stc uses AI to ensure smarter, safer Hajj for 1.6m pilgrims

Arab News

15 hours ago

stc group, a leading digital enabler, supported more than 1.6 million Hajj pilgrims with a robust digital ecosystem, ensuring seamless connectivity, secure communications, and an exceptional spiritual experience.
The group managed the holy season with outstanding readiness and reliability, elevating pilgrims' experience through advanced telecommunications infrastructure and dedicated onsite maintenance teams. stc utilized its integrated operations center to monitor all performance indicators in real time, while leveraging cutting-edge analysis and network operation technologies to make swift, precise decisions, ensuring uninterrupted service, even during peak network traffic.
stc's network reached record-breaking data and call volumes on the day of Arafah and the first day of Eid Al-Adha, surpassing previous Hajj seasons. The deployment of an advanced technical system powered by generative AI and cognitive SON enabled more than 14,000 technical actions per hour, a 30 percent increase from last year. This system also improved upload speed by 20 percent and achieved a self-recovery rate of more than 95 percent during peak times. stc's 5G network recorded its highest-ever utilization rate of 90 percent during Arafah, successfully meeting the unprecedented demand and ensuring a seamless customer experience.
Data usage peaked at Muzdalifah on the first day of Eid, with a 64 percent increase in traffic, a 129 percent surge in 5G usage, and a 25 percent improvement in user experience. In Mina, AI-based predictive analytics optimized load distribution, boosting data traffic by more than 30 percent and enhancing 5G performance by 39 percent compared to last season.
In response to the heightened demand throughout this season, stc set up 436 fixed towers and 78 mobile towers to serve the Haram area and the holy sites, along with 259 5G sites, 83 upgraded 4G sites, and 21 additional coverage sites. Moreover, 998 Wi-Fi access points and 179 dedicated indoor data network sites ensured optimal coverage.
stc dedicated 144 critical communications network sites to deliver immediate support to security and service sectors, backed by a robust team of on-ground maintenance professionals ensuring uninterrupted services in all conditions. The group also played a key role in supporting government and private entities serving pilgrims, demonstrating its commitment to fostering national collaboration during the Hajj season.
stc contributed to the delivery of more than 203 million text messages on the day of Arafah, providing pilgrims with multilingual guidance to perform rituals with ease.
stc subsidiaries played a vital role in enhancing the Hajj experience.
'sirar by stc' delivered cyber protection solutions to safeguard data and ensure the continuity of digital systems, while 'specialized by stc' provided critical communication services via TETRA and LTE networks through its Miqat and Manasik solutions. Additionally, its Event Management Platform seamlessly connected operations rooms with field teams in real time, facilitating the safe and efficient movement of pilgrims.
'solutions by stc' contributed with advanced services such as SD-WAN, router management, and high-performance Wi-Fi to ensure continuous connectivity. 'iot squared' introduced smart tents equipped with sensors to monitor temperature, humidity, and smoke, enabling early emergency detection and faster response through command centers.
'The success of this year's Hajj underscores the group's commitment to serving pilgrims as a trusted digital partner,' the group said. 'Operating behind the scenes, stc connected hearts and networks by delivering advanced telecommunications services that respected the sanctity of the occasion. stc group is proud to support the goals of Saudi Vision 2030 by driving digital transformation and enhancing the experience of pilgrims during Hajj.'