In a significant move towards enhancing its communications infrastructure, Saudi Arabia is poised to welcome its inaugural open wireless access network development center, a venture jointly initiated by Aramco Digital Co. and Intel.
The establishment of this center is designed to spur innovation, advance technological progress, and play a significant role in the digital transformation efforts of Saudi Arabia, as reported by the Saudi Press Agency.
Through this strategic alliance, Aramco Digital Co., a subsidiary of the Saudi Arabian Oil Co., will work in tandem with Intel to expedite the growth and application of open wireless access network solutions. This initiative underscores Saudi Arabia’s dedication to crafting a communications infrastructure that is both sturdy and adaptive.
Central to this initiative is the adoption of an open access network. This cutting-edge technology allows a multitude of service providers to offer their retail services concurrently over a single access network, granting subscribers the liberty to select their preferred provider.
This collaboration is aligned with the objectives of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 and is anticipated to significantly contribute to the country’s ongoing digitalization efforts.
The planned development center is expected to be a hub for cooperative efforts, bringing together engineers, researchers, and industry specialists from Aramco Digital and Intel.
Furthermore, the Saudi Press Agency mentioned that the center will also aim to cultivate local talent by offering training and hands-on experience in open wireless access network technologies.
Tariq Amin, the CEO of Aramco Digital, expressed that this partnership stands to be a driving force behind Saudi Arabia’s digital transformation, highlighting the focus on nurturing local expertise in advanced wireless technologies, including 5G and the upcoming 6G.
Aramco Digital was launched in January 2023 as part of Saudi Aramco’s strategy to propel the Kingdom’s technological sector forward. During its inception, Saudi Aramco’s President and CEO Amin Nasser announced a significant investment of SR1.9 billion (approximately $510 million) over the following three years, aiming to foster innovation and expand the digital economy through a series of partnerships, projects, and joint ventures.