stc Group has recently announced significant achievements in expanding its 5G network and enhancing connectivity for pilgrims in Makkah and Madinah, as part of its strategy to enable digital transformation across the Kingdom. These efforts align with the group’s continued contributions during the 1446 AH Hajj season and reflect its commitment to providing advanced digital infrastructure in support of the Saudi Vision 2030.
The group revealed that the number of 5G network sites across Saudi Arabia has exceeded 9,500. This is part of a strategic plan to expand coverage and provide ultra-fast communication speeds in both urban and remote areas, bridging the digital divide by providing reliable, high-quality communication services.
stc leads in 5G speeds in Holy sites
In Madinah, particularly in the area surrounding the Prophet’s Mosque, stc recorded outstanding performance indicators, including a 348 percent year-on-year increase in international roaming data usage, a 74 percent growth in 5G network usage, and a 20 percent improvement in data download speeds. These results contributed to delivering a seamless and efficient connectivity experience for pilgrims and visitors from inside and outside the Kingdom.
stc also continues to empower the Two Holy Mosques with a comprehensive digital infrastructure supported by artificial intelligence solutions and big data analytics, which have contributed to enhancing the network’s efficiency and its high response to increasing demand. This made the Hajj experience smarter and more connected from the moment of arrival to departure, through secure and flexible digital services that reflect the Kingdom’s advanced technological progress.
According to Ookla rankings, stc ranked first in overall speed and 5G speed in the holy sites, reflecting the efficiency of its infrastructure and its superiority in providing high-quality and reliable network performance in vital locations during the Hajj season.
Region’s first operator to launch services using low-band spectrum
stc continued its network’s technical development by activating the recently acquired low-band spectrum (600 MHz – N71), becoming the first operator in the region to commercially launch services using this band. This band offers high coverage and barrier-penetrating efficiency, enabling users in peripheral areas to access advanced communication services and high speeds.
In parallel with its geographic expansion, stc continued to technically develop its network by adopting 5G Standalone technology, which enables the full use of 5G’s capabilities, such as reduced latency and customized quality of service through network slicing technologies.
This transformation is a pivotal step towards enabling vital sectors such as smart healthcare, connected transportation, Industry 4.0 and smart cities.
In this context, Eng. Haitham AlFaraj, stc Group’s chief technology officer, noted that the 5G Standalone technology represents the latest generation of 5G networks. It operates on a fully independent infrastructure and allows for flexible network resource allocation to meet the specific needs of the public and private sectors.
He added that technologies such as Network Slicing enable customized solutions that support smart city applications, digital healthcare and automated factories, enhancing the network’s readiness for future demands and fostering innovation and the growth of the digital economy in the Kingdom.
These efforts are part of stc Group’s ambitious strategy to consolidate Saudi Arabia’s position as a leading digital hub regionally and globally, in line with the goals of Saudi Vision 2030. This strategy strengthens the Kingdom’s position in adopting and developing the latest global technologies and building a thriving digital economy based on knowledge and innovation.
