DUBAI: Saudi Arabia is to enter the 4G LTE technology world as French-based Alcatel-Lucent announced on Wednesday that it was launching the first such network in the country. Analysts and experts told Bikyamasr.com that the move will push wireless technology forward in the Gulf kingdom and make communications easier and less likely to drop. The introduction of the LTE technology, according to Alcatel will give STC's mobile broadband subscribers access to a huge number of data applications on their smart phones, tablets and laptops. STC will be the first in the region to launch major commercial LTE services to cover 11 key cities in Saudi Arabia as a first phase to provide enhanced mobile broadband services using 4G LTE technology, Alcatel said in a press release. “Alcatel-Lucent was selected to support STC's LTE network deployment in the Northern Region of the Kingdom, following a successful trial of the technology,” the release said. The company is also helping STC build an ecosystem of leading companies to provide content, applications and innovative services to meet needs of subscribers in Saudi Arabia. Alcatel-Lucent has over 20 LTE contracts for commercial deployments including two of the largest LTE network roll-outs, and engagement in more than 70 LTE trials worldwide, it added. BM ShortURL: http://goo.gl/hL2CR Tags: 4G, Alcatel, Lucent Section: Business, Latest News, Tech