STC is working with Nokia to “launch the STC 5G network in 2018”, following on from a number of network-related announcements from the Saudi operator involving a raft of top-tier vendors.

In a statement, STC said it will work with Nokia to find “the most optimal network strategy and relevant use-cases for 5G deployment in the Saudi market”. The first step of the plan will see “hundreds” of 5G base stations deployed in the Western region of the Kingdom.

At Mobile World Congress 2018 last week, STC signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Huawei, for collaboration on “5G network technologies and services”. At that point, it was said the two are “committed to cooperate in the 5G network launch in 2018”, although firm details were not revealed.

And also in Barcelona, STC inked an MoU with Cisco, to work on the operator’s “architectural transformation to help unlock the commercial potential of 5G networks”.

STC also inked a deal with Ericsson for a “major nationwide expansion” of its 4G network, including LTE-Advanced and NB-IoT technology.