Nokia, STC sign MoU on launching network in KSA

Nokia and STC Business signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to collaborate on the launch of the air-to-ground pilot network in Saudi Arabia.

The MoU has been signed at the ongoing GITEX Technology Week 2018 in Dubai, United Arab Emirate, said a press release issued by Nokia.

The two companies have already conducted a successful trial of Nokia's LTE-based air-to-ground solution in a flight from Riyadh to Jeddah in Saudi Arabia.

This trial network is the first of its kind in MEA, after the launch of the hybrid satellite and air-to-ground European Aviation Network in February 2018. At GITEX, Nokia is showcasing how air-to-ground technology can significantly improve airline passengers' experiences.

Under the MoU, the two companies have identified key areas of cooperation and are working together to build a commercial strategy to better serve the interests of customers by providing them with superior in-flight connectivity. Nokia and STC will also work together on the network managed services and rollout for the air-to-ground services across the STC Group.

"We are committed to bringing the best and latest technology to the region and this initiative is a testimony of this. Nokia is the world's only company that has a proven LTE end-to-end solution to provide in-flight broadband, which enables the passengers and the crew to communicate in real-time. We have a longstanding relationship with Nokia, and are delighted to work with them to introduce this LTE-based in-flight technology to significantly improve the experience of the passengers," said Tarig Enaya, Senior VP of Enterprise Business Unit at STC.

Mohamed Abdelrehim, head of end-to-end sales solutioning for Nokia MEA, said: "We are proud to collaborate with STC and showcase the potential of air-to-ground technology at GITEX in Dubai. The air-to-ground technology will enable STC to provide new and revolutionary services for their customers and add new revenue streams. With high-speed and low-latency broadband, airline passengers will be able to communicate with their loved ones or for business without any disruption because of air travel. Also, the airline crew will be able to improve operational efficiency because of better real-time communication between the flight crew and ground staff."