Zain Saudi makes first 5G call

Zain Saudi Arabia (Zain KSA) has completed one of the first 5G calls in the region on its network, the telco said in a statement on Sunday.

The company tested unprecedented speeds on its 5G network, successfully exceeded 1,000 Mbps, with various other tests being conducted to determine the average speed that a 5G network offers and ensure full technical readiness.

“This is one of the first 5G call experiences in the region, and one of the first in the world without using voice-call apps. We have managed to tap into unprecedented speeds via 5G technology, demonstrating once again the active role Zain KSA plays in the ICT sector,” said Sultan bin Abdulaziz AlDeghaither, CEO of Zain KSA.

In January 2018, the telecom operator obtained new spectrum frequencies in the 2600 MHz and 3500 MHz bands in an auction facilitated by the CITC. These new spectrum frequencies have enabled the company to prepare and live-test 5G technology.