Internet usage surges in Makkah as pilgrims perform Hajj

LONDON: The Communications, Space and Technology Commission revealed that the demand for data in Makkah and the holy sites has surged during Hajj.

The Saudi government agency reported that Internet usage reached 4,601 terabytes or the equivalent of 1.89 million hours of 1080p videos, with social media platforms like TikTok, Instagram and YouTube leading the digital charge.

The commission’s latest statistics show that the average person in Makkah uses 785 megabytes of internet data per day, which is nearly three times the global average of 270 MB.

It also reported that the average mobile internet download and upload speeds have hit 197.5 MB per second and 27.5 MG per second, respectively, sitting well above the global average.

This showcases the Kingdom’s robust infrastructure, designed to keep pilgrims connected with their loved ones as they perform the sacred Hajj rituals.

To meet the expected surge in demand from Hajj pilgrims, whose numbers have returned to pre-pandemic levels this year, the CST doubled its infrastructure preparations and installed thousands of internet towers, including 5G towers, to provide seamless connectivity to travelers.