Mobily and Ericsson Strengthen 20-Year Hajj Connectivity Partnership with Expanded 5G and AI Innovations
In a significant development for digital connectivity during the Hajj pilgrimage, Mobily and Ericsson have announced the expansion of their collaboration, marking two decades of partnership. This year’s enhancements focus on bolstering 5G capacity and integrating Artificial Intelligence (AI) capabilities, aimed at providing a more reliable and efficient mobile experience for millions of pilgrims during Hajj 2026 in Makkah, Saudi Arabia.
Enhanced 5G Capacity in Mashaer
The partnership has led to a substantial increase in network capacity and coverage, particularly in the Mashaer area, which is critical during the Hajj season. Mobily has more than doubled its 5G capacity by deploying additional sites equipped with Ericsson Radio System solutions, including Massive MIMO radios and new spectrum activation. This expansion is crucial for maintaining connectivity in densely populated areas where demand for mobile and digital services peaks.
AI-Driven Network Optimization
The integration of AI technologies has been pivotal in optimizing network performance. Mobily and Ericsson have implemented AI-based tools such as the Uplink Interference Optimizer and Coverage Gap Mitigation algorithms. These tools utilize zero-touch, closed-loop automation, allowing the network to self-optimize and address coverage gaps in near real-time without manual intervention. This capability is essential for ensuring seamless connectivity for the vast number of pilgrims.
Monitoring User Experience
A notable feature of this collaboration is the introduction of an AI-powered monitoring tool developed by Mobily and Ericsson. This tool continuously assesses end-user experiences for key digital services and voice calls. By simulating user journeys and evaluating call quality, it can identify potential issues early, such as slow application performance or poor video quality. This proactive approach enhances service reliability and provides valuable insights to network teams for performance optimization.
Operational Intelligence with GenAI
Additionally, Mobily and Ericsson have rolled out the GenAI Intelligent Assistant, designed to streamline operational intelligence. This tool allows Mobily’s operations teams to query network performance using straightforward language, yielding clear responses based on data from various metrics, including customer complaints and network capacity. This innovation not only accelerates daily operations but also ensures a more consistent service experience for pilgrims.
Commitment to Connectivity
Alaa Malki, Chief Technology Officer at Mobily, emphasized the enduring nature of this partnership, stating that the focus remains on enhancing network performance to meet the growing demands of pilgrims in Makkah. The advancements in 5G capacity and AI-driven operations represent a significant evolution in how the network is planned, optimized, and operated during this critical period.
Håkan Cervell, Vice President and Head of Ericsson Saudi Arabia, noted the unique challenges posed by Hajj, describing it as one of the most demanding connectivity environments globally. He reaffirmed the commitment to supporting digital infrastructure in the Kingdom, highlighting the importance of their collaboration in enhancing network performance and customer experience.
The longstanding partnership between Mobily and Ericsson has been instrumental in providing reliable connectivity for Hajj over the past two decades. Through continuous network planning, optimization, capacity expansion, and managed services, they have established a robust framework to support the needs of millions of pilgrims.
For further details on this collaboration, refer to the original reporting source: Zawya.
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