At stc Group, we are dedicated to driving innovation beyond connectivity, offering consumers and businesses products and solutions for our increasingly digital lives.
Our integrated portfolio encompasses a wide range of transformative technologies, including infrastructure, cloud computing, cybersecurity, the Internet of Things (IoT), digital payments, and media and entertainment. These solutions cater to a diverse array of sectors, from healthcare and logistics to large-scale projects and the sports industry.
At the heart of stc Group's mission lies Saudi Arabia's bold vision to become the world’s most connected and digitalized nation by 2030. Fundamental to these ambitions are investments in and the exploration of the ever-evolving domain of AI.
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Saudi Arabia has a plan to create a USD 40 billion fund dedicated to AI Investments. The Kingdom has also launched a USD 1 billion startup accelerator to attract AI entrepreneurs. This is made possible via the support of global industry leaders like Amazon, which announced a USD 5.3 billion investment in Saudi Arabia for data centers and AI technology at LEAP 2024.
As a driving force behind Saudi Arabia's digital transformation, we are dedicated to harnessing the transformative potential of connectivity and AI, driving operational efficiencies, and unlocking new frontiers of growth across economy sectors.
Through solid and mature infrastructure, cutting-edge research, strategic partnerships, and the deployment of state-of-the-art AI-powered solutions, we are steadfastly working to position Saudi Arabia at the forefront of the global AI revolution.
Leveraging this exciting tech landscape taking place right at the heart of our nation, stc Group will continue to use best-in-class technology and infrastructure to lead the way in enabling seamless connectivity between people, businesses, and the kingdom, effectively connecting the world.
Pioneering AI-Powered Network Optimization with Nokia
For the first time, stc Group has deployed an AI-powered operations system on our network using Nokia’s MantaRay Self-Organizing Network (SON)—an AI-powered operations system that automates network optimization. The customized AI-powered MantaRay SON system was successfully utilized during the Hajj season.
Despite an increase in network traffic of over 40%, stc networks processed over 10,000 actions during its live network implementation, increasing utilization rates by approximately 30% on loaded cells and improving user throughput by 10% on average, enabling over one million pilgrims to stay seamlessly connected.
This successful operation reduced manual work, improved network quality, and paved the way for the future of AI automation in telecommunications infrastructure, allowing networks to operate autonomously and efficiently.
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Technological Innovation in Collaboration with Industry Peers
Strategic partners, collaborators, and prominent industry players are fundamental to the success of stc Group’s initiatives, which are driving digital transformation. This year, we expanded our partnerships to include:
- Oracle Alloy: We introduced a new sovereign cloud platform offering more than 100 Oracle cloud services, empowering enterprises to capitalize on hyperscale cloud services while addressing data residency and sovereignty requirements.
- Ericsson: Our partnership showcased the world’s first live augmented reality (AR) and physical movement esport, “HADO,” revolutionizing the industry’s potential for 5G technology and cloud gaming.
- Huawei: This strategic alliance focuses on developing new business portfolios underpinned by innovative solutions in fintech and app development.
- GalaxySpace: Together, we explored a space-to-ground integrated network and direct-to-device satellite technologies.
- Bolttech: We aim to embed IoT-enabled solutions beyond mobile devices across digital lifestyles, including protection for home appliances, health electronics, and cyber assets.
- Cisco: We signed multiple agreements with Cisco to modernize and unify our Network Operations Center (NOC) and elevate stc Academy services through knowledge sharing and developing learning programs.
Additionally, stc Group has tackled the challenges and difficulties faced by various hyperscalers, particularly in bridging capability gaps in areas like AI, cloud, edge computing, and IoT. We have developed and tested proof-of-concepts (PoCs) to create innovative solutions that effectively meet our customers' needs.
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As a result, stc Group has leveraged its strengths as a provider of world-class connectivity and partnered with specialized organizations. stc Group will continue investing in cutting-edge infrastructure, keeping us at the forefront of digital transformation.
Showcasing Technological Ecosystems
At key industry events around the world, including LEAP, MWC Barcelona and Capacity Middle East, we have presented a wide array of our innovative technological ecosystems.
Our Digital Stadium showcase, for instance, conveyed the future of smart sports stadiums and optimized fan experiences through 360-degree camera views, state-of-the-art command control centers, and remote clinics.
Our Logistics Exhibit demonstrated how our innovative solutions streamline processes from manufacturing to retail, connecting value chains and mining zones.
Our Digital City exhibition highlighted services and solutions empowering the digital operations of Saudi Arabia’s megaprojects, such as smart navigation solutions and connectivity infrastructure development.
Our Health-Tech Exhibition showcased state-of-the-art solutions in population health management and virtual clinics, building on stc Group’s presence at several major industry events, including the 2023 Arab Health conference.
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The Future of Innovation
Innovation at stc Group is in the DNA of the organization. Innovation has been one of the main sources for ideas that resulted in successfully launching products and solutions, sustainable operations, and promising investments.
For example, the launch of our corporate venture capital arm, tali ventures, serves as a catalyst for innovative startups.
In addition, FWD Innovation Lab and Colab serve as an internal empowerment machine that nurtures innovative ideas at the stc Group level.
Augmented with impactU, stc Group is fulfilling its role in harnessing nature’s resources in a responsible and sustainable fashion. This initiative underscores our commitment to propelling technological advancement and fostering a vibrant entrepreneurial ecosystem across our operating markets.
tali ventures has already made significant strides by investing in startups such as Nile (network equipment solutions), Rewaa (inventory management solutions), and NearPay (digital payments solutions).
The launch of tali ventures marks a pivotal moment in our journey to empower the world’s brightest minds. We aim to be a leading force in nurturing entrepreneurial talent and advancing groundbreaking initiatives. At stc Group, we are committed to supporting revolutionary startups through collaborating with renowned global funds such as Sanabil and Prosperity7.
At stc Group, we do not just work sustainably to provide world-class connectivity for people, businesses, and communities around the world; we see connectivity as a foundational principle to progress, ensuring that technology can empower us, creating an inclusive digital future.
