Page 10 - SAMENA Trends - March-April 2025

REGIONAL & MEMBERS UPDATES SAMENA TRENDS

MEMBERS NEWS

stc Group Increases Connectivity Speed in the
Two Holy Mosques By Over 120%

stc Group, Saudi Arabia’s leading by more than 18%. To ensure seamless, Group's network performance across the
digital enabler, is enabling world-class high-speed connectivity for all, stc Group grounds of the two Holy Mosques. The
connectivity for millions of pilgrims has expanded its 5G network by more average download speed has increased
and visitors during Ramadan with its than 30% to ensure strong and stable by 107% inside the Grand Mosque and by
expanded 5G network, increasing network performance during peak times, allowing 120% inside the Prophet's Mosque, offering
infrastructure to accommodate over 120% visitors to remain connected to their loved pilgrims and visitors continuous world-
faster download speeds. stc Group’s ones without interruption. Network speed class connectivity despite the high network
network analytics indicate that data usage analysis results from Ookla, a global traffic at the expansive holy sites. stc
during Ramadan have already increased provider of network data and analytics, has Group is investing in cutting-edge digital
by 37% while voice services will increase indicated a significant improvement in stc solutions and innovative technologies in
artificial intelligence and data analysis to
enhance network efficiency during peak
network traffic times. During Ramadan
and Hajj, specialized technical teams work
around the clock to ensure optimal network
performance, enhancing preventive
maintenance plans and continuously
expanding the digital infrastructure. This
includes expanding Wi-Fi access points
inside the Holy Mosques, adding mobile
stations to support high congestion
areas, and increasing the capacity of
international call traffic by 100% to meet
the needs of all pilgrims around the holy
sites. stc Group's efforts are enhancing
the quality of services provided to pilgrims,
raising the efficiency of the Kingdom's
digital infrastructure during the holy
month of Ramadan, enabling visitors to
enjoy their spiritual journey with ease.

stc Taps Juniper to Upgrade Core and Data Centers for 5G Expansion

Juniper Networks announced that Saudi and evolve. For the core network, stc a 90% reduction in the physical space
Arabian telco stc will deploy Juniper deployed Juniper’s PTX10008 packet requirements per site and an 87% decrease
400G routers in its core network and transport routers, which deliver 115.2 Tbps in watts/gig power consumption compared
select data centers to support expansion capacity and are 800G-ready to meet future to previous multi-layer designs. Bader
of its 5G network to reach 75 cities and demands. The upgrade resulted in a 1,340% Allhieb, VP of infrastructure at stc, said the
regions. According to Juniper, stc needed increase in 100G capacity and an 864-port capacity expansion would enable it to bring
extra capacity in its core network and boost in 400G capacity per rack space, 5G to millions more people and businesses
the data centers it uses to support the with a 43% reduction in watts/gig power in Saudi Arabia. “Stc can continue to
B/OSS systems for mobile, broadband, consumption, Juniper said. Meanwhile, attract and retain mobile customers at
residential and B2B services. The objective stc used 400G-ready MX10008 routers to scale while also reducing our carbon
was to create an energy-efficient elastic modernize its data center, which Juniper footprint and operational expenditure.”
fabric able to streamline operations and said delivered a 384-port boost in 400G
simplify the network as services grow capacity per site, whilst also achieving

10 MARCH-APRIL 2025