Saudi Arabia Telecom 2021 Fiber Optic Cable Tender

The 2021 fiber optic cable tender in Saudi Arabia focused on expanding FTTH and metro connectivity networks, with major participation from Mobily and local fiber manufacturers like MEFC.Tender OverviewIn 2021, Saudi Arabia issued a significant fiber optic cable tender aimed at expanding the Kingdom's telecommunications infrastructure, particularly for fiber-to-the-home (FTTH) and metro network connectivity. The tender included subcontracting opportunities for civil works, outdoor and indoor fiber deployment, splicing, and testing, targeting both private contractors and specialized service providers .Key ParticipantsMobily: One of the Kingdom's leading telecom operators, Mobily spearheaded the Fiber Network Expansion (FNE) project, which included OSP (outside plant) works for FTTH and metro connectivity .Middle East Fiber Cable Manufacturing Co. (MEFC): A Saudi-Japanese partnership, MEFC supplied high-quality fiber optic cables and accessories for the project, leveraging its advanced manufacturing capabilities and experience in telecom, oil & gas, and government sectors .Local Contractors: Companies like Transtelecom provided full-scope fiber solutions, including underground OSP networks, indoor ISP cabling, fiber splicing, OTDR testing, and network commissioning across major metro regions .Scope of WorkThe tender encompassed a wide range of fiber optic infrastructure tasks:OSP and ISP deployment: Underground and aerial cable installation, manhole and duct work, and indoor structured cabling.Fiber splicing and testing: Fusion splicing, OTDR characterization, OPM testing, and link documentation.Network commissioning: Configuration, commissioning, and support for passive optical networks (PON) and wavelength-division multiplexing (WDM).Maintenance and emergency services: Fault isolation, preventive maintenance, and emergency fiber restoration .Strategic ImportanceThis tender was part of Saudi Arabia's broader telecom modernization strategy, aiming to enhance broadband penetration, improve network reliability, and support digital transformation initiatives across residential, commercial, and governmental sectors . The project also encouraged local manufacturing and subcontracting, strengthening the domestic fiber optic industry and creating opportunities for Saudi-based contractors and engineers.Accessing Tender InformationCompanies interested in participating or reviewing tender details could access official e-procurement platforms and tender portals such as Global Tenders and TenderTiger, which provide updates on fiber optic cable tenders, RFPs, and subcontracting opportunities in Saudi Arabia . This tender represents a key milestone in Saudi Arabia's fiber optic network expansion, combining international expertise, local manufacturing, and specialized contractors to deliver high-speed connectivity across the Kingdom.