Consistent high-speed 5G Standalone performance inside offices, hotels and public venues, regardless of the mobile operator, to advance 5G indoor coverage across Saudi Arabia.
Nokia, together with Saudi Arabia’s Communications, Space & Technology Commission (CST), local neutral host specialist ACES NH and service providers Mobily and Zain Saudi, has completed the industry’s first pilot deployment of 5G Standalone (5G SA) indoor coverage using sharable indoor spectrum on the 4.0–4.1 GHz band and active sharing techniques.
For the first time, every mobile operator in the Kingdom can deliver gigabit-class 5G inside low to medium traffic buildings through a single, cost-optimised system, eliminating the need for duplicate equipment and 4G anchors while cutting deployment costs by more than 60%. The proof-of-concept underscores how Nokia’s Shikra radio portfolio and Multi‑Operator Core Network (MOCN) software uniquely unlock spectrum-efficient, multi-operator 5G for private wireless and public networks alike.
This innovative solution was recently recognised by the Small Cell Forum, receiving the Small Cells World Summit 2025 Award for ‘Outstanding Progress in Enabling Neutral Host and Multi-Operator Business Models’.
Mobile data traffic per smartphone is projected to escalate from 29 GB per month in 2024 to about 54 GB per month by 2030. Although 80% of mobile traffic is generated indoors, conventional Distributed Antenna Systems often dedicate separate hardware and spectrum to each operator, driving up CAPEX and energy use. By using sharable indoor spectrum on the 4.0–4.1 GHz band in combination with 5G SA active sharing, the pilot demonstrates fair access for all operators while accelerating coverage in business districts, giga‑projects and public venues.
Early cost modelling by Nokia and ACES shows a further 47% saving when 4G anchoring is removed, making 5G SA ‘greenfield indoor’ sites commercially viable from day one.
Eng. Mufarreh J. AlNahari, Deputy Governor of Studies and Innovation at the Communications, Space & Technology Commission (CST), said: “This collaboration demonstrates how innovative regulatory practices, vendor expertise and local partners can together deliver reliable, high-quality 5G for enterprises and consumers. We look forward to scaling the model across the Kingdom.”
Mikko Lavanti, Senior Vice President for Mobile Networks, MEA, Nokia, said: “Sharable indoor spectrum gives stakeholders a powerful new tool to boost indoor 5G adoption without complex auctions or spectrum refarming. Our Shikra pico radios and true 5G SA active sharing software prove that one neutral host system can serve every operator with carrier-grade performance, cutting both cost and carbon emissions per gigabyte.”
Dr. Khalid AlMashouq, Chief Executive Officer, ACES NH, said: “With Nokia’s ready and innovative indoor portfolio we can give building owners a single, future-proof solution while operators gain rapid, capital-light expansion. It’s a win for everyone in the 5G ecosystem.”
