Internet

In 1999, the Internet service became available in the Kingdom, with all the connections routed through a state server (Internet Service Provider), sited at the King Abdul Aziz City for Science and Technology. The Ministry of Post, Telegraph and Telephones, as it was then, provided the external means to access the Internet, making the service available for research establishments, academics and both public and private companies.

By April, 2003, there were 21 operational Internet Service Providers (ISPs), providing internet access to some 1.6 million users.

By the end of 2006, the number of users rose to approximately 4.7 million.

In July, 2001, Saudi Telecom Company introduced ADSL (Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Line) service for the Kingdom. ADSL significantly reduced the cost of the Internet service. STC is also extending ADSL services to Jiddah, the Holy City of Makkah, Taif and Dammam.

The number of broadband users grew from 14,000 in 2001 to 220,000 at the end of 2006, with an annual growth rate of 85 percent during the past five years.

See also:

• Telephone Service
• Mobile Telephones
• Postal Service
• Telex
• Satellite Communications

Main reference point:

• Communications

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Profile of Saudi Arabia

The Country Profile contains thousands of pages of information on every aspect of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, including its geography, history and development (political, economic and social).