Mobily said the process included lab and field tests, which aimed to set up extensive installment and operation plans for evolved packet cores and routing network elements, as well as operation and maintenance systems.

The Saudi operator said that it is conducting similar testing with Ericsson, a leading mobile telecommunications contractor.

Mobily is already conducting 4G testing with Nokia Siemens Networks.

Abdulaziz Altamami, Mobily's chief operating officer, said that carrying out major projects such as Long Term Evolution (LTE -- commonly known as 4G) with such leading global companies is proof that Mobily settles for no less than the best of any company's technologies and applications.

He added that comprehensive tests Mobily had done with Huawei included LTE base stations, evolved packet cores, and all aspects of operation and management.

Altamami reiterated his company's commitment to promises of bringing the latest and best technologies and to be a pioneer in the development of the Kingdom's telecommunications sector.

Mobily had signed contracts with Huawei, where the latter would manage the operation of Mobily's 3.5G network. Other contracts concern mobile broadband.

Mobily's moves aim to keep the company and its subscribers abreast with the latest mobile technologies and services by keeping its network ever-ready to absorb these technologies, and thus provide the best possible service to its clients.

Mobily and Nokia Siemens Networks had showcased 4G technology in the Kingdom at Gitex 2009, held in Riyadh in April 2009.

Mobily will begin to provide 4G services as soon as the needed frequencies become available in the Kingdom, and it will help users move huge amounts of data at a lower cost and energy consumption using Mobily's advanced infrastructure.