Riyadh — In a landmark achievement for Saudi Arabia’s digital infrastructure, Zain KSA, in collaboration with Huawei, has completed the commercial deployment of 5G Standalone (SA) technology on the 600 MHz frequency band. This rollout marks the first of its kind in the Kingdom, expanding 5G coverage while accelerating innovation in mobile AI, IoT, and ultra-high-definition cloud applications.
The new 600 MHz 5G SA network delivers a 50% reduction in latency and 10x faster uplink speeds for cell-edge users, enhancing performance for AI-driven mobile applications, UHD live streaming, and IoT solutions. This advancement positions Riyadh as a global model for mobile AI cities and directly supports Saudi Vision 2030’s mission to establish world-class digital infrastructure.
Zain KSA has launched a demonstration zone in Riyadh and plans to expand commercial rollout to Riyadh and Jeddah by Q4 2025, followed by nationwide deployment across major and secondary cities. By combining carrier aggregation, ultra-wideband, and multi-antenna technologies, Zain KSA is integrating its low-band and high-band 5G spectrums to provide wider, deeper, and more stable connectivity — even in complex environments like underground facilities, museums, and rural areas.
“This deployment represents a major leap forward in expanding Zain KSA’s 5G reach and reliability,” said Eng. Mohammad AlNujaidi, CTO of Zain KSA. “It empowers users with high-performance digital experiences while reinforcing our commitment to sustainable innovation in line with Saudi Vision 2030.”
Operating below 1 GHz, the 600 MHz band enables low-latency, high-uplink FDD performance, ideal for IoT, vehicle-to-everything (V2X), and real-time AI applications. It also reduces the need for extensive base station infrastructure, optimizing cost efficiency and environmental sustainability.
“The 600 MHz frequency is a golden band for achieving ubiquitous 5G and 5G-A coverage,” said Fang Xiang, Vice President of Huawei Wireless Network Product Line. “Our partnership with Zain KSA sets a new global benchmark for 5G-A user experience and sustainable innovation.”
With this milestone, Zain KSA continues to establish itself as a regional technology leader, driving digital transformation and pioneering AI-integrated telecommunications that will define the next generation of connectivity in the Kingdom.
