The Beyond One-owned MVNO will provide connectivity for Saudi smart cities, incorporating AI and IoT
Beyond One’s Virgin Mobile Saudi has become to the preferred technology partner for Middle Eastern regional technology services company Hitek, part of the Farnek group of companies, and the two will develop a joint strategic approach to developing smart cities in Saudi Arabia. Initially, the partners said the agreement will cover smart building solutions for potential projects in Saudi Arabia but did not rule out other markets.
Last year, Beyond One, the newly formed subsidiary of private global investment company Priora Management Holding Dubai, acquired Virgin Mobile Middle East and Africa (VMMEA), the region’s largest mobile virtual network operator (MVNO), with active operations under its Virgin Mobile and Friendi Mobile brands in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, UAE, Oman and Kuwait. Founded in 2006 VMMEA has more than three million users in multiple GCC countries for both its Virgin Mobile and Friendi Mobile operations.
That deal saw Virgin Group invest alongside Beyond One, retaining a minority stake in the company and a seat on the board. Beyond One is equity funded by Priora Management Holding Dubai – owned by Swiss businessman Remo Stoffel – and Beyond One Group CEO Markus Tagger.
Beyond One also owns Virgin Mobile in Latin America and at MWC it signed a deal with Amazon Web Services use a combination of AWS Regions and AWS hybrid cloud offerings—including AWS Outposts and AWS Local Zones—to modernize the Beyond One stack. At the time the company did not confirm whether this partnership would be extended to the Middle east.
Smart initiative
Virgin Mobile Saudi CEO Yaarob Al Sayegh said the telco will be responsible for “advanced telecommunications solutions”, including 5G networks, digital services and enablement. “By leveraging HITEK’s expertise in digital solutions and our capabilities in telecommunications, we aim to build robust infrastructure that will not only enhance connectivity but also enable the seamless integration of cutting-edge technologies like AI and IoT.”
He added: “Together, we are committed to developing innovative solutions that will improve the quality of life for residents and drive economic growth across the region.”
According to a statement on the deal, Hitek will be looking to deploy digital solutions to optimise waste, water and energy management, environmental monitoring, citizen engagement, retail and hospitality, data analytics and AI integration, smart transportation, real estate and urban development as well as education technology.
“Through this ground-up partnership with Virgin Mobile Saudi, we can deliver, an advanced bespoke all-inclusive, intelligent and analytical digital platform, connecting people, assets and spaces,” said Hitek managing director Javeria Aijaz. “By utilising IoT enabled building management systems, machine learning, cloud and artificial intelligence-based technologies, [plus] FM operations management, [we] will have a 360-degree overview of all facilities, 24/7, from a dedicated and centralised platform, enhancing efficiency, welfare and sustainability.”