Telecommunications giant stc Group has inked an agreement with TONOMUS to acquire satellite capacity that will enhance internet access across Saudi Arabia. The multi-year deal signed at this year’s Future Investment Initiative in Riyadh will see stc leverage TONOMUS’ low earth orbit (LEO) satellite network. This will allow stc to provision high-speed broadband services to remote areas currently underserved by terrestrial infrastructure.
TONOMUS is the subsidiary of megacity developer NEOM focused on next-gen digital infrastructure and AI technologies. Their extensive fleet of satellites orbits much closer to earth, enabling transmission of fibre-quality connectivity virtually anywhere in the kingdom.
By harnessing TONOMUS’ LEO satellite capacity, stc can deliver fast, reliable Internet to rural communities as well as support industries like energy, mining and agriculture operating in hard-to-reach locations. The satellite access is also slated to provide backup solutions for government entities and businesses in the event of network outages.
stc Group GCBO Riyadh Muawad stated the agreement represents a major milestone that will assist the company in bridging digital divides and empowering sectors crucial to Saudi Arabia’s digital transformation. For his part, TONOMUS President Scott Gegenheimer expressed that partnering with stc corresponds with the vision of an inclusive, prosperous and hyperconnected Saudi society.
The deal signifies growing Saudi appetite for next-generation satellite technologies to facilitate ubiquitous connectivity nationwide and realise the ambitions of NEOM smart cities projects. stc customers across the Kingdom should soon reap the benefits of the new satellite-enabled services.
