Riyadh – Mubasher: Saudi Telecom Company (STC) on Sunday has announced that it has successfully made its first over-the-air call using a smartphone equipped with five-generation (5G) technology.

This trial call comes ahead of operating the 5G services over the coming period after obtaining devices requisite for these cutting-edge services, the Saudi telecom operator said in a statement.

Offering 5G technology is an important part of STC’s plan to achieve its role in implementing Saudi Vision 2030, the CEO of STC Nasser Bin Sulaiman Al Nasser said.

Earlier on Sunday, a Saudi top official said that 5G technology is expected to support Saudi Arabia’s economy with more than $19 billion over the coming period.

In March, STC and Huawei launched the first trial of indoor 5G 3.5GHz in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA).

The Saudi telecoms provider and Ericsson last February signed a contract to launch a mid-band 5G network in the kingdom.

On 10 February, STC unveiled building 450 locations in various regions as the first phase to begin launching 5G services.

In January, the Tadawul-listed firm forecast that it will launch 5G wireless networks during the second half of 2019.

On 23 January, STC reported a 22% year-on-year rise in profits during the fourth quarter of 2018, registering SAR 3.11 billion, from SAR 2.55 billion.