Riyadh: TECHz Magazine – News Desk
At the LEAP 2026 technology event in Riyadh, Ericsson and Mobily officially signed Memorandums of Understanding to accelerate the deployment of AI-driven Radio Access Networks and elevate autonomous network operations in Saudi Arabia. Under the agreement, Mobily will leverage Artificial Intelligence within its infrastructure by utilizing rApps on the Ericsson Intelligent Automation Platform. The collaboration focuses on integrating AI software functionalities across RAN Compute, radio, and Active Antenna Systems alongside centralized AI use cases.
Mobily is also set to join the automation ecosystem, gaining access to over 100 available rApps and a broader community of software vendors and developers to address specific networking requirements in the region. This intelligent foundation aims to pave the way for next-generation digital experiences, including augmented and virtual reality and autonomous vehicles.
A concurrent agreement establishes a framework to boost network operations and optimization using the Ericsson Operations Engine, with the explicit goal of progressing toward Level 4 network autonomy in crucial operational scenarios. The partnership explores key use cases such as operations automation, self-healing, energy management, and network optimization across Mobily’s multi-vendor environment.
By driving greater network autonomy, Mobily intends to significantly reduce the need for manual interventions, maximize the value of its existing infrastructure, and unlock new avenues for network monetization. These AI-enabled initiatives strongly align with Mobily’s digital transformation strategy and the broader technological ambitions of Saudi Vision 2030.
This strategic partnership expands upon two decades of collaboration between the companies, most notably their highly successful joint efforts during the Hajj 2025 season. During the globally recognized mega-event, Ericsson and Mobily utilized Cognitive Network Solutions’ AI-based software to implement zero-touch, closed-loop Level 4 network management autonomy.
The sophisticated AI-driven framework handled over 23,000 automated decisions per hour and executed more than 15,000 corrective actions prior to the event, ensuring flawless and resilient connectivity for millions of pilgrims. Stay tuned to TECHz for more updates on how AI is shaping the future of global telecommunications.
