Zain KSA and Huawei Roll Out 600 MHz 5G SA, Fueling Mobile AI Innovation

[Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, October 16, 2025] Zain KSA, in partnership with Huawei, has completed the commercial deployment of 5G standalone (SA) on the 600 MHz frequency band in Saudi Arabia. This milestone significantly expands 5G coverage, delivering cell edge users (CEUs) a 50% reduction in latency and a 10x boost in uplink speeds. This enables faster responses and smoother real-time interactions for AI-driven mobile applications. These advancements also power cloud services, UHD live streaming, and IoT applications, positioning Riyadh as a global model for mobile AI cities and supporting Saudi Vision 2030's goal of driving digital transformation through cutting-edge digital infrastructure.

Zain KSA has established a demonstration zone of 600 MHz low-band 5G SA networks in Riyadh and plans to begin a full-scale commercial rollout in Riyadh and Jeddah by Q4 2025. This will be followed by expansion across other major and secondary cities, as well as key roads linking them. The deployment leverages innovative carrier aggregation, ultra-wideband, and multi-antenna technologies to integrate the low band with Zain KSA's existing 5G high-band spectrum. This synergy delivers wider and deeper 5G coverage, even in challenging environments such as underground parking areas and museums. It also provides stable and reliable connectivity for advanced services, including Voice over New Radio (VoNR), reduced capability (RedCap), HD video calls, real-time mobile AI interactions, cloud applications, and mobile gaming.

The sub-1 GHz band delivers wide coverage and, when used in FDD mode, reduces latency while boosting uplink speeds. It provides an ideal network foundation for real-time interactions, IoT, and vehicle-to-everything (V2X) applications in the mobile AI era. The device ecosystem for low bands is also rapidly maturing, with several leading smartphone brands already offering compatible models. Zain KSA can now extend its network reach across cities, rural areas, and roadways, with fewer base stations, optimizing investment costs and supporting network sustainability while enhancing service quality and coverage.

Eng. Mohammad AlNujaidi, CTO of Zain KSA, commented on the milestone: "This deployment represents a major leap forward in expanding Zain KSA's 5G reach and reliability, empowering individual and enterprise users with high-performance digital experiences. Also, by enabling wide-area coverage with fewer sites, the technology supports more efficient infrastructure, reinforcing our commitment to sustainable innovation. These network advancements form a critical pillar in our mission to accelerate Saudi Arabia's digital transformation and cement its leadership in the mobile AI era, in line with the goals of Saudi Vision 2030."

Fang Xiang, Vice President of Huawei Wireless Network Product Line, said: "600 MHz is a golden frequency band for achieving ubiquitous 5G and 5G-A coverage. It offers high-quality multi-dimensional capabilities such as deep coverage, large uplink bandwidth, and low latency to address the needs of mobile AI services. Its strategic value has been widely recognized by global operators. Huawei is proud to partner with Zain KSA on this milestone commercial deployment. Together, we have set a new benchmark for 5G-A coverage and user experience. Looking ahead, we will continue joint innovation with Zain KSA across networks, applications, and services to deliver even greater value and drive sustainable business growth."

With this deployment, Zain KSA reaffirms its leadership in pioneering advanced network technologies and shaping a hyper-connected, intelligent future for Saudi Arabia.