stc Group and Huawei have completed the world’s first commercial MB² deployment in Saudi Arabia, introducing a multi-band multi-beam antenna setup for microwave transmission. The project, deployed commercially in Riyadh, addresses increasing data traffic and base station density following the expansion of 5G networks across the country.
According to reporting by Huawei Central, the technology integrates multi-band and multi-beam capabilities into a single unit. The hardware supports eight distinct frequency bands ranging from 13 GHz to 38 GHz, specifically 13 GHz, 15 GHz, 18 GHz, 23 GHz, 26 GHz, 28 GHz, 32 GHz, and 38 GHz. This allows telecom operators to transmit up to 10 concurrent beams across different directions without adding extra hardware.
Antenna Reduction and Tower Efficiency
A primary feature of the system is physical space optimization on telecommunication towers. By using a single unit to handle multiple frequencies and directional beams, the technology reduces antenna count by up to 90 percent. Consequently, this decrease lowers physical tower load and reduces ongoing tower rental expenditures for providers operating in the telecom sector.
Operational Testing and Technical Specifications
During the initial commercial phase, the setup connected three transmission directions. Following the configuration of the primary link, field engineers established the second and third links in 20 minutes each. In contrast, standard microwave systems typically require three hours per link alignment. The installation operated reliably during testing under severe weather conditions, including strong winds and temperatures reaching 50 degrees Celsius.
“This global first commercial deployment of the MB² solution further deepens the long-term strategic cooperation between Saudi STC and Huawei. Both parties will continue to leverage cutting-edge technology solutions to empower network upgrades and lay a solid foundation for subsequent digital business iterations.”
Huawei
Impact of the Commercial MB² Deployment on 5G Networks
The successful commercial MB² deployment provides stc with scalable backhaul capacity for expanding data networks. Base stations can activate up to 10 transmission directions on demand without installing supplementary antennas. This microwave capability supports heavy traffic volumes generated by mobile devices while lowering total operating costs for digital infrastructure across the Kingdom.
Strategic Infrastructure Development
As digital services expand, microwave backhaul capacity remains central to network stability. stc operates mobile, fixed-line, internet, cloud, and cybersecurity services throughout Saudi Arabia. Implementing multi-beam hardware allows the operator to maintain continuous data flow between densely situated network nodes as part of ongoing infrastructure modernization initiatives supporting the national economy.
