Nokia and TAWAL Achieve 5G SA mmWave Milestone in Saudi Arabia

Nokia, in collaboration with TAWAL, stc, and Zain, and backed by the Communication, Space and Technology Commission (CST), has successfully executed the world’s first standalone (SA) 5G mmWave spectrum-sharing trial. Conducted during LEAP 2025 in Riyadh, the trial leveraged 800 MHz of bandwidth within the 26 GHz spectrum. This innovative initiative allows communication service providers (CSPs) and enterprises to share network infrastructure efficiently, ensuring high performance while reducing costs. Additionally, TAWAL can now offer shareable active infrastructure as a service, broadening its portfolio and revenue opportunities with Nokia’s cutting-edge mmWave and active sharing technology.

Rising Demand for High-Speed Connectivity in Saudi Arabia

The need for ultra-fast mobile connectivity in Saudi Arabia is soaring, driven by major upcoming events such as Expo 2030. To support this surge, the country requires robust, cost-effective, and high-capacity mobile solutions capable of swift deployment in large venues, including shopping malls, airports, stadiums, and exhibition centres.

TAWAL’s Strategic Role in Advancing 5G Infrastructure

As Saudi Arabia prepares for the release of mmWave spectrum, TAWAL is well-positioned to meet growing connectivity demands. Nokia’s AirScale mmWave and active RAN sharing technology provide an ideal solution, enabling fast deployment, better spectrum utilization, and reduced costs. This initiative aligns with Nokia’s broader strategy to enhance collaboration with neutral hosts and infrastructure providers.

Mohammed Al Hakbani, CEO of TAWAL, said: We are pleased to achieve this successful experience in partnership with stc, Zain KSA, and Nokia and by the enablement of CST. This achievement sets a new benchmark in indoor and outdoor connectivity and reinforces our commitment to leveraging the latest technologies to deliver innovative solutions that meet the evolving needs of our customers.”

Mikko Lavanti, Head of Middle East and Africa at Nokia, said: “This trial demonstrates the transformative potential of 5G mmWave and active sharing technology. By collaborating closely with innovative infrastructure partners like TAWAL, we are enabling a new model for shared connectivity infrastructure that enhances performance, efficiency, and end-user experience. This approach will set a benchmark for future smart venues and giga projects across Saudi Arabia and beyond.”

Cutting-Edge Technology for Seamless Network Sharing

The trial successfully integrated Nokia’s AirScale mmWave technology with Multi-Operator Core Network (MOCN) active sharing, allowing multiple operators to use the same radio network infrastructure without compromising performance, security, or reliability.