STC announced the launch of the first LTE 4G network in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA), making it the first operator in the region to bring the fourth-generation technology within consumers’ reach.
This new technology, which began testing in 2010 and now covers 100 locations in Saudi Arabia, will enhance both the capacity and effectiveness of the network allowing for real download speeds reaching 100 Mbps.
The LTE technology also amounts to a convergence between fixed and mobile service, allowing operators to provide fixed services on mobile networks. Other features include high quality performance, especially for mobile telecommunications at very high speeds. The technology is three to four times more efficient than HSPA in terms of downloads and two to three times more efficient at data transmittal.
“STC continues in its pioneering role and continuous quest to provide the latest and most distinctive services that are on par with international standards,” said STC CEO Jameel Al Molhem. “Today, we are introducing the latest in LTE fourth-generation technology, a revolution in information technology providing a quantum leap in data transfer speeds.”
Al Molhem added that STC was the first to launch the high-speed 3G network for the first time in the region in 2006, and was the first to upgrade its network to HSPA technology, which allows customers to enjoy new internet download speeds up to 42 Mbps.
“STC takes pride in owning a robust infrastructure that is the largest and most powerful across the region, in addition to being the market leader in fiber optics and submarine cables and the main contributor to all marine cable networks that link South East Asia with Western Europe and North America via the Middle East. This ultimately helps meets customer demands for internet connectivity and international gateways, reinforcing the company’s continuous marketing leadership among competitors in broadband services.”