Zain KSA has started a massive Multiple Input Multiple Output (MIMO) pilot in the city of Jeddah in Saudi Arabia on the TD-LTE network using 2.6 GHz spectrum.

Nokia, the technology partner of Zain KSA, said the pilot uses Nokia’s 5G-ready AirScale massive MIMO antenna for 4.9G calls to improve network capacity to provide speeds of above 700 Mbps per user.

The deployment of massive MIMO will allow Zain to meet the growing demand for ultra-broadband services while deploying 5G-ready equipment. Zain will be able to add revenue streams by launching innovative services and products for its subscribers.

“The deployment of massive MIMO helps us meet customers’ needs for the best experience while using multiple bandwidth-hungry applications,” Sultan Abdulaziz AlDeghaither, CEO of Zain Saudi Arabia, said.

Ali Jitawi, head of the Zain Saudi Arabia customer team at Nokia, said: “This pilot and later deployment will add to their revenue streams as they will be able to provide newer services to their subscribers.”