Ericsson struck a five-year agreement with stc in Saudi Arabia to advance the country’s digital infrastructure, focused on 5G hardware and software, cloud-native solutions and advanced AI capabilities.

Through a Master Frame Agreement, stc will tap Ericsson’s latest portfolio of solutions, building on a long-standing agreement between the pair which included work to launch Saudi Arabia’s first 5G network in 2019.

The operator said it will use Ericsson’s technologies to accelerate 5G expansion and the rollout of standalone 5G, 5G-Advanced and massive MIMO.

Using standalone 5G features including network slicing, stc pointed to the potential to offer differentiated connectivity for a wide range of use cases across the consumer and enterprise segments.

Longer term, the deal is touted as being aligned to Saudi Arabia’s 2030 government vision and aims around readiness for 6G and self-optimising networks.

Stc wants to develop a “scalable, resilient and future-ready mobile network”, advancing digital inclusion and next-generation technology adoption across the Kingdom.

Abdullah Alowini, supply chain VP at stc said the agreement will help it accelerate enterprise innovation and supports an ambition to “build a globally competitive digital economy”.

Earlier this year, Ericsson deepened its commitment to Saudi Arabia by announcing Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, would be the headquarters for its Africa and Middle East operations.