STC announced the success of the first phase of its operational plan for Haj, where the company’s networks registered high flow of traffic at the Holy Sites during the last few days. 

The company’s data traffic increased by five-fold compared to the same period last year and at the same time, it also recorded an increase in voice calls.

STC recorded a significant increase in the roaming customers for Al Jawal over last year which resulted in a visible increase in the number of calls and communications in Makkah, Madinah, and other Holy Sites compared to the same period last year. 

It also recorded an increase of 51 percent in SMS usage and a similar percentage in local and internal MMS according to the round-the-clock statistics from the King Khaled National Network Control Center in Riyadh, a statement from the company said.

The various technical and infrastructure solutions provided by STC using its fiber optics network and 3G network in addition to operating the 4G network in the Jamarat Bridges played a vital role in easing the flow of communications for the pilgrims during the Jamarat activity and during their various movements between Mina, central area in Makkah en route to the Holy Site via the various underpasses whether for cars or pedestrians.   

The company availed its Jawal network and broadband services at these sites according to the latest technological specifications to ensure both speed and quality, the statement said.

On the other hand, STC’s Sawa Ziyara witnessed a high appeal from pilgrims all over the world due to its reduced price of SR25 ($6.67) and its offer providing the first two minutes for free for international calls and the first two messages for free with a 40 percent discount on an international number of their choice if requested.

STC has also offered economical mobile phones for SR90 ($24), and set up a series of fixed office locations and roaming salesmen with official company branding and badges in order to provide these services to pilgrims. – TradeArabia News Service