Saudi Telecom Launches Largest 5G Network Expansion Expected to Cover Over 75 Cities

Saudi Telecom Corporation (STC) has announced the largest 5G network expansion in history, expected to cover over 75 cities in Saudi Arabia.
Previously, the 5G network coverage of major cities in Saudi Arabia had reached 90%. In 2006, STC introduced 3G networks, and Saudi Arabia began its digital transformation. In 2011, 4G networks entered the Saudi Arabian market, allowing users to access more applications. In 2018, STC launched the 5G network, marking a historic transformation in Saudi Arabia’s communication and information technology.

As early as 2019, over 35% of the population in five major cities in Saudi Arabia – Riyadh, Jeddah, Mecca, Medina, and Dammam – had already used 5G services provided by STC. By 2022, Saudi Arabia’s 5G network base stations have covered over 90% of the population in major cities, achieving a milestone breakthrough.
STC was established in 1988 and is one of the largest mobile operators in the Middle East, providing fixed telephone, mobile telephone, internet access, and satellite telephone services. The Saudi Sovereign Wealth Fund (PIF) holds 70% of the company’s shares. At present, the company is committed to Saudi Arabia’s digital transformation, expanding 5G networks, encouraging the development of the digital economy, and enhancing infrastructure construction.
This year, the company invested heavily in upgrading its existing 5G network and covering all telecommunications towers in five major cities, aiming to provide better services and opportunities for business partners while consolidating its position as a leading digital technology leader in the region.
In March, STC and Huawei signed a memorandum of cooperation to build an all optical strategic partnership towards the F5.5G era, which includes consensus and product and solution cooperation under the F5G and F5.5G industry standards. The memorandum of cooperation aims to assist STC in building an all optical infrastructure network that meets the requirements of ultra large bandwidth, ultra high speed, quality experience, and autonomous driving, while accelerating the implementation of digital transformation strategy and achieving commercial prosperity in fixed networks.