Direct Int’l communication traffic increases by 81% during Hajj

STC Group, made up of over 14 subsidiaries across Saudi Arabia, the Middle Belt and others, reported on Monday that there was an 81% increase in direct international communication traffic during this year's Hajj season compared to last year. 

The use of social media applications also saw a 65% increase, with Snapchat, WhatsApp, and Facebook being the most popular choices. 

These applications improved the digital experience for pilgrims and made it easier for them to stay connected with their families.

To accommodate the increased demand, stc Group worked with global service providers such as BICs, Syniverse, and Orange to enhance the speed and quality of communication by expanding the data network's capacity. 

Additionally, over 1,900 WiFi points were installed to facilitate communication between pilgrims and their families.

As part of their comprehensive plan for the Hajj season, stc Group made significant infrastructure improvements and introduced modern digital services for pilgrims. 

This included the use of augmented reality (AR) glasses supported by AI and connected to a 5G network, providing information in multiple languages and assisting pilgrims in navigating the holy sites. 

Pilgrims could also use voice commands to locate their companions and access information about the holy sites.

Furthermore, stc Group offered a service that allowed pilgrims to communicate with their families through cabins equipped for high-resolution and high-speed video calls, accessible to all.