Internet Providers in Saudi Arabia
Middle East — Ranked #23 globally for broadband speed
Saudi Arabia's broadband market is rapidly growing, driven by Vision 2030 digital transformation goals. STC (Saudi Telecom Company), Mobily, and Zain Saudi Arabia are the main operators. Heavy government investment in fibre and 5G infrastructure is making Saudi Arabia a regional leader in connectivity.
Broadband Overview — Saudi Arabia
| Saudi Arabia Internet Statistics | |
|---|---|
| Population | 36,408,820 |
| Internet Users | 32,500,000 (89.3% penetration) |
| Broadband Household Coverage | 86% of households |
| FTTH / Fibre Penetration | 45% of fixed broadband |
| Mobile Subscriptions | 125 per 100 people |
| Avg. Monthly Cost (broadband) | ~USD $55 |
| Regulatory Body | Communications, Space & Technology Commission (CST) |
| Global Speed Rank | #23 (Ookla fixed broadband index) |
Broadband Infrastructure
STC is Saudi Arabia's dominant telecoms operator, state-owned and the market leader in both fixed and mobile. Saudi Arabia has invested heavily in 5G, with nationwide coverage growing rapidly. FTTH rollout is concentrated in urban areas; rural desert regions rely on mobile.
Key Facts
- ✓ Saudi Arabia has the world's highest per-capita data usage on mobile
- ✓ Vision 2030 targets 98% 5G coverage and widespread FTTH by 2025
- ✓ STC is the largest telecoms company in the Arab world by revenue
Internet Freedom in Saudi Arabia
- ● Adult content, dating sites, gambling, and alcohol-related sites are blocked
- ● Content critical of the royal family, government, or Islam is censored
- ● VoIP services have historically been restricted (some now permitted)
- ● LGBTQ+ content is illegal and blocked
- ● Political opposition and human rights organisation websites blocked
- ● The Communications and Space & Technology Commission manages a broad blocklist
ISP Speed Comparison — Saudi Arabia
Benchmark speeds based on Speedtest.now methodology. Actual speeds vary by location and plan.
| Provider | Technology | Download | Upload | Ping | Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mobily (Etihad Etisalat) | FTTH (GPON), 5G Fixed Wireless | 180 Mbps | 140 Mbps | 12 ms | View → |
| STC (Saudi Telecom) | FTTH (GPON/XGS-PON), 5G Fixed Wireless | 320 Mbps | 290 Mbps | 8 ms | View → |
| Zain Saudi Arabia | FTTH (GPON), 5G Fixed Wireless | 195 Mbps | 155 Mbps | 11 ms | View → |
All Providers in Saudi Arabia
Mobily (Etihad Etisalat)
AS39386Saudi Arabia's second-largest mobile operator
STC (Saudi Telecom)
AS25019Saudi Arabia's largest and most advanced telecom operator
Zain Saudi Arabia
AS35753Kuwait-backed mobile and fiber across the Kingdom
How to Choose an ISP in Saudi Arabia
1. Check Coverage
Not all ISPs serve all addresses. Enter your postcode or address on each ISP's website to confirm availability before ordering.
2. Match Speed to Use
Streaming HD requires 10 Mbps per screen. Working from home with video calls needs 25 Mbps minimum. Gaming and 4K streaming benefit from 100+ Mbps.
3. Compare Contracts
Check whether the ISP locks you into a 12 or 24-month contract. Rolling monthly deals offer flexibility but may cost more. Watch for setup fees.
4. Run a Speed Test
After signing up, run a speed test to verify you're getting the speeds you paid for. Test at different times of day.
Frequently Asked Questions — Saudi Arabia Broadband
Is internet censored in Saudi Arabia?
Saudi Arabia blocks content deemed inappropriate under Islamic values, political opposition sites, and some VoIP services. The Communications and Space & Technology Commission manages content filtering.