At the Global AI Summit (GAIN), Qualcomm Technologies, Inc. and Aramco Digital announced the world's first processors with native support for 5G in 450MHz spectrum —designed to revolutionize 5G connectivity and coverage in a single processor. Qualcomm Technologies’ advanced IoT processors, Qualcomm® QCS8550 and QCS6490, provide ubiquitous and resilient coverage that will be necessary to connect millions of intelligent edge devices. Qualcomm Technologies provides comprehensive 5G modem-to-RF solutions consisting of the modem, RF transceiver, TX power amplifier, RX low-noise amplifiers, filters, duplexers and switches, helping optimize the performance and accelerate the development of 450 MHz enabled IoT devices including industrial handhelds and ruggedized smartphones.

"We are thrilled to collaborate with Qualcomm Technologies to bring the world's first processors with native support for 5G in 450MHz to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia," said Tareq Amin, chief executive officer, Aramco Digital.

"We congratulate Aramco Digital on being qualified to obtain the 450MHz license to deploy their nationwide Industrial and Enterprise IoT network across the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia,” said Nakul Duggal, group general manager, automotive, industrial and embedded IoT, and cloud computing, Qualcomm Technologies, Inc. "This frequency band is particularly effective for both outdoor and indoor coverage, making it a key element of our strategy to drive digital transformation in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia."

"The introduction of the world’s first processors with native support for 5G in 450MHz, made possible through the collaboration with Aramco Digital, is a pivotal step in advancing digital transformation in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia," said Durga Malladi, senior vice president and general manager of technology planning and edge solutions, Qualcomm Technologies, Inc. 

At GAIN, the companies also announced the Design in Saudi Arabia—a new accelerator program to support AI and IoT startups to drive industrial innovation and digital transformation—as well as new generative AI IoT solutions at the edge.