Nokia has opened a ‘NextGen Lab’, providing an interactive environment for local businesses and partners to experience and explore Nokia’s latest technologies. The NextGen Lab is located in Riyadh’s thriving technology district, Laysen Valley, and aims to accelerate Saudi Arabia’s digital infrastructure ambitions as outlined in its Vision 2030 strategy.
Ali Jitawi, Market Unit Head of Mobile Networks at Nokia, Saudi Arabia, said, “Saudi Arabia is a technology innovation hub in the MEA region, with ambitious digital transformation initiatives under Vision 2030, making it an ideal testing ground for next-generation solutions. The launch of the Nokia NextGen Lab in Riyadh therefore reflects our commitment to supporting Saudi Arabia’s vision for a connected, digitally-advanced society. By providing hands-on access to next-generation technologies, we’re empowering local industries to unlock the benefits of modern connectivity. This lab represents our dedication to driving digital growth and supporting the Kingdom’s leadership in the regional digital transformation journey.”
Nokia’s NextGen Lab: Hands-On Access to Next-Generation Technologies
With the growing interest in Open RAN’s capabilities, there has consequently been heightened demand for private networks and smart city solutions. Moreover, the rapid deployment of 5G and 5G SA in Saudi and MEA has resulted in the need to accelerate the adoption of advanced mobile network technologies in the region. Therefore, in collaboration with leading technology partners such as Dell Technologies, the Lab will demonstrate Open RAN’s capabilities and explore the possibility of flexible and interoperable networks to meet the demands of an increasingly connected society.
The Lab will explore the viability of innovative technologies such as O-RAN and Cloud RAN through Nokia’s pioneering anyRAN approach, underscoring Nokia’s commitment to pioneering open, flexible networks that drive industry collaboration. This includes exploring multivendor interoperability and advanced carrier aggregation to achieve high-speed connectivity.
The Lab will also focus on developing and testing smart city applications, empowering industries to explore new business models, optimize operations, and enhance security. It will also explore initiatives that support Saudi Arabia’s environmental targets by researching energy-efficient solutions designed to reduce carbon emissions and optimize power consumption.
Although based in Saudi Arabia, Nokia’s NextGen Lab is open to Nokia’s partners from across the Middle East and Africa (MEA) region, providing enterprises and governments with access to cutting-edge connectivity solutions.
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