STC selects Celona for private 5G deployment in the Middle East

Celona, a leading provider of private 5G solutions, has struck a significant deal with STC (Saudi Telecommunication Company) Group in the Middle East to revolutionize digital transformation in the mining, manufacturing, and logistics sectors. The partnership was solidified at LEAP 2024 in Riyadh, where a full-scale automated guided vehicle (AGV) system powered by Celona’s 5G technology was showcased in a simulated warehouse environment.

The agreement between Celona and STC marks a pivotal moment in the deployment of private 5G networks in the region. STC will leverage Celona’s cutting-edge 5G system to enhance its cloud services, IoT solutions, and cybersecurity offerings for enterprise customers. This collaboration aims to provide reliable wireless capabilities, extensive coverage, and seamless connectivity crucial for network-dependent business applications and IoT systems.

Mehmet Yavuz, co-founder and chief technology officer at Celona, expressed his enthusiasm for the joint venture, stating, “The joint offer will present a business-centric approach to private networks, designed to meet the increasing demand for reliable wireless capabilities, extensive coverage, and seamless connectivity essential for network-dependent business applications and IoT systems.”

While details about the deal remain scarce, STC had previously been working with Nokia on private 5G solutions. Nokia, a key player in the private cellular market, continues to be a major target for Celona. STC and Nokia had conducted trials of private 5G based on cloud-native open RAN, emphasizing the importance of open, virtualized, flexible, and interoperable private networks.

In a separate development, Nokia announced a parallel agreement with Ooredoo Group in the Middle East to collaborate on private 5G solutions for enterprise transformation. This underscores the growing interest in leveraging advanced technologies such as industrial IoT and AI to drive digital innovation in the region.

STC’s commitment to digital transformation is further evidenced by its joint-venture deal with Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund to establish a new IoT company in 2022. This initiative aims to position Saudi Arabia as a regional hub for IoT-driven enterprise transformation in the Middle East and North Africa. Additionally, STC has partnered with Sensoneo since 2021 to provide smart waste management solutions in the region using ultrasonic NB-IoT sensors.

The collaboration between Celona and STC represents a significant step towards unlocking the full potential of private 5G networks in the Middle East. As the demand for secure and reliable connectivity continues to grow, partnerships like these will play a crucial role in driving digital innovation and enabling businesses to thrive in an increasingly connected world.