Saudi Arabia Achieves Remarkable Growth in Mobile Internet Speeds

Riyadh, Saudi Arabia Jul 26, 2026 ALN: Internet speeds in Saudi Arabia increased to 216 Mbps, up from 203 Mbps the previous year, according to the fifth edition of the Saudi Internet 2025 report released by the Communications, Space and Technology Commission (CST). This notable increase reflects the Kingdom's ongoing commitment to enhancing its digital infrastructure and positioning itself as a leader in the region's technological advancements.

The remarkable growth in mobile internet speeds places Saudi Arabia among the top five G20 countries in this indicator, highlighting the Kingdom's efforts to improve connectivity for its citizens and businesses alike. The surge in internet speed is not only a testament to the advancements in technology but also to the strategic initiatives undertaken by the government to foster a digital economy.

One of the key factors contributing to this growth is the Kingdom's extensive investment in telecommunications infrastructure. Over the past few years, Saudi Arabia has made significant strides in expanding its fiber-optic networks and 5G technology deployment, which have been pivotal in enhancing both speed and reliability of internet services. The report showed that the average monthly mobile internet data consumption per person reached 53 GB, which is approximately three times the global average. This high consumption rate indicates a growing reliance on mobile internet for various applications, including social media, streaming services, and online gaming.

The median download speed on 5G networks reached 320 Mbps, while the median mobile internet latency was 24 milliseconds. These figures are indicative of the advanced capabilities of 5G technology, which is designed to support high-speed data transfer and low-latency communication, essential for applications such as virtual reality, autonomous vehicles, and the Internet of Things (IoT).

As for the fixed internet sector, the median download speed rose to 151 Mbps, compared with 120.4 Mbps the previous year, while the median upload speed reached 73 Mbps, with median latency at 8 milliseconds, based on an analysis of data from Ookla. The improvements in fixed internet speeds are crucial for households and businesses that rely on stable and fast internet connections for remote work, online education, and digital commerce.

The report also noted that total internet data traffic in the Kingdom reached 69 million terabytes, with 56 percent consisting of domestic traffic and 44 percent international traffic. This significant volume of data traffic underscores the increasing digital engagement among the population and the growing importance of internet services in everyday life.

Interestingly, mobile and fixed internet networks each accounted for 50 percent of the total data traffic, indicating a balanced usage pattern between mobile and fixed internet services. This trend can be attributed to the growing number of smart devices and the increasing reliance on mobile applications, which often require substantial data consumption.

The Riyadh Region recorded the largest share of internet data traffic at 30.6 percent, followed by the Makkah Region at 20.5 percent, and the Eastern Province at 16.8 percent. This distribution of internet traffic reflects the demographic and economic activities in these regions, with Riyadh being the capital and a major hub for business and government activities, while Makkah and the Eastern Province are significant for their tourism and industrial sectors, respectively.

The report also highlighted that 67 percent of users had enabled Internet Protocol Version 6 (IPv6), while the number of Saudi Autonomous System Numbers (ASNs) reached nearly 200. The adoption of IPv6 is particularly important as it allows for a greater number of devices to connect to the internet, addressing the limitations of the previous version, IPv4. This transition is crucial as the number of internet-connected devices continues to rise exponentially.

The continued development of the Kingdom's digital infrastructure and its ability to keep pace with the rapid growth of digital services is not only vital for economic diversification but also for enhancing the quality of life for its citizens. The report comes as Saudi Arabia ranked first globally in the 2026 Information and Communication Technology Development Index issued by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), outperforming 159 economies worldwide. This achievement reflects the Kingdom's strategic vision to become a global leader in technology and innovation, aligning with its broader goals as outlined in its Vision 2030 initiative.

Vision 2030 aims to reduce Saudi Arabia's dependence on oil, diversify its economy, and develop public service sectors such as health, education, infrastructure, recreation, and tourism. The advancements in internet speeds and digital infrastructure are integral to achieving these objectives, as they facilitate the growth of various sectors, including e-commerce, fintech, and digital media.

Furthermore, the growth in internet speeds and data consumption has implications for the Kingdom's educational institutions, which increasingly rely on digital platforms for learning. Online education has gained significant traction, especially in light of the global shift towards remote learning due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Improved internet connectivity enables students to access educational resources more easily, participate in online classes, and engage in collaborative learning experiences.

In conclusion, the increase in mobile internet speeds and the overall enhancement of Saudi Arabia's digital infrastructure signify a positive trajectory towards a more connected and technologically advanced society. As the Kingdom continues to invest in its digital future, the implications of these advancements will be felt across various sectors, driving economic growth and improving the quality of life for its citizens. The continued focus on digital transformation will be essential for maintaining this momentum and ensuring that Saudi Arabia remains competitive in the global digital economy.