Saudi Arabia’s High-Speed Internet Revolution: Fiber Booms, 5G Soars, and Satellites Race to Connect the Kingdom

Introduction

Saudi Arabia has undergone a dramatic transformation in internet access over the past decade. High-speed broadband is now widespread in cities, and even remote deserts are coming online. This report examines the state of internet services in the Kingdom – from the dominance of major providers and cutting-edge fiber optics to the spread of 5G mobile networks and emerging satellite options. It also explores infrastructure gaps between urban and rural areas, compares speeds and pricing, reviews government regulations (including internet censorship), and highlights initiatives aimed at bridging the digital divide. Finally, we consider future trends and government plans driving Saudi Arabia’s internet development in line with Vision 2030.

Major ISPs and Market Share

Saudi Arabia’s internet service market is dominated by a few large telecom operators. Saudi Telecom Company (stc) is the clear leader, commanding the lion’s share of both mobile and broadband subscriptions. In fact, by the third quarter of 2022 stc accounted for about 67% of the telecom market (by revenue)​ oxfordbusinessgroup.com. In terms of subscriber numbers, estimates put stc at around 50–55% of mobile users, far ahead of its rivals. The next largest provider, Mobily (Etihad Etisalat), holds roughly 20–25% of the market, while Zain KSA has about 10–15%​ oxfordbusinessgroup.com. These three companies collectively serve the vast majority of Saudi internet users.

In addition to the “big three,” there are other players with smaller footprints. Salam (formerly ITC) operates a fiber and fixed broadband network, and GO Telecom (Atheeb) offers fixed-wireless internet services. A government-owned firm, Dawiyat, leverages the electrical grid to expand fiber connectivity. There are also a handful of Mobile Virtual Network Operators (MVNOs) like Virgin Mobile KSA and Lebara, but together they only command a few percent of the mobile market. To promote competition and resource sharing, regulators brokered a Saudi Open Access agreement in 2020, allowing all six major network operators (stc, Mobily, Zain, Salam, Dawiyat, and GO) to share towers and fiber networks​ oxfordbusinessgroup.com. This collaboration aims to improve service quality and widen coverage without each company duplicating infrastructure. Despite the additional players, stc remains the dominant ISP in both fixed and mobile internet segments, with an extensive network and the highest revenues​ oxfordbusinessgroup.com.

Infrastructure Development and Coverage (Urban vs. Rural)

There is a noticeable urban-rural gap in Saudi Arabia’s internet infrastructure, though it has been narrowing rapidly. Urban areas enjoy robust connectivity – major cities like Riyadh, Jeddah, and Dammam have extensive fiber-optic networks, dense cell tower coverage, and multiple service options (DSL, cable, fiber, 4G/5G). By contrast, rural and remote regions historically had limited access, often relying on older satellite links or sparse mobile coverage. Expanding infrastructure outside the cities has been a priority in recent years, backed by government investment. The national regulator (formerly CITC, now the Communications, Space & Technology Commission) has coordinated efforts to extend high-speed internet to all corners of the Kingdom. For example, tower-sharing and network roaming agreementsbetween operators help cover small villages and highways that were previously uneconomical to serve​ oxfordbusinessgroup.com. As a result, even many remote communities now at least have 4G/LTE coverage or fixed-wireless broadband.

According to recent data, Saudi Arabia achieved an internet penetration rate of roughly 98–99% of the population by 2022​ oxfordbusinessgroup.com. This suggests that virtually everyone in urban centers and a majority in rural areas can get online (whether via home internet or mobile data). However, the quality of access differs. In cities, residents often enjoy ultra-fast fiber connections, whereas in rural areas people may depend on slower wireless broadband. Still, progress is evident: by 2022 about 3.7 million households had access to high-speed fiber-optic internet​ oxfordbusinessgroup.com(mostly in urban locales), and the government has pushed to bring broadband to hundreds of thousands of outlying homes. Under the Universal Service Fund programs and the National Transformation Plan, the goal was to cover 70% of households in rural areas with high-speed broadband by 2020, and then reach the remaining 30% with advanced solutions after 2020​

samenacouncil.org​

samenacouncil.org. This led to new cell towers in deserts, microwave links to isolated villages, and partnerships for satellite coverage (discussed later). Overall, Saudi Arabia’s core internet infrastructure is highly developed in metropolitan areas, and while rural coverage still lags, the gap is closing as investment extends connectivity deeper into the “last mile” of the vast desert terrain.

Broadband Speed and Pricing Comparisons

Internet speeds in Saudi Arabia have improved dramatically as the country upgrades from copper lines to fiber and from 3G to 5G. Fixed broadband (home internet) in particular has seen a surge in speeds over the last few years. Incumbent ISP stc set off a “fiber speed war” in 2022 by bumping its base fiber plan from 100 Mbps up to 300 Mbpsat no extra cost​ gsma.com. Competitors followed suit: Mobily doubled the speed of its entry-level fiber package in 2023 and even introduced a 1 Gbps home broadband plan during that year​ gsma.com. Zain likewise reorganized its fiber offerings, raising minimum speeds for new contracts (e.g. starting at 200 Mbps for one-year plans, with up to 1 Gbps on premium plans)​ gsma.com. Thanks to these upgrades, the median fixed broadband download speed nationwide surpassed 100 Mbps in 2023​ gsma.com. By Q1 2024, median download speeds reached about 109 Mbps, with uploads around 54 Mbps on fixed networks​ gsma.com. This is a huge leap from just a few years ago and places Saudi Arabia among the faster internet countries globally (though regional peers like UAE and Qatar still rank higher)​ gsma.com​ gsma.com.

In terms of pricing, Saudi consumers are getting more bang for their buck than before, but internet plans can still be pricey compared to some countries. A typical fiber broadband subscription with 200–300 Mbps speeds costs roughly SAR 230–290 per month (about $60–77)​ shop.mobily.com.sa​ shop.mobily.com.sa. For example, Mobily’s 200 Mbps home fiber plan is advertised at SAR 230/month, and its 300 Mbps plan for SAR 287.5/month​ shop.mobily.com.sa​ shop.mobily.com.sa. Premium ultra-fast tiers go much higher: a 1 Gbps fiber package can cost around SAR 700–750/month (~$185–200)​ shop.mobily.com.sa. These prices include unlimited data and often come with freebies like Wi-Fi routers or TV streaming service bundles. Mobile data pricing varies by plan, but has become relatively affordable given the large data allowances. Many Saudis use their mobile plans for internet access; about 28% of users have unlimited mobile data packages​ oxfordbusinessgroup.com. Competition among stc, Mobily, and Zain, along with MVNO offers, has pushed mobile data costs down. Prepaid packages and home 5G broadband offers (using 5G routers) provide alternative lower-cost options for those who can’t get fiber. While not the cheapest region for internet, Saudi Arabia’s cost-per-Mbps has improved significantly, and government pressure on ISPs to enhance value has led to periodic free upgrades (like doubling speeds) and promotional discounts​ gsma.com. Consumers today enjoy far faster connections at similar prices to a few years ago, reflecting a positive trend in speed-to-price ratio across the Kingdom.

Government Regulations and Restrictions on Internet Access

The Saudi government plays a strong role in regulating internet access – both to nurture the telecom sector and to control online content. On the economic side, authorities have liberalized some services (e.g. licensing MVNOs, encouraging foreign tech investment) and even lifted a ban on internet calling apps in 2017 to spur digital growth​ reuters.com​ reuters.com. (From 2013 until 2017, services like Skype and WhatsApp calls were blocked. This VoIP ban was removed as part of reforms to diversify the economy and “incentivise the growth of internet-based businesses”​ reuters.com.) The telecom regulator – formerly the Communications and Information Technology Commission (CITC), now renamed the Communications, Space & Technology Commission (CST) – oversees licensing, spectrum allocation, and quality standards. ISPs must comply with regulatory requirements to operate, and the government has occasionally ordered price cuts or mandated network sharing to improve consumer access. Overall, Saudi Arabia’s legal framework supports rapid telecom development but within a tightly controlled regime.

When it comes to internet content and censorship, Saudi Arabia imposes some of the strictest online restrictions in the world. All international internet traffic is funneled through centralized gateways where it is filtered for prohibited material​ en.wikipedia.org. The government maintains an extensive blacklist of websites that are blocked for users in the Kingdom. One official list targets “immoral” content – which includes pornography, gambling, LGBTQ+ topics, and material offensive to Islamic values​ en.wikipedia.org​ en.wikipedia.org. Another blacklist, run by a security committee, blocks sites deemed political threats or critical of the government​ en.wikipedia.org. Saudi internet users trying to visit a banned site will simply see a message that access is denied. CITC (CST) administers the filtering system (it took over this duty from a national research institute in 2006) and also handles the country’s domain name system​ en.wikipedia.org. Citizens are even encouraged to report any offensive or “immoral” websites they come across, to have them blocked​ en.wikipedia.org. In addition to technical filtering, Saudi Arabia has enacted broad cybercrime laws that criminalize online speech which “impinges on public order, religious values, or national unity.” Authorities closely monitor social media and have arrested individuals for tweets or posts deemed dissident. For instance, bloggers and activists have faced harsh punishment – a well-known case being Raif Badawi, who was sentenced in 2012 to prison and lashes for criticizing clerics online​ en.wikipedia.org. Freedom of expression on the internet is heavily curtailed: Saudi Arabia consistently ranks near the bottom in global internet freedom indices (Freedom House rates it “Not Free”). In summary, the government encourages the expansion of internet infrastructure and services, but maintains strict control over how citizens use the internet, enforcing conservative social norms and political red lines in online spaces​ en.wikipedia.org​ en.wikipedia.org.

Growth and Expansion of Fiber Optic Networks

Saudi Arabia is experiencing a fiber-optic boom as the country upgrades its broadband infrastructure. In line with its digital ambitions, the Kingdom has heavily invested in Fiber-to-the-Home (FTTH) and fiber backbones to deliver faster, more reliable internet. The results are evident: fiber has rapidly overtaken older technologies like DSL. By the end of 2022, fiber connections made up the majority of fixed broadband lines in the country. In fact, fiber broadband grew to about 64% of all fixed subscriptions by late 2023, up from just over 50% a couple years earlier​ gsma.com​ gsma.com. Millions of homes in Saudi Arabia’s cities are now passed by fiber networks. The main provider, stc, has deployed fiber extensively in urban and suburban districts, while competitors (Mobily, Salam, etc.) also rolled out their own fiber or leveraged stc’s cables through wholesale agreements. As noted, 3.7 million households had access to high-speed fiber by 2022​ oxfordbusinessgroup.com, and that number has continued to climb as coverage extends beyond major city centers.

Several factors have propelled the fiber expansion. Government strategy has been key: authorities view fiber broadband as critical infrastructure for the digital economy (telemedicine, e-learning, cloud services, etc.). Programs under Vision 2030 set specific targets for fiber coverage and provided incentives to achieve them. Additionally, the launch of the Saudi Open Access initiative (where operators share fiber networks) has reduced duplication and sped up deployment in underserved neighborhoods​ oxfordbusinessgroup.com. A state-owned firm, Dawiyat, leverages utility poles and the power grid to lay fiber in areas the telcos might overlook, effectively broadening the reach. The competitive dynamic also played a role – once one ISP started offering 200+ Mbps fiber plans, the others raced to upgrade networks to avoid losing subscribers. This “gigabit race” saw telcos not only raise speeds but also invest in future-proofing their fiber (many are now laying cables that can support 10 Gbps or more, anticipating future demand). Moreover, fiber connectivity isn’t limited to big cities; secondary cities and towns are gradually getting hooked up. For example, provinces like Al-Qassim or Al-Madinah have seen major fiber projects in their capitals and some smaller municipalities. Urban apartments and offices are the easiest to wire with fiber, so they were first, but now efforts are shifting to reach exurban communities and new housing developments on city outskirts.

The impact of fiber growth is clear in network performance. As fiber replaces copper and fixed-wireless links, average broadband speeds have surged (with median download speeds roughly doubling in the last two years)​ gsma.com. Users enjoy more stable connections and lower latency, which is crucial for applications like video conferencing and online gaming. The fiber boom is expected to continue as Saudi Arabia’s population is tech-savvy and data-hungry – streaming 4K videos, using cloud gaming, etc. There is still room to grow: some rural and remote areas may eventually get fiber if feasible, but in the meantime they rely on wireless or satellite solutions. Overall, fiber-optic networks have become the backbone of Saudi Arabia’s internet revolution, enabling gigabit-class service in an increasing share of households and laying the groundwork for next-generation digital services.

Mobile Network Coverage and Penetration (3G, 4G, 5G)

Mobile networks are the lifeblood of internet access for many in Saudi Arabia, and their evolution from 3G to 4G to 5G has greatly expanded coverage and capacity. Today, 4G LTE coverage blankets the vast majority of the population, including essentially all urban areas and major highways. Even many smaller villages have at least a basic 4G signal thanks to extensive tower deployments by stc, Mobily, and Zain. By some measures, over 95% of populated areas are covered by 4G, making it a nearly ubiquitous service. 3G networks, which were once the workhorse for mobile data, are rapidly being phased out. Saudi operators have been sunsetting 3G to repurpose spectrum for faster technologies. For instance, stc announced plans to shut down its 3G network by 2022, later pushing it to 2023, and indeed by early 2023 only around 4% of stc’s traffic was still on 3G before dropping toward zero as the shutdown neared completion​ ookla.com. Mobily and Zain have been following similar paths to decommission 3G. This means customers are being migrated to 4G and 5G, which offer far superior speeds and efficiency. (2G GSM networks remain active mainly for voice and IoT devices, but they too may be retired in coming years.)

With 4G as the baseline, Saudi Arabia has been an early adopter of 5G in the region. The first 5G services launched commercially in 2019, and coverage has expanded quickly since then. By 2022, overall 5G population penetration reached about 53%​ oxfordbusinessgroup.com– that is, over half of residents could access 5G where they live or work. In the capital Riyadh, 5G coverage exceeded 94% of the city by 2022​ oxfordbusinessgroup.com, and other major cities also enjoy wide 5G availability. All three mobile operators continue to roll out new 5G sites, including in secondary cities and some rural hotspots (like tourist sites or industrial zones). Saudi Arabia’s geography presents challenges for total coverage – vast deserts and low-density areas – but the focus has been on covering population centers and strategic areas. Already, Saudi operators have one of the most extensive 5G footprints in the Middle East, and the network quality is competitive: recent analyses of mobile experience find strong 5G speeds and reliability in the Kingdom​ opensignal.com. For example, one report noted that Saudi users enjoy robust 5G video streaming and that competition is driving network improvements among the carriers​ opensignal.com.

Mobile penetration rates are very high in Saudi Arabia. There are more mobile subscriptions than people – about 172% mobile penetration as of 2022​ oxfordbusinessgroup.com– meaning many individuals have multiple SIMs or devices. Essentially everyone who wants a mobile phone has one (including a large expatriate workforce), and smartphones are ubiquitous. The combination of high smartphone usage and affordable data plans has led to heavy data consumption: the average mobile internet user in Saudi Arabia consumes roughly 37 GB of data per month​ oxfordbusinessgroup.com, one of the highest usage rates globally. This is driven by video streaming, social media, and other data-intensive applications. To keep up, operators have invested in increasing 4G capacity and expanding 5G. Even 3G was sufficient for basic web browsing, but today’s users expect HD video on the go, hence the need for widespread 4G/5G. It’s worth noting that as 5G expands, some urban users are substituting home broadband with 5G fixed-wireless access (using a router that connects to 5G). The government’s ICT strategy explicitly set targets to expand 5G coverage across the Kingdom​ oxfordbusinessgroup.com, and it shows in the rapid rollout. Saudi Arabia has positioned itself as a leader in the GCC’s 5G race, with ongoing plans to use 5G in smart cities, industry, and even to trial future 6G technologies when the time comes. In summary, 3G is on its way out, 4G is everywhere, and 5G is booming – ensuring that mobile network access in Saudi Arabia is fast and widely available, keeping the country well-connected both in cities and on the move.

Satellite Internet: Starlink and Local Providers

For areas beyond the reach of terrestrial networks, satellite internet has become an increasingly important option in Saudi Arabia. Historically, satellite internet in the Kingdom meant using geostationary satellites (e.g. Arabsat or other VSAT services) which provided connectivity to remote oil fields, desert outposts, or as backup links. These legacy satellite connections were often slow, high-latency, and very expensive, limiting their use to government, military, or commercial applications rather than everyday consumers. However, a new generation of satellite internet services is arriving. In particular, low-earth orbit (LEO) satellite constellations promise to dramatically improve speed and latency, making satellite broadband a viable alternative for home users in hard-to-reach places. Saudi Arabia is moving to take advantage of these systems through both partnerships and local initiatives.

One major development is the partnership with OneWeb, a LEO satellite operator. In 2021, Saudi Arabia’s futuristic NEOM city project (via NEOM Tech & Digital Holding Co.) signed a $200 million joint venture with OneWeb to bring high-speed satellite internet to the Kingdom and broader region​ wired.me​ wired.me. OneWeb’s network, like SpaceX’s Starlink, uses a constellation of many low-flying satellites to deliver broadband with much lower latency than traditional satcom. The Saudi minister of ICT hailed this as a step towards “ensuring no child is left on the wrong side of the digital divide,” highlighting the aim to connect rural populations via satellite where ground infrastructure is lacking​ wired.me. The OneWeb-NEOM joint venture is expected to provide coverage across Saudi Arabia (and even neighboring countries), directly supporting the Vision 2030 goal of universal connectivity. In fact, as early as 2017 the government was planning for LEO satellite solutions: an MoU was signed with OneWeb to connect some 237,000 rural homes by 2020 using its satellites​ samenacouncil.org​ samenacouncil.org. While OneWeb faced delays (and a change in ownership structure), its services are now coming online and Saudi Arabia is poised to benefit through this local collaboration.

The most famous LEO satellite internet service, SpaceX’s Starlink, has generated significant buzz among Saudis as well. Starlink has launched thousands of satellites and begun serving many countries worldwide with broadband internet from space. However, as of early 2024, Starlink is not officially available in Saudi Arabia due to regulatory and licensing requirements​ entarabi.com. (In the Middle East, Yemen was notably the first country to get Starlink coverage, while others await approval​ entarabi.com.) Many in Saudi Arabia are eagerly awaiting Starlink’s entry, seeing it as a potential game-changer for remote farms, desert villages, and users who want an independent connection. The service could technically cover Saudi territory if licensed – in fact, some tech enthusiasts have reportedly imported Starlink kits unofficially, though without local approval the service isn’t guaranteed. The Saudi authorities have not yet announced a Starlink license, possibly because they are prioritizing the OneWeb partnership or evaluating how to integrate satellite operators into the regulated telecom sector. STC, the national telecom giant, even hinted at launching its own satellite internet service in 2023, claiming it would be “faster than Starlink” and cover all corners of the Kingdom​ nightwatchman.blog. This suggests that local telecom companies intend to compete or collaborate with LEO providers rather than let foreign players run unilaterally. It remains to be seen if STC’s plan involves deploying satellites or simply reselling a partner’s capacity (such as OneWeb or another satellite network) – but it underscores the strong interest in satellite broadband.

In terms of accessibility and pricing, satellite internet still has hurdles. The user equipment (a satellite dish/terminal) can be costly – Starlink’s kit, for example, costs several hundred dollars in most markets, plus monthly fees around $110 (approximately SAR 412) for the service​ tomsguide.com. These prices are steep compared to typical fiber or mobile plans in Saudi Arabia. Additionally, satellite signals can be affected by obstacles and require a clear view of the sky – fine in open desert, but challenging in dense urban areas (where thankfully other options exist). Latency on LEO satellites (~20-50 ms) is much improved over old satellite internet (600+ ms), but still a bit higher than fiber or 5G. Despite these challenges, satellite internet is expected to play a vital role in Saudi Arabia as part of a “mixed broadband ecosystem.” It’s particularly useful for the last 1-2% of locations that are extremely remote, where laying fiber or maintaining cell towers isn’t practical. Beyond residential use, satellites can connect ships at sea, airplanes over Saudi airspace, and provide redundancy during fiber cuts or outages. With OneWeb gearing up via the NEOM venture and Starlink likely to launch in the near future (if permitted), Saudi consumers and businesses could soon have multiple satellite internet options. This competition might even drive down prices and improve service. In summary, the state of satellite internet in Saudi Arabia is on the cusp of change – transitioning from niche, old-fashioned VSAT services to modern LEO-based broadband that could finally make high-speed internet truly accessible anywhere in the country, from the highest mountains to the most isolated oases.

Digital Divide: Reaching Remote Regions and Underserved Communities

Despite the rapid progress in infrastructure, Saudi Arabia still faces a digital divide between well-connected areas and those with limited service. The “last mile” problem is evident in some sparsely populated parts of the country – small rural settlements, Bedouin communities, or isolated clusters that may not yet enjoy the same quality internet as city dwellers. The government recognizes that bridging this divide is crucial for equality of opportunity (education, e-services, economic development) and has launched multiple initiatives to address it.

One key effort has been the aforementioned rural broadband program under the Universal Service Fund. By subsidizing telecom operators, the government pushed coverage into hundreds of villages that previously lacked high-speed access. The ambitious goal was to connect 70% of rural households with broadband by 2020, which was largely met through a mix of 4G fixed wireless and fiber to central hubs​ samenacouncil.org. For the remaining remote homes, new strategies came into play after 2020 – notably the OneWeb satellite collaboration to reach areas beyond the terrestrial grid​ samenacouncil.org. This two-pronged approach (ground networks + satellites) aimed to ensure no region is left completely offline. By 2023, as noted, Saudi internet penetration hit roughly 98-99%, implying that only a very small fraction of people lacked internet access​ oxfordbusinessgroup.com. Those unconnected are likely in extremely remote or transient communities.

Another angle to address the digital divide is improving public access to the internet. The government has rolled out initiatives like “wifi.sa” – a project to provide free Wi-Fi hotspots in public spaces across the country​ starcom.com.pk. Under this program, overseen by CST, hundreds of Wi-Fi access points have been installed in parks, city squares, malls, airports, and government buildings. This benefits people who may not afford home internet or mobile data, allowing them to get online in these public zones for free. It also specifically helps pilgrims and visitors in key locations; for example, the Makkah Smart City project implemented free Wi-Fi throughout the holy city of Mecca to enhance services for millions of annual pilgrims​ starcom.com.pk. Free connectivity in such areas not only bridges digital access gaps but also stimulates digital engagement and literacy among the broader population. Libraries, universities, and community centers likewise offer free or low-cost internet access as part of Saudi Arabia’s digital inclusion efforts​ starcom.com.pk.

The transformative impact of bringing internet to underserved areas is significant. In rural villages where broadband became available, residents gained access to e-learning resources, telemedicine, online marketplaces, and communication tools that were previously out of reach. Children in a remote town can now take online courses or access educational media, narrowing the urban-rural education gap. Farmers and entrepreneurs can use connectivity to improve their businesses or reach new customers. The government also utilizes connected kiosks and e-government portals to serve citizens in far-flung areas, reducing the need for travel to cities for paperwork. Bridging the digital divide remains a work in progress, but Saudi Arabia’s sustained investments – from hard infrastructure to free Wi-Fi and satellite coverage – indicate a comprehensive approach. The country has even leveraged its sovereign wealth fund and international partnerships to fund these projects (as seen in NEOM’s tech investments). One challenge is ensuring affordability and awareness; it’s not just about network availability, but also making sure people can afford devices and know how to use online services. Programs to distribute affordable smartphones or to train users in digital skills are part of the broader inclusion strategy. In summary, Saudi Arabia has made huge strides toward digital inclusion, turning once-isolated communities into connected participants in the online world, though continued effort is needed to fully erase the remaining divide.

Future Trends and Government Initiatives in Internet Development

Looking ahead, Saudi Arabia’s internet landscape is poised for even greater advancements under the guidance of Vision 2030 and related government initiatives. The Ministry of Communications and Information Technology (MCIT) has outlined clear strategic priorities for the coming years, emphasizing that a robust digital infrastructure is key to economic diversification. Under its ICT Strategy 2023, MCIT set goals to expand broadband and 5G, foster a competitive telecom market, localize technology, and support innovation​ oxfordbusinessgroup.com. These efforts are now evolving into the next phase (post-2023), aligning with Vision 2030’s timeline. We can expect continued heavy investment in fiber and 5G to meet the ever-growing data demand. For instance, the government may push fiber-to-the-home to an even larger share of households (including more rural towns) and possibly subsidize fiber connections in areas where private ROI is low. On the mobile side, by 2030 Saudi Arabia aims to have nationwide 5G coverage and be at the forefront of 6G research and development – it has already engaged major telecom vendors in partnerships for future network trials.

The regulatory environment will also adapt to encourage growth. The rebranded Communications, Space & Technology Commission (CST) not only regulates telecoms but also is promoting new sectors like space communications, the Internet of Things (IoT), and cloud computing​ oxfordbusinessgroup.com​ oxfordbusinessgroup.com. CST and MCIT are working to create a favorable ecosystem for tech startups and foreign tech companies to invest in the Kingdom’s digital sector. We will likely see more liberalization, such as additional MVNO licenses or even new entrants, to keep competition healthy. The government is particularly keen on emerging technologies; expect smart city projects(beyond NEOM, other cities are adopting smart infrastructure), expansion of AI and big data services, and growth in data centers and cloud services (Saudi Arabia has been attracting big cloud providers like Google, Oracle, etc. to build local data centers). All of this ties back into requiring fast, reliable internet connectivity nationwide.

In terms of content and usage, the government will maintain its balancing act of enabling digital growth while enforcing cyber regulations. Cybersecurity and data privacy are getting increased attention – the National Cybersecurity Authority is strengthening defenses and might introduce clearer data protection laws. At the same time, content censorship is likely to persist; however, authorities may invest in more sophisticated filtering technologies to manage the ever-expanding volume of online content, especially as the number of internet users (and time spent online) is at all-time highs. It’s noteworthy that social media penetration is very high (over 79% of the population)​

argaamplus.s3.amazonaws.com, so the government will continue monitoring these platforms closely.

On the infrastructure horizon, one trend is the integration of communication technologies. Saudi telecom companies are exploring convergence of telecom and satellite – for example, future smartphones might seamlessly switch to satellite mode outside coverage (there are already global moves in this direction with satellite-to-mobile services). The Kingdom’s new Space Commission and investments in satellite ventures (OneWeb, possibly Starlink in future) suggest that by late 2020s, hybrid connectivity could be a reality (where every corner of Saudi Arabia has either a terrestrial signal or a satellite link available). Furthermore, as fiber and 5G become ubiquitous, internet-of-things networks (NB-IoT, LoRaWAN, etc.) will expand to enable smart utility meters, connected vehicles, and other IoT applications on a massive scale.

The Saudi government’s commitment to internet development is also seen in large-scale projects: for example, building a new tech hub city (NEOM) that is fully gigabit-connected, deploying underground fiber rings and submarine cables to position Saudi Arabia as a regional internet hub, and hosting tech events to showcase progress. Initiatives like the Digital Content Council aim to boost local digital content creation and infrastructure, which in turn increases demand for better internet nationwide​ oxfordbusinessgroup.com. All these efforts indicate that the future of Saudi Arabia’s internet is very bright. Barring any unforeseen economic or political shifts, the country is on track to have one of the most advanced, high-speed, and pervasive internet ecosystems in the world by 2030. From urban skyscrapers to remote desert tents, connectivity will be a given. The “internet revolution” in Saudi Arabia is far from over – in fact, it’s accelerating, fueled by a tech-savvy population and strong government impetus to make the Kingdom a leading digital nation in the Middle East.