus
Telstra and Ericsson collaborate on 6G AI-native architecture development, combining research facilities in Sweden and Australia to advance next-generation network technology.

du Launches National Hypercloud Huawei Edition for Chinese Enterprises in UAE
du launches National Hypercloud Huawei Edition, a sovereign cloud platform purpose-built for Chinese enterprises and EV manufacturers expanding into the UAE with local data hosting and regulatory compliance.

M360 Eurasia Shifts Focus From AI Exploration to Implementation in Samarkand
M360 Eurasia AI conference moves to Samarkand to examine how artificial intelligence and connectivity drive regional economic growth. The event shifts focus from AI exploration to tangible implementation and scaled operations.

Wi-Fi Performance Issues Plague Gulf Region Despite High Fiber Penetration
Speedtest data from Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE reveals that distance, obstacles, and frequency band selection significantly impact Wi-Fi speeds despite the region’s world-leading fiber infrastructure.

CST Launches Saudi Domain Campaign to Boost Digital Identity Registration
CST launches Saudi Domain campaign encouraging registration through licensed registrars, supporting digital identity promotion for individuals and organizations across the Kingdom.

Saudi Arabia Celebrates World Telecommunication Day with Digital Infrastructure Achievements
Saudi Arabia celebrates World Telecommunication Day 2026 by highlighting its ICT sector leadership, including digital infrastructure expansion, space technology breakthroughs, and international regulatory maturity rankings.

Riyad Bank Launches Corporate Card Program With Mastercard
Riyad Bank and Mastercard launched a corporate card program featuring two card variants with integrated expense management tools, addressing growing business travel needs in Saudi Arabia.

ZTE Presents AI and Network Integration Strategy at GSMA LATAM Summit
ZTE presented its AI and network integration strategy at GSMA LATAM, focusing on helping Latin American operators become digital economy enablers. The company highlighted 20% throughput gains and 38% energy reduction through AI-Native network deployment.

Abu Dhabi Infrastructure Summit Day Two Focuses on Smart Cities and Mobility Networks
The Abu Dhabi Infrastructure Summit Day Two addressed smart cities, mobility systems, and sustainable infrastructure development. Twelve partnerships were signed and key discussions focused on future urban design.

Ericsson Study Reveals Gap Between 5G, AI Ambitions and Operator Action
Ericsson research shows 90% of operators are confident in 5G AI opportunities and revenue potential, but 70% have not begun implementing critical technologies. The study reveals a major execution gap between ambition and action.

Nokia and AWS Launch Agentic AI Network Slicing for 5G-Advanced with du and Orange
Nokia and AWS unveiled the first agentic AI-powered 5G-Advanced network slicing solution, with du and Orange set to demonstrate the technology at MWC26 Barcelona.

China Approves 6GHz Band Trials for 6G Technology Development
China 6G trials have been authorized by China’s MIIT for field testing of 6GHz spectrum in designated regions to advance 6G technology research, testing, and validation based on ITU-defined performance standards.

Nokia Embeds Agentic AI Across Broadband and Fixed Networks
Nokia agentic AI broadband solutions embed AI agents across platforms to help telecom operators improve network management, field operations, and customer service. General availability is planned for the second half of 2026.

specialized by stc Deploys Mission-Critical Network for Hajj 1447H Operations
specialized by stc Hajj deploys mission-critical communications infrastructure for Hajj 1447H, featuring the Hadath operations platform and Business-Critical Network to ensure continuous connectivity and enhanced operational safety.

Samsung and Qualcomm Achieve 5G FWA vRAN Milestone with Power Class 1
Samsung and Qualcomm validated 5G Power Class 1 capability for fixed wireless access on a vRAN setup, achieving up to 10 times higher uplink throughput at cell edge and extending coverage by 40 percent.

Optus and Ericsson Complete SA 5G Aggregation Trial on Live Network
Optus and Ericsson completed a trial combining 180MHz of spectrum across multiple bands on a live 5G network, reaching peak speeds of 3.4Gb/s downlink. The operator plans to roll out the capability across Sydney and Melbourne within 12 to 18 months.

ZTE Showcases Broadband Monetization Strategy at AGC2026 in Brazil
ZTE presented broadband monetization solutions at AGC2026 in Brazil, helping ISPs transition to digital service providers through FTTx, FTTR-B, and Wi-Fi 7 technologies.

Saudi Arabia Mobility Leaders Convene in Riyadh to Shape Next Phase of Transport Development
Saudi Arabia’s top mobility leaders gathered in Riyadh to chart the next phase of the Kingdom’s transport development, focusing on autonomous vehicles, regulatory readiness, and Vision 2030 alignment.

Brazil’s CEMIG Deploys LTE 450 MHz Network for Smart Power Grid
CEMIG, Brazil’s largest electricity company, has deployed an LTE 450 MHz private power grid network across Minas Gerais to support its largest investment plan in company history.
