Minister Of Communications Reviews Stc Group’s Digital And Technical Preparedness For Hajj Season

Minister of Communications and Information Technology Abdullah Alswaha visited stc Group’s operations centre in Makkah. The purpose was to evaluate the Group's digital, technical, and logistical readiness for the 1446 AH Hajj season. He was joined by Vice Minister Eng. Haytham Al-Ohali, stc Group CEO Eng. Olayan Mohammed Al-Wetaid, and other senior officials.

stc Group has implemented a strategic plan to ensure optimal service delivery in Makkah, Madinah, and the Holy Sites. This plan includes a detailed analysis of network performance at over 350 key locations. Infrastructure upgrades are focused on areas expected to experience high demand.

To accommodate a projected 30% increase in data usage during Hajj, stc has upgraded more than 30 5G sites and developed over 80 advanced 4G sites. VoLTE technology has been activated to enhance voice and video communication, ensuring faster data transmission for users.

To improve coverage in the holy sites, stc established 21 new sites and deployed 78 mobile communication units. These units serve high-density areas where permanent infrastructure is challenging to implement. The network will be supported by 421 fixed sites and 77 mobile towers.

The company has strategically installed 998 Wi-Fi access points to ensure continuous internet connectivity for pilgrims. Additionally, stc set up 11 logistics units and 99 maintenance centres across the holy areas. These centres are staffed by specialised technical teams operating around the clock to maintain uninterrupted service during Hajj.

As part of its commitment to digital empowerment, stc introduced an AI-driven initiative for pilgrims' assistance through multilingual 3D guidance. This system features one of the world's largest interactive smart tables, providing comprehensive information about Hajj rituals in a user-friendly format.

The visit highlighted stc's efforts to enhance digital services for pilgrims during this significant religious event. By upgrading infrastructure and introducing innovative solutions, stc aims to provide seamless connectivity and support throughout the Hajj period.

With inputs from SPA