In an effort to bolster environmental stewardship within the telecommunications sector, Ericsson has joined forces with Saudi Telecom Company (stc) to advance the creation of sustainable network solutions in Saudi Arabia. This collaboration aligns with the broader objectives of the Saudi Green Initiative (SGI), showcasing significant strides in energy conservation, spectrum reutilization, and responsible recycling of obsolete electronic devices.
The partnership has been instrumental in revamping stc’s infrastructure and setting the stage for the eventual phase-out of 3G technology from the network. Maha Alnuhait, stc’s General Manager of Sustainability Program, emphasized the company’s commitment to integrating sustainability into every facet of its operations. Highlighting the company’s alignment with the Saudi Vision 2030 and the SGI’s aim of slicing annual emissions by 278 million tons by 2030, Alnuhait underscored the combined goals of promoting sustainability and fostering a more robust future for upcoming generations.
Alnuhait also underlined stc’s pledge to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050, which is in sync with the Kingdom’s net-zero ambitions by 2060. The collaboration with Ericsson is a testament to this commitment, furthering technological advancements and enhancing service delivery to customers.
At the tail end of 2022, stc and Ericsson rolled out an AI-driven cognitive software solution to elevate user experiences and optimize network performance. Fida Kibbi, Ericsson’s Vice President and Head of Marketing, Communications and Sustainability and Corporate Responsibility for the Middle East and Africa, shared that the alliance with stc mirrors Ericsson’s dedication to innovative, energy-efficient network solutions. Kibbi expressed hope that this joint effort would serve as a catalyst for the development of green and sustainable networks across the industry.
A subsidiary of stc, Arabian Internet and Telecommunication Services Company (solutions), has also partnered with Ericsson to enhance network performance in the nation. In a financial context, stc reported net earnings of SAR 13.29 billion and revenues amounting to SAR 72.33 billion for the year 2023.