The telecommunications operator stc Group has completed a major upgrade of its network around the Prophet's Mosque in Madinah, deploying an artificial intelligence-powered system to handle the surge of pilgrims returning to the city after completing Hajj. The enhancements, announced through the Saudi Press Agency, are aimed at keeping voice and data services reliable during one of the busiest periods of the year.
As pilgrims move from Makkah to Madinah following the Hajj rites, the central area around the Prophet's Mosque experiences a sharp rise in visitor numbers. stc said its upgrades were designed as proactive preparation for this annual peak, ensuring that communications and digital services can absorb the additional load.
What the upgrade includes
According to stc, the company expanded network coverage in the central area surrounding the Prophet's Mosque through more than 65 network sites. It also strengthened indoor coverage in hotels, residential buildings, and pilgrim accommodation facilities by deploying more than 3,500 indoor antennas, a system known as in-building solutions, to maintain connectivity in densely populated areas.
The group further deployed more than 500 advanced antennas across the courtyards and entrances of the Prophet's Mosque. Taken together, these measures were accompanied by an 18 percent increase in network capacity, intended to keep pace with growing demand for voice and data services during the peak season.
stc described the effort as part of an integrated system of digital solutions and advanced infrastructure powered by artificial intelligence. The AI element allows the network to respond dynamically to shifting patterns of demand, directing capacity to where crowds gather most heavily rather than treating the whole area uniformly.
Why connectivity matters for pilgrims
Reliable connectivity has become essential to the modern pilgrimage. Pilgrims depend on the Nusuk application to obtain permits, book appointments to visit the Rawdah within the Prophet's Mosque, receive timing alerts, and access multilingual guidance. When networks become congested in crowded areas, these services can slow or fail at the very moment they are needed most.
Strong coverage also supports safety and coordination. Families separated in dense crowds rely on phones to reunite, and pilgrims use digital maps and guidance tools to navigate unfamiliar surroundings. For elderly pilgrims and those travelling alone, a dependable connection can be the difference between a smooth visit and a stressful one.
The investment reflects a broader trend in which the Kingdom treats digital infrastructure as a core part of pilgrim services, alongside physical facilities such as transport, cooling, and accommodation. As more services move onto apps and platforms, the network that carries them becomes part of the spiritual journey's logistics.
Practical tips for staying connected
Pilgrims can take simple steps to make the most of the improved coverage. Before travelling, they should download the Nusuk application and complete any required registrations while on a stable connection at home, rather than waiting until arrival. Keeping the app updated ensures access to the latest features and permit options.
On the ground, pilgrims should arrange a local SIM card or an international roaming plan with adequate data, since many essential services run online. It is wise to keep screenshots of important documents, permits, and accommodation details, so that key information remains available even if a connection drops momentarily in a crowd.
Carrying a power bank is also advisable, as heavy use of maps, translation tools, and the Nusuk app can drain a phone quickly during long days around the mosque. Pilgrims should agree on a meeting point with their group in advance, as a backup in case they are separated and unable to reach one another by phone.
With stc reporting expanded capacity and AI-driven management, pilgrims visiting Madinah this season should find the digital side of their journey smoother. The upgrades underline how connectivity has become woven into the experience of visiting the Prophet's Mosque.