STC teams with Ericsson to enhance first-responder communication systems

Ericsson and specialised by stc have signed a memorandum of understanding aimed at accelerating the development of advanced mission-critical communication capabilities to support Saudi Arabia’s public safety ecosystem.

The agreement was formalised during the World Defense Show in Riyadh and combines specialised by stc’s nationwide digital infrastructure with Ericsson’s expertise in secure, high-availability networks. The partners intend to enhance operational efficiency for first responders — including police, ambulance, civil protection and emergency management teams — through reliable, real-time communication technologies such as mission-critical push-to-talk and push-to-video, artificial intelligence-driven incident analytics and high-precision location services.

The collaboration also includes integrating Internet of Things sensors and smart vehicle systems into unified communication platforms to enable faster emergency response, better coordination and improved community resilience. The companies say this approach highlights the growing importance of secure, dependable connectivity in environments where performance and reliability are essential.

As part of the MoU, the two organisations will conduct joint validation programmes and field trials that simulate high-demand emergency scenarios, ensuring communications remain secure and uninterrupted under pressure. The initiative aligns with the Kingdom’s Saudi Vision 2030 goals by strengthening nationwide preparedness and supporting broader digital transformation efforts.

Khaled Aldharrab, Chief Executive Officer of specialised by stc said: “Our collaboration with Ericsson marks an important step in advancing our mission to support national public safety capabilities. Together we will co-develop solutions that enhance coordination, strengthen emergency response and deliver robust communications for the Kingdom’s front liners.”

Håkan Cervell, President of Ericsson Saudi Arabia, added: “We are pleased to collaborate with stc specialised to enhance next-generation mission-critical communications in Saudi Arabia. By leveraging Ericsson’s secure, resilient network expertise with specialised by stc’s digital infrastructure, we are supporting the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 ambitions by strengthening public safety, fortifying national resilience and enabling digital transformation that empowers first responders to act quickly and confidently when every second counts.”