Mobily, Ericsson ink MoU to develop 5G services in Saudi Arabia

Etihad Etisalat Co. (Mobily), Saudi Arabia’s second-largest mobile services provider, signed on Wednesday a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Sweden’s Ericsson to deploy 5G technology across the kingdom and turn 4G networks into 5G, the telco said in a statement.

The new technology offers high flexibility, capacity and safety with better data transfer speeds and shorter response time, Mobily said. It will also drive innovation in the telecom industry, and deploy the use of Internet of Things (IoT) applications, such as smart transport, cars and health care services for individuals and corporates.

The preliminary deal was inked on the sidelines of GITEX 2016, which is taking place in Dubai from October 16 to 20.

Saudi Telecom, the kingdom’s largest mobile operator, on Tuesday signed a similar agreement with Ericsson to deploy the first 5G trial in the Middle East.