Saudi Arabia is poised to revolutionize its communications infrastructure with the establishment of the Kingdom’s first open wireless access network development center. In a strategic partnership, Aramco Digital Co., a subsidiary of Saudi Arabian Oil Co., has joined forces with Intel to spearhead the development and implementation of cutting-edge open wireless access network technologies. The initiative, aimed at fostering innovation and technological advancement, aligns seamlessly with Saudi Arabia’s ambitious Vision 2030, a blueprint for the country’s socioeconomic transformation. At the core of this collaboration is the deployment of open access network technology, allowing multiple service providers to deliver retail services over the same access network concurrently. This approach empowers subscribers with the freedom to choose their service provider, a pivotal step towards enhancing consumer choice and competition in the Kingdom’s digital landscape.
The envisioned development center is set to be a collaborative hub for engineers, researchers, and industry experts from both Aramco Digital and Intel. Beyond its technological impact, the center also plays a crucial role in talent development. The Saudi Press Agency report highlights the center’s commitment to nurturing local talent by providing training and practical experience in the realm of open wireless access network technology. Tariq Amin, CEO of Aramco Digital, emphasized that the collaboration with Intel will act as a catalyst for digital transformation in Saudi Arabia. Amin further emphasized the partnership’s focus on preparing local talents for the challenges and opportunities presented by advanced fifth-generation technologies and future sixth-generation technologies. This initiative builds upon the foundation laid by the launch of Aramco Digital Co. in January 2023, a move backed by a significant financial commitment of SR1.9 billion ($510 million) from Saudi Aramco over the next three years. The partnership underscores a broader commitment to innovation, growth in the technological sector, and the overall development of the digital economy in Saudi Arabia through strategic partnerships, projects, and joint ventures.