RIYADH: The Saudi minister of communications and information technology has been reviewing preparations for the provision of telecommunications services to pilgrims during the upcoming Hajj season.
Abdullah Al-Swaha was accompanied by Haytham Al-Ohali, acting governor of the Communications, Space and Technology Commission, on a tour of holy sites, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Monday.
Al-Ohali said the commission was committed to providing reliable communication and technology services in cooperation with public and private entities.
He said that there were more than 10,500 Wi-Fi access points across Makkah, Madinah and the holy sites, where 5G and 4G coverage had reached 99 percent. Mobile internet speeds reached 264Mbps in Makkah and 336Mbps in Madinah, the report said.
The officials also visited King Abdulaziz International Airport, Halat Ammar Border Crossing, Yanbu Port and Jadidat Arar Border Crossing, as well as facilities operated by national telecom and tech companies Stc, Mobily, Zain and Tawal to review network performance and assess their operational and emergency plans.
Al-Swaha praised their efforts to provide reliable services and highlighted their role in maintaining strong digital connectivity at the holy sites, the report said.
The minister also met some of the more than 200 technology volunteers who will be working during Hajj to provide technical support.
The volunteers are supported by the Awon Tech Charitable Society, which provides training in digital skills and support services in collaboration with public entities and the communications ministry.
Al-Swaha commended Awon Tech’s efforts to apply technology in support of Hajj operations, noting its contribution to service improvement and infrastructure support.
Such initiatives would enhance the pilgrim experience and reflected the Kingdom’s commitment to providing reliable and efficient services, he said.
