RIYADH: Connectivity across Saudi Arabia’s key industries will get a boost thanks to a deal between TONOMUS and telecom giant stc Group.
The agreement will see the communications firm acquire low earth orbit satellite connectivity capacity from NEOM’s tech subsidiary.
The deal is a significant milestone for the connectivity landscape in the Kingdom, especially for customers in crucial industries like oil and gas, mining and agriculture tech, as well as health, education and finance.
The agreement, signed on the sidelines of the Future Investment Initiative in Riyadh, will enable stc Group to provide internet services, high-speed broadband data and business continuity solutions to government institutions, large corporates and small businesses across Saudi Arabia.
“The agreement between our two companies will facilitate the provision of rapid and reliable connectivity to transform businesses and the lives of communities while empowering NEOM’s groundbreaking ecosystem of cognitive technologies that we are developing,” said Scott Gegenheimer, president of infrastructure at TONOMUS, in a statement.
The collaboration will enable fiber-like internet access to residents of rural and remote areas, facilitating a seamless online experience.
“This will help bridge the digital divide in remote areas and communities, benefiting the government sectors and companies,” said Riyadh Muawad, group chief business officer at stc Group.
TONOMUS has been at the forefront of enhancing digital connectivity, information security and network resilience to meet growing demands and future vision of the NEOM region.
In July, it launched a digital communications center with high-capacity data center to improve the resilience and growth of 5G, satellite and fiber cable network connectivity.
The center powers a software-driven network and secure private cloud that is projected to service up to 60 locations, some 1,800 structures, about 300,000 construction staff needed at NEOM by 2025. It also aims to facilitate 200 million internet-connected devices by 2030.
The facility site spans an area of 18,000 sq. meter, with a two-floor office building and 150 personnel.
It will also serve as a hub for ongoing collaboration with telecommunications solution providers and technology partners, fostering innovation to support ongoing enhancements to NEOM’s digital network capabilities.
