February 17, 2010 - In cooperation with Ericsson, STC the leading national provider of telecom services in Saudi Arabia announced its deployment of LTE network that offers its customers the benefits of the LTE network which represents the next step in ICT industry evolution. STC has chosen Ericsson for the deployment of LTE network reaching unprecedented levels of performance and enhanced services.

With LTE technology, STC customers will enjoy an unparalleled mobile-broadband experience providing ultra high data speeds anytime anywhere. LTE is designed to transfer huge amounts of data in a cost and energy efficient way, optimizing use of frequency band and realizing fiber-like access speed.

"We are glad to start the deployment of the 4G/LTE technology so that all our customers will be the first in the Middle East and North Africa to benefit from the new chain of high speed broadband services." said Dr. Ziad Al-Otaibi Vice President Network of STC. "We trust that this partnership with Ericsson will further enhance STC's operational capabilities; our customers will feel the difference where they can effortlessly enjoy whatever service available online; HD video, network games, internet TV, blogging and others."

We are extremely privileged to be part of this promising cooperation with STC." said Mats Otterstedt, CEO of Ericsson KSA. "The LTE network not only empower enterprises and professionals working in the health, security and other sectors, it also speeds up the ICT industry eco system development and therefore sustain a competitive edge."

Ericsson and STC intend to further enhance their collaboration in the future to provide Saudi customers with the latest technologies and integrated solutions.