Alcatel-Lucent to launch first 4G wireless network in Saudi Arabia

Paris-based Alcatel-Lucent on January 4, 2011 says it has been selected by the Saudi Telecom Company (STC), the leading service provider in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, to launch the first 4G LTE (Long Term Evolution) wireless network in the country.

The introduction of the LTE technology, according to Alcatel will give STC’s mobile broadband subscribers access to a huge number of data applications on their smart phones, tablets and laptops.

STC will be the first in the region to launch major commercial LTE services to cover 11 key cities in Saudi Arabia as a first phase to provide enhanced mobile broadband services using 4G LTE technology, Alcatel said in a press release copied to ghanabusinessnews.com.

“Alcatel-Lucent was selected to support STC’s LTE network deployment in the Northern Region of the Kingdom, following a successful trial of the technology,” the release said.

The company is also helping STC build an ecosystem of leading companies to provide content, applications and innovative services to meet needs of subscribers in Saudi Arabia.

Alcatel-Lucent has over 20 LTE contracts for commercial deployments including two of the largest LTE network roll-outs, and engagement in more than 70 LTE trials worldwide, it added.

By Ekow Quandzie