In a landmark achievement on August 22, 2025, ZTE Corporation and GO Telecom successfully completed Saudi Arabia’s first long-distance 5G-Advanced (5G-A) millimeter-wave (mmWave) trial. This test, conducted in the 26 GHz frequency band, demonstrated a coverage distance of 6 km, delivering nearly 1 Gbps downlink speeds with 200 MHz bandwidth. This is a significant milestone for the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 digital transformation plans.
Trial Highlights: Performance and Potential
The trial showcased fiber-like performance over a considerable distance, with ultra-low latency and high-capacity connectivity, critical attributes for mission-critical enterprise applications.
By utilizing ZTE’s cutting-edge mmWave network infrastructure and GO Telecom’s deployment capabilities, the successful deployment laid a strong foundation for advanced last-mile enterprise connectivity solutions across Saudi Arabia.
Industry Applications and Strategic Vision
This technology unlocks powerful capabilities for enterprise-grade Fixed Wireless Access (FWA), delivering high-speed internet in areas where fibre deployment is impractical or cost-prohibitive.
The high throughput and reliability of 5G-A mmWave can support a range of sectors, including:
- Smart stadiums
- Industrial automation
- Logistics and transportation
- Healthcare facilities
- Smart agriculture
- Critical infrastructure
With real-time data processing, AI-enabled automation, and seamless cloud integration, GO Telecom is positioned to spearhead enterprise digital transformation across these verticals.
Strategic Implications for Vision 2030
The successful trial aligns directly with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, enabling the Kingdom to accelerate its journey toward becoming a digital-first economy. By enabling ultra-high-speed wireless access, the collaboration between ZTE and GO Telecom is positioning Saudi Arabia to compete on the global tech stage.
Sun Xuezhi, CEO of ZTE Saudi Arabia, noted that the collaboration reflects a shared commitment to advancing the Kingdom’s digital transformation under Vision 2030 and unlocking new enterprise connectivity possibilities.
Conclusion
ZTE and GO Telecom’s successful 6 km 5G-A mmWave trial marks a pivotal moment in Saudi Arabia’s telecommunications evolution. The project demonstrates that high-capacity, ultra-fast wireless networks are not only feasible over long distances but are also ready for deployment across enterprise settings. As the Kingdom continues to pursue Vision 2030, this advancement could significantly accelerate digital transformation and smart infrastructure adoption nationwide.
