Stc Group, in collaboration with the Communications, Space & Technology Commission (CST) and Nokia, has successfully conducted the first field trial in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region of the 7 GHz frequency band a key spectrum expected to underpin next-generation 6G networks. thefastmode.com+3TechAfrica News+3cst.gov.sa+3
The trial, carried out in Saudi Arabia, evaluated the potential of the 7 GHz (specifically 7.125–8.4 GHz) band for high-capacity, low-latency communication and examined its coexistence with existing services and infrastructure. cst.gov.sa+1 Nokia’s AirScale Massive MIMO radio was used to benchmark throughput and coverage in comparison with a live 5G Standalone network operating on the 3.6 GHz band. thefastmode.com
Strategic Significance
The successful trial signals Saudi Arabia’s ambition to be at the forefront of telecom innovation. By testing the “golden band” for 6G, stc Group and its partners aim to accelerate spectrum readiness, inform standardisation efforts (including at the International Telecommunication Union), and support future-oriented use-cases such as immersive digital services, smart-city infrastructure and ultra-fast industrial connectivity. Telecompaper+1
For stc Group, the milestone reinforces its positioning as a digital enabler in line with Saudi Vision 2030, while for Nokia it demonstrates its capability to deliver next-generation radio solutions for challenging spectrum bands.
Technical Details & Findings
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The trial covered the 7.125–8.4 GHz band, testing outdoor and indoor conditions, and explored the physical-layer performance of the band for 6G-style deployment.
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Results indicated that, despite higher-frequency propagation challenges, throughput and coverage were broadly comparable to the 3.6 GHz 5G SA baseline when using advanced radio units and massive MIMO techniques. thefastmode.com
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The test also examined coexistence with existing microwave fixed-links and identified regulatory/spectrum-sharing considerations for future commercial rollout. Telecompaper
Implications for the MENA Telecom Ecosystem
For regulators and network operators in the region, this trial provides practical data on how 6G candidate bands can be deployed. It may accelerate discussions on spectrum allocation, licensing and ecosystem readiness for 2030-era networks.
For industry players—such as vendors, infrastructure providers, service operators and enterprise clients—the demonstration underlines the increasing importance of advanced bands and the evolution of network architectures from 5G toward 6G.
What to Watch
Key developments in the coming period include:
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Further trials and commercial pilots building on the 7 GHz band in Saudi Arabia and potentially other MENA countries.
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Regulatory actions by CST to allocate the 7 GHz candidate band and update spectrum-licensing frameworks.
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Commercialisation timelines: when operators may launch services utilising the 7 GHz band or integrate it into a 6G roadmap.
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Ecosystem readiness: infrastructure investment, chipset and radio-unit availability, device ecosystem support, and enterprise use-case development.
Conclusion
The completion of MENA’s first 7 GHz band trial by stc Group, Nokia and CST represents a significant leap toward the next generation of mobile connectivity. While full commercial 6G remains years away, this milestone underscores how the region is actively preparing for it today. For Saudi Arabia and the broader MENA region, it reinforces their ambition to assume leadership in digital-infrastructure, advanced telecom services and future-industry readiness.
