Riyadh – Sharikat Mubasher: stc Group announced it has tested a zero-carbon 5G Advanced site in Saudi Arabia, as the telecom operator looks to reduce the energy and physical infrastructure requirements of its next-generation networks.

Unveiled during LEAP 2026, the trial combines several radio and antenna technologies into a more compact setup, including Tri Band Remote Radio Units for low band spectrum, Active Antenna Units and dual band radios for mid band spectrum.

stc said the configuration can improve network capacity while lowering energy consumption for each unit of data transmitted. The company estimates the resulting carbon reduction will be equivalent to planting more than 34,000 trees over the coming years.

The system also uses a compact antenna design that reduces the tower’s projected area and overall load. This could lower wind resistance and structural stress while making network maintenance simpler.

The company is now working on a Tri Band Meta Active Antenna Unit designed to support its three core 5G bands, n40, n77 and n78, potentially allowing further reductions in site complexity and energy use as 5G Advanced networks expand across Saudi Arabia.

The fifth edition of LEAP 2026 runs from 31 August to 3 September at the Riyadh Exhibition and Convention Center in Malham, north of Riyadh.

The event is expected to attract more than 1,000 global speakers and experts, 1,800 technology companies, 600 startups and 1,900 investors and venture capital representatives, highlighting Saudi Arabia’s growing role as a hub for technology and innovation.