RIYADH: The average speed for internet connectivity at the Red Sea destination is 86 percent faster than the top-ranked city globally for December 2023, a recent report has confirmed.
In their analysis, Ookla, a US-based company specializing in internet reliance testing and analysis, has verified that the average connectivity speed at the Red Sea destination, managed by Red Sea Global, peaked at 696.37 megabits per second in the second half of 2023.
The group head of technology at Red Sea Global, Ahmed Al-Sohaily, told Arab News that the availability of a robust digital infrastructure directly impacts the quality of life for visitors and residents.
He said: “High-speed communication services is an indispensable necessity. Today’s travelers want to relax and disconnect, but at the same time, they want to stay connected with friends and family back home. Our gigabit 5G network allows guests to communicate with their loved ones and share their experiences in real-time.”
The Speedtest Global Index by Ookla ranks mobile and fixed broadband availability rates globally by country and city.
Al-Sohaily said: “Our gigabit 5G network ensures our ability to deliver seamless experiences, whether at our resorts, our airport, or while guests are out and about exploring the destination.”
In December, testing results showed that the Red Sea destination outpaced Dubai, known for hosting the world’s fastest mobile phone speeds, with a rate that was 86 percent faster.
Speed tests conducted at key locations in the Red Sea destination revealed that the Six Senses Southern Dunes resort boasts an impressive median 5G download speed of 1,446.04 Mbps, the highest rate ever reported by Ookla.
The Red Sea International Airport recorded an average 5G download speed of 1,276.65 Mbps, which was the highest ever reported for an airport. Ummahat Islands, home to the St. Regis Red Sea Resort and Nujuma, a Ritz Carlton Reserve, enjoy 5G download speeds of 992.33 Mbps, the highest rate to be reported for island regions. Meanwhile, Turtle Bay, a central hub for regional employees, recorded an average 5G download speed of 844.54 Mbps.
While providing reliable connectivity to deliver superior vacation experiences, RSG maintained its stringent environmental standards by powering the entire network using 100 percent renewable energy.
“We are proud of our success in redefining luxury ecotourism by combining connectivity and smart technologies with our commitment to sustainability and environmental conservation,” said Al-Sohaily.
RSG implemented unique tower designs and materials so that its infrastructure blends in with the surrounding environment. For example, rooftop antennas were constructed on hills and covered by 3D printed camouflaging at the Southern Dunes to preserve the guests’ views, while Ummahat Island used innovative fabrics to blend in with the resort design.
Through close collaboration with operators, RSG ensured responsible tower sharing and configuration optimization, resulting in flawless network performance with unprecedented global speeds, highlighted Al-Sohaily.
