1.1.

3G offloading:
The use of smart phones and other mobile devices is changing how we access the
Internet. Many drivers are pushing Internet users towards mobile devices and these
changes in consumer behavior are having an impact on mobile networks. These
trends will dramatically increase mobile data traffic, requiring a lot of additional
resources to satisfy the demand for instant mobile data access.
Most of the mobile operators have introduced and started to implement a mobile
data offloading strategy striving to find complementary technologies for delivering
data originally targeted for 3G/4G networks. The capacity to carry large volumes of
traffic over radio waves is the most challenging aspect. It would be possible to
increase the capacity for large mobile cells. However, costs, environmental aspects
and especially radio interference issues will make this option less attractive.
The following figure provides a simplified view of networks and nodes that play key
roles in handling mobile data traffic using traditional 3G communication and the WiFi access network to off-load traffic from the 3G access network:

Figure 1- 3G Offloading

1.2. 3G-Offloading Mobile Operator Benefits:

Offload low-end services away from expensive 3G access network, which will
free up capacity for mobile users who are on the move.

Increase coverage via Wi-Fi cells and reach mobile consumer at home or in
the office.

Provide higher bandwidth and hence better services.

Control the customer experience.

The operator is able to implement a charging model that is policy-based and

takes the type of traffic, the requested quality and traffic volume into
account.

Control traffic usage and implement a fair usage policy.

Increase revenue by taking on mobile users that previously used other fixed
line providers.

1.3. 3G-Offloading Mobile Subscriber Benefits:

Subscriber is able to select premium services that guarantee a certain quality.

Improved access to the Internet at home or in the office by using the Wi-Fi
access network.

Improved access to the Internet while on-the-move because the capacity of

the 3G network increased due to off-loading.

STC is planning to use its existing Wi-Fi core network to offload data traffic from its
packet core network which is already congested. This RFP is intended to get the
best tender for introducing needed hardware and software in both the Core and
Access networks of the Wi-Fi, however any proposed solution must interoperate and
live with the existing settings and guarantee the consistency of the existing services
as well the planned to offer service (3G offloading).
This RFP details the requirements to enhance Wi-Fi Core and what it impacts to the
access part ( Access Points, Architecture,)to make it ready to accommodate
additional traffic offloaded from packet core as well as make authentication
simplified using SIM credentials.
The offloaded 3G spots will be covered with Wi-Fi Access Points wherever needed,
the successful tenderer should guarantee that the added APs will interwork
completely with the existing Wi-Fi core, otherwise tenderer should propose an
adequate solution for STC to profit from the current Access network and to clarify

this solution in both the response to this RFP and in any future BoQ that could be
requested.
Users will be seamlessly switched to Wi-Fi hotspot by simply choosing the right
SSID with their smartphones. The Authentication of those users will be done through
the Eap-Sim and Eap/Aka protocols where IMSI sent by smartphones will be
authenticated by the HLR.
To authorize and provision the off-loaded user, tenderer shall provide a complete
and standard solution that is compliant with the standards and which will allow STC
to enhance its subscribers experience with large portfolio of business models. This
RFP is addressed to service providers to propose a 3G-offloading solution that fits
with actual needs of STCs Business Unit and that is compliant with both global
standards and STC standards.
The targeted number of off-loaded users is 100K, and the estimated number of AP is
between 3000 and 5000 additional to the existing depending on the modularity of
vendors equipment and can be revised during access design. A list of congested 3G
sites is appended to this RFP, this list is a tentative and non-exhaustive one, it may
be reduced or expanded during or after the design phase of the project and during
the implementation based on site survey or any change of STCs policy for the areas
to be covered by Wi-Fi offloading. Candidate sites must have Fiber Optic
backhauling availability to guarantee the best performance of the network and the
best service quality for the users.

1. Marketing

Service

Description

1.1. Service definition

PBU is planning to open up a new service which is (3G offloading option using Wi-Fi
hotspots across the Kingdom). The service will help STC Mobile Broadband
customers to connect to STC Wi-Fi hotspots. The service will allow the MBB
customer to offload to any of STC Wi-Fi hotspots with several options such as free
offloaded, upsell or add-on as per details below.

1.2. Service drivers

The following are the main services drivers:

Enhance mobile broadband Data customers experience.

More Data Traffic options for customers to use.

New Revenue channels from STC services.

Customer retentions.

1.3. Portfolio Fit

Mobile Broadband.

1.4. Customers needs

Creating Value for Customers.

It gives our customer the wide range of services options.

Utilize the Wi-Fi- hotspot to increase the speed of internet in some traffic
areas.

1.5. Quality of services

It needs to be high quality service in order to enable our customer to use it any time
in any place with the proper internet speed.