A long-term agreement has been inked between the Royal Commission for AlUla (RCU) and Saudi Telecom Company (STC). The 15-year partnership is said to showcase the joint vision of RCU and STC to drive AlUla’s digital transformation, said a statement.

STC said that it will integrate neutral host infrastructure into AlUla’s existing ICT (information and communication technology) framework, which includes 5G enablement. This will solidify the county’s technological landscape, paving the way for high-speed, robust infrastructure advances to streamline digital capabilities and elevate AlUla’s progress on its digital transformation journey, the telecoms firm explained.

Neutral fibre optic networks are networks that are open to all service providers. They can offer benefits such as lower costs, higher speeds, and greater efficiency through sharing of resources.

“Our collaboration with STC is an immensely significant step in AlUla’s digital transformation journey. By building advanced telecommunication infrastructure, we are setting the foundation for innovation, creating boundless opportunities for our community, and ensuring AlUla stands at the forefront of technological progress,” explained Waleed AlDayel, RCU’s Chief of Strategy and Digital.

The RCU-STC strategic partnership will not only improve the availability and quality of telecommunication in AlUla but also provide a myriad of opportunities for technologies that require high speeds and efficiency. Such improvements in telecommunications mean that more companies can serve AlUla’s residents and visitors, aligning with the goals of Vision 2030 to raise service quality throughout the Kingdom, the statement added.

The integration of top-tier telecommunication technologies embodies RCU’s dedication to its community-first approach, focusing on enhancing residents’ quality of life through digital advancement, the RCU said.