Thales wins 180 million euro contract in Saudi Arabia

Thales has won a contract worth 180 million euros in Saudi Arabia, in the field of communications infrastructure with its local company Stesa. Thales will create the Fibre Optic backbone network for Etihad Etisalat (Mobily), the operator of the second GSM network, ITC and Bayanat, two data service providers in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

Within the framework of this contract, Thales will ensure the network design, equipment installation and related civil engineering projects. Nearly 12,000 kilometres of optical fibres will be deployed throughout the Kingdom in seven rings.

"We are delighted that Etihad Etisalat, ITC and Bayanat have selected us for this project. Thales’ capacity to manage large projects and our strong local presence were key factors in our selection," declared Reynald Seznec, Senior Vice President, Thales Security Division.

The Saudi Communications and Information Technology Commission (CITC) has licensed three operators to use the network. The deployment of this infrastructure will mean that Etihad Etisalat, ITC and Bayanat will now have their own network instead of relying on the national telecom network.