Huawei, in collaboration with Zain KSA, installs antennas in Riyadh to revolutionize mobile infrastructure in Saudi Arabia.
The telecommunications landscape in Saudi Arabia is set to undergo a significant transformation with the introduction of the Riyadh Antenna, a groundbreaking innovation developed by Zain KSA and Huawei. This new antenna platform is designed to address the unique challenges faced by network operators in the Kingdom, while promoting competitiveness and fostering innovation in telecommunications.
The Riyadh Antenna stands out from traditional panel antennas in several key areas. Its compact cylindrical structure, with a form factor of just 2.0 meters, reduces the Effective Projected Area (EPA) by 30% to 60%. This not only minimizes wind resistance and physical stress on sites but also simplifies deployment in space-constrained locations, reducing site rental costs.
The antenna integrates multiple antenna arrays within a single, sleek design, enhancing network coverage without increasing the footprint. This is particularly beneficial in dense urban environments where site space is limited. It also includes an integrated Antenna Information Sensor Unit (AISU) and Remote Azimuth Steering (RAS) capabilities, allowing operators to remotely monitor performance and adjust the antenna's beam direction in both vertical and horizontal dimensions.
The Riyadh Antenna's efficiency extends beyond its design. The reduced EPA minimizes physical stress, allowing deployment in high-wind areas while lowering structural reinforcement costs. Moreover, the ability to remotely monitor and adjust the antenna reduces the need for on-site visits, lowering operational expenses (OPEX) and improving maintenance efficiency.
Zain KSA, in collaboration with Huawei, has launched this customized innovation for the Saudi telecommunications market. Eng. Mohammed Al Nujaidi, CTO of Zain KSA, expressed pride in the Riyadh Antenna Platform, stating that it reflects the Kingdom's pioneering position globally and regionally.
The launch of the Riyadh Antenna comes on the heels of Zain KSA securing 30 MHz in the 600 MHz frequency band during the recent landmark Spectrum Auction by the Communications, Space and Technology Commission (CST). This spectrum acquisition strengthens Zain's capability to deliver high-performance mobile telecommunication networks.
The auction increased total licensed frequencies for mobile networks by 27% to 1,400 MHz, positioning Saudi Arabia as the leading G20 country in spectrum allocation below 6 GHz. This development aligns with the Riyadh Antenna Platform's aim to accelerate the Kingdom's digital infrastructure and support its Vision 2030.
Andy Sun, President of Huawei Antenna Business Unit, expressed his willingness to work with Zain KSA to innovate solutions that ensure optimal user experience and support the Vision 2030 of digital transformation. The Riyadh Antenna Platform reflects Saudi Arabia's advancements in digital transformation and is named after the country's capital, symbolising its adaptability to the Kingdom's market changes, stringent requirements, and cutting-edge technologies.
The Riyadh Antenna's innovative design, with its reduced Effective Projected Area (EPA) and sleek structure, is a significant advancement in mobile technology, promoting efficiency and cost reduction in telecommunications infrastructure. This new antenna platform, integrated with Antenna Information Sensor Unit (AISU) and Remote Azimuth Steering (RAS) capabilities, is a testament to the collaboration between Zain KSA and Huawei in data-and-cloud-computing technology, fostering competitiveness in the Saudi telecommunications market. The launch of the Riyadh Antenna, following Zain KSA's acquisition of 30 MHz in the 600 MHz frequency band, underscores the Kingdom's commitment to digital infrastructure development and its alignment with Vision 2030, while facilitating the deployment of gadgets supporting high-performance mobile networks.
