stc boosts 5G coverage across 863 sites, 141 new towers, 1000 new staff supporting Holy sites

stc Group has elevated its network to serve the pilgrims in Makkah Al-Mukarramah, the Holy Sites and Al-Madinah Al-Munawara as part of the group’s preparations for this year’s Hajj season 1443. His Excellency, the Governor of the Communications and Information Technology Commission, Dr Mohammad Saud Al-Tamimi, accompanied by the stc Group Chief Technology Officer, Eng. Haithem Alfaraj, and the Group Chief Commercial Officer, Faisal Alsaber, among a delegation from stc group leaders inspected the Hajj Business Center as well as the Support and Technical Center in Makkah region.

The delegation was briefed on stc’s services that will serve the pilgrims in Makkah and the Holy Sites, especially after strengthening its network by increasing the 5G coverage across 863 sites, adding 108 locations and increasing communication towers distributed over 141 new locations, to ensure the best performance of the network, as well as providing 72 mobile vehicles to support coverage and capacities in various locations, and increasing the number of specialised human calibers to 1,000 who will be working in the field and control centers.

stc has also developed communication towers across 1754 sites, and added 18 towers to accommodate new technologies, upgraded 940 sites with 5G services, and equipped 138 sites with critical communication network to support vital sectors.

Moreover, stc worked on preparing an emergency plan with the relevant authorities to achieve rapid response to emergency situations and enhance the stability of the network. The plan included securing backup devices for mobile cabins, electric generators, spare mobile carts and mobile carts to connect via satellite.

The inspection visit comes as part of the early preparations to ensure the readiness of the group’s services and digital solutions to provide a distinguished experience for the pilgrims, with the aim of providing the best communications and ensuring the continuity, reliability and success of the services.