The Communications, Space and Technology Commission (CST) announced the readiness of the operational plans for the ICT sector during the Hajj 2024 based on the unlimited support of H.R.H. the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Alsaud and H.R.H. Prince Mohammed bin Salman Alsaud, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister, with the follow-up of H.E Eng. Abdullah Alswaha, the Minister of Communications and Information Technology and Chairman of the CST’s Board of Directors , to provide all amenities for pilgrims.
H.E. Alswaha, accompanied by H.E. the Governor of CST, Dr. Mohammed Saud Al-Tamimi, inspected several sites of ICT service providers in Makkah and the Holy Sites, and observed the ICT sector's preparations for 1445.
H.E. Al-Tamimi clarified that the preparations of telecom providers include the allocation of more than 6200 towers in Makkah, Madinah, and the Holy Sites. This includes over 4000 towers supporting 5G technology, with an increase of 37% compared to last year, along with providing over 10500 WiFi access points in Makkah, Madinah, and the Holy Sites.
H.E. Al-Tamimi stressed that CST as Saudi Arabia’s ICT regulator is harnessing its capabilities to deliver ICT services to pilgrims during the Hajj and Umrah seasons in the highest quality possible, in accordance with the wise leadership directives to make the comfort of the pilgrims a top priority.
CST had completed its preparations for pilgrims’ visitation across various ports, ensuring the ICT infrastructure readiness to meet their needs, with inspection visits conducted to multiple locations including King Abdulaziz International Airport, Halat Ammar Port, Alwadia Port, and the Jadidat Arar Port to ensure service providers' eligibility. Several meetings were held with the General Presidency of Haramain, Pilgrims Experience Program (PEP) and the Unified Security Operations Center (911), to enhance collaboration in serving pilgrims during their Hajj journey.
Source: https://www.cst.gov.sa/en/mediacenter/pressreleases/Pages/2024061002.aspx