• The Group’s second 5G network following launch in Kuwait
• First phase of 5G services provided through network of 2,000 towers across 20 Saudi cities
• Bader Al Kharafi, “5G will bring substantial change for the Kingdom’s telecom industry, creating new business models and unlocking opportunities for many sectors”

Riyadh, October 6, 2019:  Zain Group announces that its operation in Saudi Arabia has launched 5G commercial services, with the first phase of the rollout being implemented through a network of 2,000 towers that cover an area of more than 20 cities in the Kingdom. This launch follows the launch of 5G services in Kuwait and is the largest 5G network deployment in the region to date. It will be followed by a gradual expansion of the network to cover a total of 26 Saudi cities utilizing 2,600 towers by the end of 2019.  

5G is regarded as a major global breakthrough in the field of digital technology, and its implementation in Saudi Arabia is expected to contribute towards realizing the digital transformation goals specified in the Saudi Vision 2030. Zain KSA’s launch of 5G services will speed up the roll-out of this advanced technology and its applications, offering high-speed mobile internet connectivity to users across the Kingdom.  

Commenting on this significant milestone, Zain Vice Chairman & Group CEO, & Zain KSA Vice Chairman, Bader Al Kharafi said, “5G will bring substantial change for the Kingdom’s telecom industry, creating new business models and unlocking opportunities for many sectors such as financial, ICT, agricultural, tourism, entertainment, automotive, health, education and public sectors, to name a few. The technology is also expected to contribute significantly to the country’s economy, creating thousands of new jobs.”  

He continued, “Zain KSA will continue to enhance its services and launch innovative offerings that guarantee satisfaction for its 8.3 million customers. We are keen to offer 5G services to all business and individual clients through various service packages at competitive rates.”  

Al Kharafi concluded, “We remain committed to invest further in infrastructure and develop our services to be on par with global digital technology advancements and offer remarkable new services to support the 5G network’s capabilities and coverage.”  

The 5G service will provide prepaid and post-paid customers with high-speed internet connectivity 10 times faster than the current 4G network. It will also allow customers to utilize advanced digital solutions and technologies, including virtual and augmented reality, Automated System Operations, 3D printing, and robotics, in addition to enabling them to enjoy their preferred entertainment content and video games with ease.  

5G services will provide a great research opportunity for students and professionals in the artificial intelligence and virtual reality disciplines, as well as opening up new fronts for advancing various Big Data services in the Kingdom including IoT and smart services such as self-driving vehicles and smart city grids. Additionally, issuing electronic visas and other similar Fourth Industrial Revolution technologies including IoT and digital payments will be accessible through the upgraded network.  

Zain KSA is eager to support the Kingdom’s mega government initiatives and projects that are the result of an ambitious Saudi vision to position the Kingdom as a digital and innovation pioneer. In this context, Zain KSA has recently inaugurated its 5G network at the Neom Bay Airport, an area regarded as Saudi Arabia’s futuristic gateway. The telecom provider also showcased some impressive technologies the 5G network will enable during the inauguration ceremony of the Kingdom’s new “welcome the world” tourist visa.  

Zain KSA benefits greatly from the expertise of its parent company Zain Group, one of the most innovative telecom companies in the region. The Group supports Zain KSA to be a leader in the sector and drive technology innovation in the Kingdom forward.