Saudi Arabia conducts the first 6G, 7GHz spectrum trial in MEA
In one of the most advanced trials worldwide, Nokia, the Communications, Space, and Technology Commission of Saudi Arabia (CST), and stc announced yesterday the successful completion of the Middle East and Africa (MEA) region’s first 7 GHz spectrum field trial—an important milestone for 6G mobile services.
The trial was conducted in Yanbu, on the Red Sea coast of Saudi Arabia. It demonstrated the performance of using the 7 GHz band for telecommunication services, using Nokia’s pre-commercial AirScale Massive MIMO radio.
The 7 GHz spectrum (7.125 GHz – 8.4GHz), often referred to as the “golden band” for 6G, is widely expected to be standardized as an International Mobile Telecommunications (IMT) band by 2030.
By validating early use of the band, Nokia, CST, and stc are accelerating industry discussions on spectrum allocation and positioning Saudi Arabia at the forefront of 6G innovation.
The trial conducted with stc, benchmarked 7 GHz pre-6G performance against a live 5G Standalone (SA) network operating on the 3.6 GHz band.
Despite complex outdoor conditions, the results showed that throughput performance at 7 GHz was broadly comparable to that of 5G SA across multiple test points and scenarios.
Mohammad AlJanoobi, Deputy Governor for Radio Spectrum, CST, said: “This successful field trial of the 7 GHz band underscores that commitment. It is a major milestone in positioning Saudi Arabia as a global leader in spectrum standardization and 6G enablement, and it demonstrates the value of close collaboration among regulators, service providers, and technology providers.”
Ari Kynäslahti, Senior Vice President Strategy & Technology and CTO Nokia Mobile Networks, said: “Together, we are shaping the future of connectivity and ensuring Saudi Arabia and the wider MEA region are among the first movers in 6G.”
