Aramco Digital, Intel to set up Saudi Arabia’s first open RAN center

Logos of Aramco Digital and Intel 

Aramco Digital Co. and Intel unveiled plans to establish Saudi Arabia’s first open radio access networks (RAN) development center.

The step aims to drive innovation, promote technological advancement, and contribute to Saudi Arabia’s digital transformation, according to a statement by both companies.

This collaboration will accelerate the development and implementation of open RAN technologies, which reinforces the Kingdom’s commitment to establishing a robust and resilient communications infrastructure that focuses on accelerating digital transformation across various industries.

The move also seeks to keep pace with Vision 2030, which focuses on technological progress and economic diversification.

Open RAN, an advanced model in wireless network structure, allows for greater flexibility, interoperability and innovation, the statement added, indicating that Aramco Digital will provide in-depth knowledge of the Kingdom's development needs and ambitions, opportunities for the application of open wireless access network technology, as well as provide a perspective on the Kingdom's economic landscape. For its part, Intel will provide its expertise in open wireless access network technologies.

Key areas of cooperation between the two companies include the innovation center, which aims to become an innovation hub and foster collaboration between Aramco Digital and Intel engineers, as well as researchers and industry experts.

 The two companies are also looking forward to developing local competencies by providing training and practical experience in open RAN technology, and rapidly developing terminal computing technology through which data is collected and processed.

 Meanwhile, they plan to contribute to the local economy through technology-driven initiatives, in line with the objectives of Vision 2030 and seek to extend even further via connecting Saudi Arabia to the global landscape of open wireless access network development and implementation.

Tariq Amin, CEO of Aramco Digital, said that this collaboration will be a catalyst for digital transformation in Saudi Arabia. 

He added that the partnership will focus on preparing local talents at the highest levels in the field of advanced fifth-generation technologies and future sixth-generation technologies.

Intel Senior Vice President and General Manager of Networks and Edge Group (NEX), Sachin Katti, said the two companies together aim to accelerate the implementation of open wireless access network solutions within and outside Saudi Arabia.

The Open Wireless Access Network Development Center is scheduled to start operations in 2024, marking a milestone in the Kingdom's journey towards a technology-driven future.

Aramco Digital is a technology subsidiary of Saudi Aramco that aims to drive digital transformation and technological innovation across industries.