- stc demonstrates how 5G-Advanced networks can expand capacity while reducing energy consumption and infrastructure load.
- Advanced radio architecture delivers carbon savings equivalent to planting more than 34,000 trees.
stc group, the region’s leading digital enabler, has successfully demonstrated a Zero-Carbon 5G-Advanced (5G-A) site solution, marking a significant step forward in how next-generation mobile networks can deliver greater capacity while substantially reducing energy consumption and infrastructure load. This milestone reflects stc group’s commitment to innovation and technical excellence in building sustainable network infrastructure across Saudi Arabia.
The deployment brings together Tri-Band Remote Radio Units (RRU) for low-band spectrum with Active Antenna Unit (AAU) and mid-band dual-band RRU, creating streamlined and highly efficient site architecture that simplifies infrastructure without compromising performance.
Through this deployment, stc achieved significant improvement in network capacity and efficiency, including:
- Reduced energy consumption and carbon emissions: High-efficiency multi-band Giga Green radios and advanced Radio Frequency (RF) integration significantly reduce energy usage per unit of data transmitted. The carbon savings are equivalent to planting more than 34,000 trees over the coming years.
- Lighter, more compact infrastructure: A compact antenna design reduces the Effective Projected Area (EPA) and overall tower load, lowering wind resistance and structural stress. It simplifies maintenance and reduces long-term infrastructure costs.
These results demonstrate how 5G-Advanced technology can enable sustainable network evolution, allowing operators to grow capacity while reducing energy usage and physical infrastructure footprint. Building on this milestone, stc is developing a world-first Tri-Band Meta Active Antenna Unit (3CC MetaAAU) – a single antenna system supporting all three of stc’s core 5G bands (n40, n77, and n78). Combined with low-band tri-band RRU and mid-band dual-band RRU, this next-generation solution will further simplify site architecture, improve energy efficiency, and strengthen network performance, supporting stc’s vision of building high-capacity, sustainable 5G-Advanced networks for Saudi Arabia’s digital future.
