Saudi Arabia Speed Test - Check STC & Mobily
Test your internet speed in Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia averages 187 Mbps download on fixed broadband and 122 Mbps on mobile networks in early 2026. The Kingdom operates a competitive market with three major providers serving 35.3 million people. Internet penetration reached 99% in 2025. 5G networks cover 78% of the population with Vision 2030 driving fiber expansion to 3.5 million households. Test your connection to verify your ISP delivers the speed you pay for.
Internet in Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia's telecommunications market operates under three major providers regulated by the Communications, Space and Technology Commission (CST). STC leads with 29 million mobile subscribers and 55% market share. Mobily serves 12.8 million mobile users with 30% share and 290,000 fiber customers.
Zain holds 15% share with 5G deployment across 94 cities. Fixed broadband subscriptions reached 3.1 million by 2025, with fiber accounting for 39.2% of connections. 5G networks cover 78% of the population as of early 2025, complementing fiber deployment through Fixed Wireless Access technology. Mobile connections total 46.5 million, reflecting 132% penetration due to multiple SIM usage.
Vision 2030 targets 3.5 million fiber-connected households by 2025 and 90% broadband coverage in dense urban areas by 2030. The market balances fiber infrastructure in cities with FWA solutions for suburban and rural areas where fiber installation costs remain high.
Internet Infrastructure in Saudi Arabia
Fiber Broadband
Fiber-to-the-home covers major cities including Riyadh, Jeddah, Mecca, Medina, and Dammam. STC offers fiber plans from 100 Mbps to 1 Gbps with installation typically completed within 3-5 days in fiber-served buildings. Mobily deployed 290,000 fiber connections by Q2 2025, focusing on residential areas in Riyadh and Western Province.
Zain provides 470,000 broadband connections with 15.2% market share. Most apartment buildings in urban zones have pre-installed fiber termination points from at least one provider. Villa communities receive direct fiber connection where infrastructure exists.
Cable Broadband
5G deployment reached 78% population coverage by early 2025. STC expanded 5G to 54.7% of the population with infrastructure including 25 data centers and 16 submarine cables. Zain extended 5G to 94 cities with the fastest download speeds among the three operators. All three providers deployed 5G on C-band spectrum for mid-band coverage.
Mobile Networks
Real-world 5G speeds average 150-300 Mbps on standard devices, with flagship smartphones reaching 500 Mbps to 1 Gbps in strong signal areas. 4G LTE serves as backup technology covering 95% of populated areas. Fixed Wireless Access using 5G provides alternative connectivity where fiber is unavailable.
International Connectivity
Saudi Arabia connects to international bandwidth through multiple submarine cable systems landing at Jeddah and Dammam. Major cables include AAE-1 connecting Asia to Europe via the Middle East, and regional systems linking to neighboring Gulf states. The Kingdom serves as a transit hub for data traffic between Asia, Europe, and Africa.
Fiber Broadband
Domestic fiber backbone connects major cities with redundant paths. The government operates the National Digital Infrastructure Company to accelerate fiber deployment in underserved areas.
Internet Speed: Urban vs Rural Saudi Arabia
Riyadh, Jeddah, and Dammam receive the strongest broadband infrastructure. Fiber-to-the-home is available throughout most residential areas in these cities from multiple providers.
5G coverage exceeded 94% in Riyadh by 2022. Residents can access fiber plans from 100 Mbps starting at SAR 180 monthly, with 300 Mbps at SAR 246-290 and 1 Gbps around SAR 700-750. Free public WiFi through the wifi.sa program covers parks, city squares, malls, airports, and government buildings. Competition between three providers keeps pricing moderate compared to single-provider markets.
Mecca and Medina benefit from heavy infrastructure investment due to annual Hajj pilgrimage hosting millions of visitors. Both cities have extensive fiber networks and 5G coverage in central zones. Network capacity scales during Hajj season to handle peak demand from 2-3 million pilgrims.
Eastern Province cities including Dammam, Dhahran, and Al Khobar have strong fiber and 5G coverage serving the oil industry workforce. Northern border cities receive adequate coverage with 4G LTE and selective 5G deployment.
Rural Areas
Rural and remote areas face limited fixed broadband options. Small towns beyond major urban centers rely on 4G LTE mobile broadband or Fixed Wireless Access using 5G where towers exist. Desert areas between cities have 4G coverage along major highways but limited service in interior zones.
Remote and Underserved
The government Universal Service Fund supports tower deployment in underserved regions. Satellite internet remains uncommon due to cost and limited awareness, though availability is increasing through new low-earth-orbit providers entering the market.
Internet Providers & Speed in Saudi Arabia
STC (Saudi Telecom Company)
STC (Saudi Telecom Company) is the dominant provider with 29 million mobile subscribers and approximately 55% market share. Founded in 1998 following privatization, STC is 64% government-owned through the Public Investment Fund.
STC Baity fiber plans start at 100 Mbps for SAR 229 monthly, with 300 Mbps at SAR 287.50. Higher-speed plans reach 1 Gbps starting around SAR 700. STC operates 25 data centers domestically and manages 16 submarine cable connections providing international bandwidth.
The company deployed 5G covering 54.7% of the population by 2025. STC holds the widest fiber coverage across all major cities and strongest presence in government and enterprise segments.
Mobily (Etihad Etisalat)
Mobily (Etihad Etisalat) serves 12.8 million mobile subscribers with 30% market share. Mobily operates 290,000 fiber-to-the-home connections as of Q2 2025, ranking second in the broadband market with 19.4% share. Fiber plans start at 300 Mbps for SAR 287.50, matching STC pricing at standard tiers.
Mobily Home Fiber 500 plan costs SAR 322 monthly during promotional periods. The company focuses deployment on Riyadh and Western Province urban areas. Mobily positions itself as the value alternative to STC with competitive pricing and flexible contract terms.
Zain Saudi Arabia
Zain Saudi Arabia holds 15% mobile market share with operations in 94 cities. Zain provides 470,000 broadband connections representing 15.2% of the fixed broadband market. The company achieved the fastest mobile download speeds among the three operators through focused 5G deployment.
Zain targets younger demographics and price-sensitive customers with competitive mobile data plans. Fixed Wireless Access plans range from SAR 239 to SAR 403 monthly across all three operators. Minor providers include Salam offering budget fiber at SAR 180 monthly for 100 Mbps.
Internet Speed by Region in Saudi Arabia
Central Region (Riyadh)
Capital city receives strongest infrastructure investment. Fiber available throughout residential and commercial zones from all three providers. 5G coverage exceeded 94% by 2022. Smart city initiatives use high-speed connectivity for traffic management and government services. Multiple data centers support low-latency applications. Competition keeps pricing moderate.
Western Region (Jeddah, Mecca, Medina)
Mecca and Medina receive heavy infrastructure investment for annual Hajj pilgrimage. Network capacity scales to handle 2-3 million visitors during peak season. Jeddah as the second-largest city has full fiber and 5G coverage matching Riyadh. Coastal submarine cable landing stations provide international connectivity.
Eastern Region (Dammam, Dhahran, Al Khobar)
Strong infrastructure serving oil industry workforce. Fiber and 5G coverage throughout major cities. Enterprise-grade connectivity supports Saudi Aramco operations and related industries. Multiple providers compete for business and residential customers. Fixed Wireless Access available in suburban areas beyond fiber zones.
Northern and Southern Border Regions
Adequate 4G LTE coverage in cities along major highways. Selective 5G deployment in larger towns. Fiber limited to urban centers. Remote areas between cities rely on mobile broadband. Universal Service Fund supports tower deployment in underserved zones. Satellite internet adoption growing in remote areas.
Internet Pricing in Saudi Arabia
Entry fiber in Saudi Arabia starts at SAR 180 per month for 100 Mbps from Salam, the lowest-cost provider. Standard 300 Mbps plans cost SAR 246-290 monthly from STC, Mobily, and Salam, with promotional pricing available during the first four months. Gigabit fiber reaches SAR 700-750 monthly.
Contract and Fees
All fiber plans include unlimited data with no caps. Installation fees range from SAR 100 to SAR 300 depending on building pre-wiring. Most plans require 12-month contracts with early termination penalties.
Affordability
At median household income of approximately SAR 10,000 monthly, a 300 Mbps plan at SAR 250-290 represents 2.5-2.9% of income, meeting ITU affordability targets. Lower-income workers earning SAR 3,000-4,000 monthly face higher burden at 6-10% of income for basic connectivity.
Fixed Broadband Pricing
Mobile-only data plans offer cheaper alternatives, with unlimited monthly plans at SAR 373-391 from the three major operators. Fixed Wireless Access costs SAR 239-403 monthly, positioned between mobile-only and fiber pricing.
Pricing is moderate compared to other Gulf markets. Fiber costs less than UAE and Qatar but remains higher than Egypt and Jordan. The government does not impose data caps on residential plans. Competition between three providers prevents price increases seen in duopoly markets. Bundle packages combining fiber, mobile, and TV services offer discounts of 10-20% versus standalone subscriptions.
Network Technology in Saudi Arabia
5G Rollout
5G adoption is accelerating with 93% of mobile subscriptions expected to use 5G by 2030, up from 78% population coverage in early 2025. All three operators deployed 5G on C-band spectrum providing mid-band coverage balancing speed and range. STC expanded 5G to 54.7% of the population.
Zain deployed 5G across 94 cities with the fastest download speeds. 4G will remain the leading technology by subscription share until 2026, after which 5G becomes dominant. The Kingdom ranks among the top 10 countries globally for internet speed according to Speedtest Global Index.
Fiber Deployment
Fixed Wireless Access represents 60.8% of total broadband subscriptions in 2025, the highest adoption rate globally. FWA enables rapid deployment in suburban and rural areas where fiber installation is costly. The technology uses 5G towers to deliver 100-300 Mbps speeds without physical cable installation.
CST (Communications, Space and Technology Commission) launched the Spectrum Outlook for Commercial and Innovative Use in June 2025 to optimize FWA deployment.
Satellite and Emerging
Vision 2030 drives continued infrastructure investment. The program targets 3.5 million fiber-connected households by 2025 and 90% broadband coverage in dense urban areas by 2030. Smart city initiatives in Riyadh use high-speed connectivity for autonomous vehicle testing, IoT sensors, and AI-powered traffic management.
Fiber Deployment
NEOM megaproject will deploy next-generation infrastructure including 10 Gbps fiber and ubiquitous 5G coverage when completed.
How to Choose an ISP in Saudi Arabia
Several factors determine the best provider at your address in Saudi Arabia. Check coverage, compare pricing, and test speeds before signing a contract.
Check fiber availability at your address
Contact STC, Mobily, and Zain to verify coverage, as most buildings have fiber from at least one provider in major cities. Fiber provides the fastest and most reliable connection.
Compare pricing and speeds
Salam offers the lowest entry price at SAR 180 for 100 Mbps.
Consider speeds based on household size
100-200 Mbps handles 3-4 devices with streaming and remote work. 300 Mbps suits larger households or heavy users.
Evaluate contract terms.
STC and Mobily charge SAR 287.50 for 300 Mbps. Gigabit plans cost SAR 700-750. Verify current promotional pricing, as operators frequently discount the first 3-4 months.
Most plans require 12-month commitment with early termination fees. Ask about installation timeline, as fiber setup takes 3-5 days once scheduled. Verify whether the plan includes a WiFi router or requires separate purchase.
For renters on short-term contracts, Fixed Wireless Access offers flexibility with easier installation and relocation. FWA costs SAR 239-403 monthly with plug-and-play routers requiring no building wiring. For remote workers requiring stable uploads, fiber is mandatory over mobile or FWA solutions.
Test your connection speed after installation during evening peak hours (8pm-11pm) to verify the ISP delivers the plan speed under load.
Compare Internet Providers in Saudi Arabia
The table below shows top providers by connection type and maximum advertised speed.
| Provider | Type | Max Speed |
|---|---|---|
| Mobily | fiber | 1000 Mbps |
| STC | fiber | 1000 Mbps |
Test Your Connection Speed
Run a speed test to verify your Saudi Arabia provider delivers advertised speeds. Test during peak evening hours for the most accurate results.
Internet Providers in Saudi Arabia
Compare internet speeds across major providers in Saudi Arabia. Click on a provider to test your connection.
Saudi Arabia Speed Test FAQ
How do I test my internet speed in Saudi Arabia?
Click the Start Test button to measure your download speed, upload speed, and ping latency. The test takes approximately 30 seconds and works on any device with a modern web browser. For accurate results, connect your device directly to the router using an ethernet cable and close background applications. Test during evening peak hours (8pm-11pm) to check real-world performance under load. If using WiFi, test from different rooms to verify coverage. Compare your results against your plan's advertised speed to confirm your ISP delivers what you pay for. All three major providers (STC, Mobily, Zain) offer mobile apps with built-in speed tests for convenient testing. Run multiple tests at different times of day to identify patterns or inconsistencies in your connection performance.
What is the average internet speed in Saudi Arabia?
Saudi Arabia averages 186.77 Mbps download on fixed broadband and 122.43 Mbps on mobile networks, according to Ookla data from early 2026. The Kingdom ranks among the top 10 countries globally for internet speed. Upload speeds average 98.47 Mbps on fixed connections. Speeds vary by plan and location. Fiber subscribers with 300 Mbps plans typically see 280-300 Mbps real-world speeds. 5G mobile users in Riyadh, Jeddah, and Dammam experience 150-300 Mbps on standard devices, with flagship smartphones reaching 500 Mbps to 1 Gbps in strong signal areas. 4G LTE averages 50-100 Mbps. Rural areas relying on Fixed Wireless Access see 50-150 Mbps depending on signal strength and network load. The country's high speeds reflect Vision 2030 infrastructure investment and competitive market pressure among three major operators.
Which is better in Saudi Arabia - STC, Mobily, or Zain?
STC leads with 29 million subscribers and widest coverage across all regions. STC deployed 5G covering 54.7% of the population and operates the most extensive fiber network in major cities. STC holds the strongest presence in government and enterprise segments with 25 data centers and 16 submarine cable connections. Mobily serves 12.8 million subscribers with competitive pricing, starting at SAR 287.50 for 300 Mbps fiber. Mobily positions itself as the value alternative with flexible contract terms and 290,000 fiber connections by Q2 2025. Zain holds 15% market share with the fastest mobile download speeds among the three operators. Zain deployed 5G across 94 cities and targets younger demographics with competitive mobile plans. Your choice depends on which operator serves your building, as fiber availability varies by location. Check coverage, compare current pricing with promotional offers, and ask neighbors about their experience before committing to a 12-month contract.
Is 5G available in Saudi Arabia?
All three major operators (STC, Mobily, Zain) operate 5G networks covering 78% of the population as of early 2025. STC expanded 5G to 54.7% of the population with widest coverage across all regions. Zain deployed 5G in 94 cities with the fastest mobile download speeds. 5G coverage is strongest in Riyadh, Jeddah, Dammam, Mecca, and Medina. Real-world 5G speeds average 150-300 Mbps on standard devices, with flagship smartphones reaching 500-1000 Mbps in strong signal areas. 5G adoption will accelerate with 93% of mobile subscriptions expected to use 5G by 2030. 4G LTE serves as backup in areas where 5G signal is weak, covering 95% of populated areas. Fixed Wireless Access using 5G provides home internet in areas without fiber, with speeds of 100-300 Mbps. Coverage maps are available on stc.com.sa, mobily.com.sa, and sa.zain.com for checking specific address availability.
How much does internet cost in Saudi Arabia?
Entry fiber starts at SAR 180 per month for 100 Mbps from Salam, the budget provider. Standard 300 Mbps fiber costs SAR 246-290 monthly from STC, Mobily, and Salam, with the first 3-4 months often discounted during promotional periods. Gigabit fiber reaches SAR 700-750 per month. All fiber plans include unlimited data with no caps. Installation fees add SAR 100-300 depending on building pre-wiring. Fixed Wireless Access costs SAR 239-403 monthly with plug-and-play routers requiring no building wiring. Mobile unlimited data plans cost SAR 373-391 for 30 days from the three major operators. Most plans require 12-month contracts with early termination penalties. Bundle packages combining fiber, mobile, and TV services offer 10-20% discounts versus standalone subscriptions. Pricing is moderate compared to other Gulf markets, with competition between three providers preventing the price increases seen in duopoly markets.