stc group is advancing its network capabilities to provide state-of-the-art digital services during Hajj season 1446 AH, ensuring seamless and reliable connectivity for over a million pilgrims from around the world.
To accommodate the anticipated influx of pilgrims, the group has strengthened its digital infrastructure, enhancing network capacity in high-density areas to improve coverage and optimize connectivity. This effort aims to deliver an uninterrupted and exceptional connectivity experience for all pilgrims, according to a statement.
The optimization of network connectivity has been guided by insights gained from last year’s Hajj season, where detailed performance analytics from over 350 locations identified areas for improvement. As a result, targeted upgrades were implemented to expand capacity, resulting in an expected 30 percent increase in network throughput, which will ensure stable and secure connectivity even in the most congested areas.
Strengthening on-ground support
In expanding the 4G and 5G networks across the holy sites, stc upgraded and extended more than 35 sites to support high-demand areas during Hajj, thereby delivering faster speeds and broader coverage. Additionally, improvements to the 4G infrastructure were made at over 83 sites, and VoLTE technology was deployed to enable high-quality voice and video calls alongside enhanced data performance. These upgrades are crucial for ensuring robust, high-capacity connectivity for pilgrims throughout their journey.
The group has also boosted its on-ground technical support by establishing 11 logistics hubs and 99 maintenance centers across the holy sites, each staffed by dedicated teams operating 24/7 to ensure service continuity. To further strengthen network coverage, stc added 21 new sites and deployed 78 mobile units in high-demand or logistically challenging areas.
Key digital innovations introduced this season include AI-powered, multilingual interactive guides for pilgrims. These guides, enhanced by 3D visuals and presented on one of the world’s largest smart tables, offer accessible, real-time information to help pilgrims navigate the rituals with ease and confidence.
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Delivering specialized digital solutions
stc group’s subsidiaries are playing critical roles in delivering specialized digital solutions during Hajj. Specialized by stc, the executive arm for critical communication services and solutions within the stc group, providing mission-critical and instant wireless communication solutions to enterprise, government, healthcare, industrial, and commercial sectors across the Kingdom. Notable offerings include the Manasik Package, a high-efficiency LTE-based communication solution designed for Hajj-related operations; the Miqat Package, an encrypted communication platform ensuring secure connectivity for large organizations; and the Event Management Platform (EMP), which streamlines task and event coordination.
Solutions by stc further enhance connectivity with services like the Managed Router Service (MRS), which ensures optimal network performance for business environments, and the SD-WAN service, offering greater flexibility and efficiency in network management. Additional services include MODAR Wi-Fi for continuous internet access, AI-powered CCTV solutions for enhanced safety, and equipped emergency vehicles for crisis scenarios.
The group also deployed of 1,123 Dahua cameras—both indoor and outdoor—integrated with the Black Stone System for real-time video analytics, enhancing safety and operational monitoring in densely populated areas, and automated detection of any violations, such as unauthorized access.
To ensure optimal service delivery during Hajj and enhance the experience for the guests of the Holy Mosques, stc group has deployed extensive technical and operational resources across key locations.
This includes 144 sites for critical communications, 436 fixed towers, 259 5G enabled sites, and 998 public Wi-Fi access points across the pilgrimage area. Furthermore, logistics support includes 99 monitoring and maintenance centers and 339 vehicles for rapid deployment and field maintenance, ensuring that all aspects of connectivity are meticulously managed for the millions of pilgrims.
