CST Roads Index 2024: Telecom Coverage Reaches 99% on Saudi Roads

The Communications, Space and Technology Commission (CST) of Saudi Arabia, in collaboration with the Ministry of Transport and Logistic Services (MOT), published the Roads Index Report 2024 on August 28, 2024, detailing telecom service performance indicators on the Kingdom’s major and secondary roads. This initiative aims to boost competitiveness in delivering superior services to users and enable stakeholders to view the performance of telecom networks across Saudi Arabia, according to an official CST news release.

Context and Background

The updated Roads Index Report now includes comprehensive telecom services and internet coverage indicators, including rates for successful calls and acceptable internet speeds. It also introduces a quality index for video streaming platforms on primary roads designated as ’11’ and secondary roads marked as ‘222’. This annual assessment reflects Saudi Arabia’s commitment to transparency and continuous improvement in critical infrastructure under Vision 2030.

Key Findings and Provider Performance

The report revealed that telecom service coverage on Saudi Arabia’s primary roads has reached 99%, with an identical 99% coverage level on secondary roads. This extensive coverage is attributed to the efforts of telecommunications providers including Saudi Telecom Company (STC), Mobily, and Zain, each equally holding the top spot with a 99% coverage rate. STC led all providers with a 98% coverage rate on primary roads, followed by Mobily at 94% and Zain at 82%. On secondary roads, STC again achieved 98%, with Mobily at 97% and Zain at 82%.

In call success rates, STC topped the index with a 96% success rate on primary roads, followed by Mobily at 95% and Zain at 90%. For secondary roads, both STC and Mobily shared first place with 95% each, while Zain achieved 88%. The report also highlighted STC’s dominance in acceptable internet speed samples on primary roads with 89%, ahead of Mobily at 68% and Zain at 40%. On secondary roads, Mobily led with 74%, followed closely by STC at 73% and Zain at 39%.

Implications for Connectivity and Services

Enhanced telecom service quality on roads is critical for traveler safety, logistics efficiency, and digital inclusion across the Kingdom. Reliable connectivity supports the growth of e-commerce, remote work, and tourism, as well as emergency response services. The competitive landscape among providers like STC, Mobily, and Zain drives improvements in user experience and aligns with global standards for telecom performance.

Vision 2030 Alignment

This report directly supports Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 goals by promoting a vibrant society and a thriving economy through world-class digital infrastructure. By ensuring high-quality telecom services on roads, the Kingdom enables seamless communication, supports logistics sector growth, and enhances the quality of life for citizens, residents, and visitors, reinforcing Saudi Arabia’s position as a regional leader in digital transformation.

20 Questions

Q1. What is the Roads Index Report 2024?

A1. The Roads Index Report 2024 is an official publication by the Communications, Space and Technology Commission (CST) in Saudi Arabia, providing indicators for telecom service performance on major and secondary roads across the Kingdom.

Q2. Who published the Roads Index Report 2024?

A2. The report was published by the Communications, Space and Technology Commission (CST) in collaboration with the Ministry of Transport and Logistic Services (MOT) in Saudi Arabia.

Q3. What is the primary purpose of the report?

A3. The report aims to boost competitiveness in providing the best telecom services to users and enable stakeholders to view the performance of telecom networks across Saudi Arabia’s roads.

Q4. What new indicators were added to the 2024 report?

A4. The updated report includes telecom services and internet coverage indicators, successful call rates, acceptable internet speeds, and a quality index for video streaming platforms on designated primary and secondary roads.

Q5. What is the telecom service coverage level on primary roads?

A5. The report reveals that telecom service coverage on Saudi Arabia’s primary roads has reached 99%, indicating near-universal connectivity across major routes.

Q6. Which telecom providers are mentioned in the report?

A6. The report covers three major telecom providers operating in Saudi Arabia: Saudi Telecom Company (STC), Mobily, and Zain.

Q7. Which provider achieved the highest call success rate on primary roads?

A7. STC topped the call success rate index on primary roads with a 96% success rate, followed by Mobily at 95% and Zain at 90%.

Q8. What was the internet speed performance of providers on primary roads?

A8. STC led acceptable internet speed samples on primary roads with 89%, followed by Mobily at 68% and Zain at 40%.

Q9. Which providers shared first place for call success on secondary roads?

A9. Both STC and Mobily shared the top spot for call success rates on secondary roads, each achieving a 95% success rate.

Q10. How does the report support Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030?

A10. The report supports Vision 2030 by promoting a world-class digital infrastructure, enhancing logistics, improving quality of life, and fostering economic growth through reliable connectivity.

Q11. Who can view the full report?

A11. The full report is publicly available online through the CST official website, as provided in the official Saudi Press Agency release.

Q12. What is the significance of the 99% coverage rate on roads?

A12. The 99% coverage rate ensures near-universal connectivity for travelers, supporting safety, logistics, digital inclusion, and economic activities across the Kingdom.

Q13. How does the report measure video streaming quality?

A13. The report includes a quality index for video streaming platforms, measuring performance on primary and secondary roads, with STC scoring 76% on primary roads and both STC and Mobily at 77% on secondary roads.

Q14. Which provider performed best on secondary roads for internet speed?

A14. Mobily came first with 74% acceptable internet speed samples on secondary roads, followed closely by STC at 73% and Zain at 39%.

Q15. What are the primary and secondary road designations used?

A15. The report designates primary roads as ’11’ and secondary roads as ‘222’ for the purpose of measuring and reporting telecom service quality.

Q16. How often is the Roads Index Report published?

A16. The CST publishes the Roads Index Report annually, with the 2024 edition being the latest update on telecom service performance.

Q17. What role does the Ministry of Transport play in the report?

A17. The Ministry of Transport and Logistic Services (MOT) collaborates with CST to ensure the report aligns with infrastructure and logistics priorities under Vision 2030.

Q18. How does the report benefit stakeholders?

A18. The report provides transparent data to telecom providers, regulators, and planners, enabling them to enhance service quality and competitiveness across the Kingdom.

Q19. Are all providers equally ranked in coverage?

A19. On both primary and secondary roads, STC, Mobily, and Zain each equally hold the top spot with a 99% coverage rate, though specific performance metrics vary by indicator.

Q20. Where can the public find more details on the report?

A20. More details and the full report can be accessed via the CST official website link provided in the Saudi Press Agency news release: www.cst.gov.sa.

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