JEDDAH, 16 November 2007 — Saudi Telecom Company (STC) has introduced its concept of a “Future Home” as an “all-in-one” solution that offers a complete integration of entertainment, communication, home automation, security and interactive content.
The concept is showcased at the five-day COMMTEL exhibition, which ends at the Jeddah International Exhibition and Convention Center today.
Entertainment offers an enhanced experience, including high definition TV and audio surround systems. It features TV, cable and satellite channels, local radio stations, DVD and audio CD players, and local management of all multimedia files in the home network. These files include music, pictures, videos, DVDs, applications and games, Kosay Al-Fawaz, STC’s general manager for media relations, told a press conference on Wednesday night.
“Automation allows you to have a complete control of your home appliances and systems, such as heating module and lighting control...Communication allows you to browse the Internet and check your E-mails,” he said, adding that it also includes telephone services, such as in-house intercom and instant messaging.
Security allows monitoring and controlling of all in-home security devices and surveillance systems such as security digital cameras, CCTV, safety alarms and automatic gates. “Content enables you to enjoy a variety of premium Arabic digital content, such as video and music on demand, shopping news, kids educational and interactive games,” he added.
Al-Fawaz also explained the “Multi Sim” service introduced by STC. “This allows you to obtain two spare SIM cards that can be used on the same mobile number,” he said. The two extra SIM cards will both operate with the same services and features as the original SIM card.
He added that a new subscription plan, called Jawaly, has been designed to give families “greater peace of mind.”
Using a special handset, Jawaly is a low-cost way for parents to keep in constant contact with their children. Jawaly allows calls to only five preset numbers and, for added safety, offers positioning services to determine a child’s location.
With a work force of more than 22,000 of which 88 percent are Saudi nationals, STC serves more than 16 million mobile users and 4.5 million fixed line subscribers, he said, adding that the company has the largest network and infrastructure for mobile services in the Middle East. It has installed more than 9,000 mobile base stations over 35,000 sq m of road to cover more than 98 percent of inhabited land area.
