Communications and Information Technology Commission (CITC) Gov. Abdullah bin Abdulaziz Al-Darrab opened remote area mobile satellite stations, which are supported by state-of-the-art technologies. The stations, claimed to be the only ones operating in the Middle East, support landline and Internet services with 6 Mbps speed.

In the course of his visit, the governor inspected Saudi Telecom Company’s (STC’s) preparations and readiness for the 1434H Haj. He was accompanied by STC Chairman and Managing Director Abdulaziz Al-Sugair who provided a field view about STC’s resources, preparations, networks and pilgrim services.

Al-Sugair explained the work plans in Makkah and other holy sites, and the efforts made to finalize all aspects of work related to Haj in order to meet the needs of pilgrims so as to achieve the highest quality and efficiency, thus enabling the pilgrims perform their rituals with utmost comfort and convenience.

The governor was given a demonstration of raising the capacity of the mobile networks in and around Makkah and Madinah to over 31 million users by adding more than 1,000 new base stations. International circuits have been increased to 195,000 divided into four international exchanges.

Technical solutions have been provided by deploying fiber optic networks and the high speed 4G network. There was a focus on vital and giant projects completed in the holy areas.

STC has harnessed all resources so that the pilgrims can enjoy all its services to communicate with their relatives. It has prepared the networks so as to operate with high and full capacity in Makkah, Madinah and all other holy sites.

It has also provided Wi-Fi service at Haj campaign areas in Mina and Arafat to accommodate more customers and enjoy Internet and broadband services as STC has dedicated all its expertise and human resources from qualified Saudi nationals to serve pilgrims and the sectors operating during Haj.