In a monumental move, the stc Group has unveiled plans for the most extensive 5G network expansion in history, encompassing over 75 cities and governorates across Saudi Arabia. The substantial investments allocated to fortify and amplify the existing network underscore the group’s commitment to fostering a robust digital infrastructure, driving economic growth, and enhancing the digital experience for individuals and businesses alike.
Aligned with the group’s overarching expansion strategy, this ambitious initiative reinforces stc’s pivotal role in spearheading the digital transformation landscape within the region. As a foremost leader in the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) sector, stc Group is dedicated to propelling digital innovation and advancement at all levels.
The 5G network, recognized as the backbone of the Fourth Industrial Revolution, holds the key to powering a multitude of cutting-edge technologies, including the Internet of Things, artificial intelligence, and machine learning, acting as a catalyst for national digital transformation.
In a significant milestone, the stc Group successfully extended the 5G service to more than 35% of the population in major cities, including Riyadh, Jeddah, Makkah, Madinah, and Dammam, in 2019. This footprint expanded to encompass 75 cities nationwide the following year, demonstrating the group’s unwavering commitment to comprehensive digital coverage.
Elevating the network’s capabilities further, the stc Group introduced the second carrier in the 2300 MHz band in Riyadh and Jeddah, enhancing capacity and coverage substantially. The year 2022 witnessed a landmark achievement as the proportion of mobile sites equipped with 5G services surpassed 90% in major urban centers, marking a significant stride forward.
The current year sees the stc Group setting a new benchmark by embarking on its most extensive expansion to date. With substantial investments directed towards elevating the existing 5G infrastructure across all its towers in the primary cities, the group aims to elevate service standards for both retail and business clients, solidifying its position as the region’s preeminent digital enabler.
The ripple effects of the 5G expansion are anticipated to be far-reaching, propelling the growth of digital projects that will harness the high-speed capabilities of this technology. Notably, inspireU, an accelerator associated with the stc Group, has played a pivotal role in fostering advanced technical solutions for incubated projects, contributing to a significant market value of investments and financial transactions exceeding SR12bn ($3.2bn). Moreover, these endeavors have generated over 600,000 direct and indirect job opportunities, benefitting a substantial user base of over 40 million individuals.
The stc Group’s commitment to driving digital transformation and fostering innovation reflects its enduring dedication to fostering technological progress and ushering in a new era of digital excellence in Saudi Arabia.
