IMS Deployment in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

High Efficiency Delivery of Multimedia Broadband Services

Ethiad Atheeb Telecom (Atheeb) is the second largest fixed-line operator in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. It acquired its license in 2007, and holds a 3.5GHz spectrum across 13 regional divisions within the Kingdom. Atheeb’s licence permits fixed and wireless services such as voice telephone communications, data services, internet services, and broadband internet services via WiMAX 802.16e technology.

Efficiency and Speed Make No.1

Saudi Arabia is one of the most important telecommunications markets in Middle East, and three main players dominate there: Saudi Telecom (STC), Mobily, and Zain. While mobile penetration in Saudi Arabia is more than 100%, broadband penetration is less than 10%.

Prior to 2007, Saudi Telecom was the sole fixed-line operator in Saudi Arabia. However, in order to improve the quality of telecommunications service, the Communications and Information Technology Commission (CITC) of Saudi Arabia decided to introduce competition in the fixed-line market by issuing three new fixed-line licenses. Atheeb acquired a 3.5GHz WiMAX wireless spectrum and fixed-line license.

With its expansive land mass and sparse population, the market for wireless broadband access in Saudi Arabia is very significant. Aiming to seize upon this market opportunity, Atheeb quickly began the process of selecting an equipment supplier. After a tough evaluation process, in March 2008, Atheeb selected ZTE as its IMS partner to implement system integration of the whole network. ZTE’s IMS, with its SIP-based networking and access agnostic features, was the best choice for Atheeb in its goal of converging multiple access technologies (including WiMAX, xDSL, and xPON).

In phase I, ZTE delivered the IMS core network, service platform, DWDM transport network, and Multi-Protocol Label Switching (MPLS). Its IMS core network interworked with Motorola’s WiMAX network. This phase was completed in June, 2009 and the total number of subscribers is now more than 100,000. At that point, Atheeb was the first operator to start IMS network deployment and commercial operation among the three new fixed-line operators in Saudi Arabia.

Phase II construction started shortly after the completion of Phase I. In this phase, ZTE’s WiMAX network was under construction in other cities and these will be interconnected with the ZTE IMS core.

Highlights of Atheeb’s IMS Network

■   Advanced network architecture realizes future-proof development

Atheeb’s IMS network is a true and pure IMS network, compliant with the standard definition. This architecture allows Atheeb to use multiple access technologies based on the unified IMS core network (which ensures sustainable development of the whole network and decreases TCO). The system provides excellent VoIP experience, Video Telephony, and other multimedia services at low cost and with high QoS.

■   A large-capacity geographical redundancy solution ensures network stability and operation

Atheeb’s IMS network is designed with a complete geographical redundancy solution supporting a capacity of 650,000 subscribers. Two sets of IMS core equipment are deployed separately in two cities―Riyadh and Jeddah. All boards implement 1+1 backup, and these measures ensure high reliability of the network at interface, board, and element levels. The system’s reliability reaches 99.999%.

■   The implementation of cutting-edge technologies provides a mature and operational network

With ZTE’s strong implementation capabilities, Atheeb’s IMS network features seamless integration of ZTE IMS core network, Motorola’s WiMAX system, and WIPRO’s OSS/BSS. Other leading functions such as online charging and emergency call, have also been implemented. Together these guarantee the network is quickly put into real operation.

■   Rich services and open service environments enhance competitiveness

Atheeb’s IMS network is designed to offer abundant multimedia broadband services, including Video Telephony, Video Conferencing, Multimedia Ring Back Tone, Voice Mail, One Number, and Centrex. Rich services help Atheeb to flexibly design service bundles oriented to individual, home, and enterprise users.

In addition, the network provides standard and open interfaces to realize fast integration with third-party services. This further assists Atheeb to generate revenue through rich services.