{"id":3959,"date":"2025-01-23T08:02:20","date_gmt":"2025-01-23T07:02:20","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/wavebyagc.com\/?p=3959"},"modified":"2025-06-26T16:57:44","modified_gmt":"2025-06-26T14:57:44","slug":"zain-ksa-advances-5g-connectivity-with-transparent-glass-antenna-trials","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/wavebyagc.com\/en\/blog\/zain-ksa-advances-5g-connectivity-with-transparent-glass-antenna-trials\/","title":{"rendered":"Zain KSA Advances 5G Connectivity with Transparent Glass Antenna Trials"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
Original article can be found here<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n However, while 5G networks allow for faster roll out, greater capacity, and broader coverage, the same technology has its disadvantages when mobile users move indoors. As buildings incorporate increasingly complex designs and varying materials, achieving adequate 5G coverage indoors has become an ongoing challenge.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Inconsistent indoor connectivity has plagued businesses, public spaces, and homeowners for over six years since 5G\u2019s initial deployment, often preventing mobile network operators (MNOs) from fully leveraging the technology\u2019s powerful features. This limitation affects users\u2019 ability to access streamlined connectivity, creating an opportunity for innovative solutions that support data-heavy applications.<\/p>\n\n\n\n As the demand for 5G connectivity grows throughout the region, providers are tasked with ensuring that customers can seamlessly access their services at any time or any place.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Renowned for its leadership in 5G networks across Saudi Arabia and the region, Zain KSA is driving advancements that are reshaping connectivity. One such innovation is the deployment of Zain KSA\u2019s 5G-powered Fixed Wireless Access (FWA), which provides homes and small businesses with high-capacity connectivity using Customer Premises Equipment (CPE) devices that convert 5G frequencies into high-performance Wi-Fi. Recently, Zain KSA announced the successful testing of \u2018The Glass Antenna,\u2019 a new technology that will transform how 5G is experienced across the Kingdom and beyond. <\/p>\n\n\n\n 5G connectivity requires a denser network of base stations to ensure consistent indoor connectivity due to the smaller footprint coverage of the technology. Subsequently, companies are faced with implementing solutions to enhance user experience without resorting to traditional signal receptors that could disrupt architectural aesthetics. This principle drove AGC Glass Europe and Japanese companies to introduce the first glass antenna in 2020, turning windows into functional base stations. This technology was revolutionary in integrating 5G technology into buildings, improving connectivity, and preserving the exterior design.<\/p>\n\n\n\n As a digital innovation first-mover, Zain KSA consistently seeks solutions to push the limits of its 5G networks and make this high-speed connectivity more accessible and efficient for broader segments of users. Through a strategic collaboration with Nokia and AGC Glass Europe, Zain KSA is currently testing \u2018WAVE by AGC\u2019 transparent glass technology in Jeddah.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Building on the success of AGC\u2019s tech, this proof of concept (PoC) aims to evaluate the enhanced delivery of indoor 5G coverage in real-world conditions, mitigating the need for intrusive equipment, such as traditional Distributed Antenna Systems (DAS) and smart, micro-outdoor solutions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The PoC focuses on two specific use cases:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Remarking on the rollout of the project, Zain KSA\u2019s Vice President of Engineering, Eng. Mohammed Abdulaziz Al Nujaidi, stated, \u201cBuilding on our 5G leadership and in line with Saudi Vision 2030, Zain KSA is committed to driving more innovation by integrating cutting-edge solutions into our 5G network. By implementing this technology in collaboration with industry leaders like Nokia and AGC, we aim to provide individuals and enterprises across the Kingdom with access to the latest advancements, empowering them to get more out of our expansive 5G network. The project endorses our efforts to support Saudi Arabia\u2019s digital transformation, particularly in urban spaces, and also reflects our dedication to accelerating the rollout of the latest technologies with minimal visual impact on the city landscape.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Zain KSA reported that the Proof of Concept for the transparent glass antenna, when connected to the company\u2019s Customer Premises Equipment (CPE), demonstrated significant improvements in network performance, confirming its potential in addressing indoor signal challenges. Key outcomes include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n These results validate the glass antenna\u2019s ability to strengthen the network\u2019s stability and resilience, supporting Zain KSA\u2019s commitment to providing customers with an exceptional 5G experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Zain KSA is leveraging this technology to accelerate the rollout of its 5G network across Saudi Arabia, fostering a digital economy and a vibrant tech-savvy society. This innovative solution addresses future connectivity demands efficiently, providing users with improved data throughputs that translate into a better customer experience. By integrating glass antenna technology, Zain KSA ensures reliable network performance, replacing traditional equipment and preserving the visual appeal of the urban landscape.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Bernard Monville, Head of WAVE by AGC, stated, \u201cGlass antennas can be installed at lower heights and require less transmission power to cover dense urban areas; this will enable Zain KSA and Nokia to deploy the transparent glass antennas to comply with the world\u2019s most stringent EMF standards.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Mohammad Al Tayeh, Customer Team Head at Nokia, said, \u201cNokia\u2019s state-of-the-art 5G product integrates seamlessly with the WAVE by AGC antenna, allowing Zain KSA to further expand and enhance its network capabilities. The collaboration between Zain KSA, AGC Glass Europe, and Nokia marks a significant milestone in driving next-generation telecom solutions in the Middle East region.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Zain KSA plans to build on the success of this Proof of Concept by exploring opportunities for broader deployment across key locations in Saudi Arabia. The company plans to work closely with regulators and industry partners to ensure a smooth rollout of the glass antenna technology in the near future. The focus remains on developing innovative, sustainable solutions that address the increasing demand for high-performance 5G networks while maintaining the allure of urban and residential spaces.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Zain KSA\u2019s Vice President of Engineering, Eng. Mohammed Abdulaziz Al Nujaidi, commented, \u201cThis Proof of Concept highlights the importance of innovation and collaboration. By integrating advanced solutions, such as the transparent glass antenna, we are addressing connectivity challenges while paving the way for a hyper-connected, sustainable future. We look forward to further partnerships that will enable us to deliver enhanced 5G experiences to people and businesses across the Kingdom.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Copy of the original article <\/span>available here<\/a>. All credits go to Telecom Review.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n Want to know more on how to enhance the communication experience in your facility and to ensure outstanding performances? Conducting a connectivity audit is the most effective way of identifying and resolving issues. Let’s discover how WAVETHRU audit technology can help.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":11,"featured_media":3961,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[70],"tags":[97,98,99,91,87,82,83,85],"class_list":["post-3959","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-waveantenna","tag-glass","tag-window","tag-impact","tag-wave-by-agc","tag-indoor-connectivity","tag-indoor-mobile-coverage","tag-connectivity","tag-wavethru"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"The rapid expansion of 5G technology has positioned the MENA region as a frontrunner in digital innovation, demonstrating impressive adoption rates that play an integral role in driving economic growth and transforming multiple industries. These advancements have enabled extensive regional connectivity, particularly among mobile users, with 5G subscriptions expected to climb to 500 million by 2030, based on the most recent projections.<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Where Challenges Meet Solutions<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Introducing The Glass Antenna<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Proof of Concept<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
\n
Next-Level Connectivity<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
\n
Potential Impacts<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
The Next Steps<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
<\/strong>Get in touch with us now<\/strong><\/a>.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"