Aiming to develop in-car software solutions for Saudi drivers, Saudi Telecom Co. (STC), the Kingdom’s largest mobile network operator, has entered into a partnership with Irish vehicle software firm Cubic Telecom.
Through the partnership, stc hopes to use the software to add a range of in-car services to Saudi vehicles, including an emergency call system which automatically alerts healthcare services in the event of an accident.
Speaking to reporters, Gerry McQuaid, chief commercial officer at Cubic said that they partnered with STC as a premier car integrity partner in Saudi Arabia to enable the customer to benefit from a range of safety, entertainment, and navigation features when they purchase the car.
He also added that the software partnership would help carmakers and third party developers to comply with the strict regulations on connectivity management in Saudi Arabia.
“I can’t give a precise date, but in a not-too-distant future you actually don’t need a driving license, the car will actually drive autonomously for the citizens. That is the big difference,” McQuaid said. “Already software solutions can support this capability, but it does need important regulations to be introduced to start with semi-driving.
Meanwhile, Barry Napier, CEO of Cubic Telecom, said, “We are delighted to be working with STC to help car manufacturers activate new opportunities in a very significant market.”
Dr. Sultan bin Saeed, STC’s vice president of business development, said, “Partnering with Cubic enables STC as a digital enabler to simplify the delivery and management of advanced in-car services and gives us a foundation for innovating and meeting the changing needs of customers as new services evolve.”
Cubic Telecom provides connected software solutions in more than 5 million vehicles and devices to at least 100 countries and has already partnered with some of the Gulf region’s largest mobile operators.
Cubic’s software enables zero-touch device registration and in-car connectivity pre-configured for regulatory requirements in the region.
Saud Alsheraihi, GM New Business Development at stc Enterprise division commented, “Partnering with Cubic Telecom to rollout emerging technologies advanced solutions for car manufacturers will further realize the kingdom’s vision of enhancing quality of life by enabling unique experiences to car owners to enjoy vehicle health diagnostics, entertainment and safety features.”