Mobile Network Performance During Hajj: Meeting the Demands of Millions
The Hajj pilgrimage is one of the largest annual human gatherings globally, drawing nearly two million pilgrims to Mecca and the holy sites each year. This extraordinary influx creates unique and intense challenges for mobile network operators, who must ensure seamless connectivity and high-quality service in an environment of unprecedented user density and data demand.
Unprecedented Network Demand and Data Usage
During Hajj, millions of pilgrims rely on their mobile devices for navigation, communication, accessing religious information, and staying in touch with loved ones. This results in a dramatic surge in data traffic—per capita data usage during Hajj has been reported at double the global average, with total consumption reaching nearly 5.8 petabytes in a single season. On peak days, such as Eid Al-Adha, over 44.8 million voice calls are handled with a success rate above 99%.
Advanced Infrastructure and Coverage
To meet these demands, Saudi Arabia has made significant investments in telecom infrastructure:
Cell Towers and Coverage: Over 6,200 mobile towers, including more than 4,000 5G-enabled towers, have been deployed across Mecca, Medina, and the holy sites—a 37% increase from the previous year. This ensures that 5G and 4G coverage now reaches 99% of these key areas.
Wi-Fi Access Points: More than 10,500 Wi-Fi hotspots are available throughout the holy sites, providing additional connectivity options for pilgrims.
Network Expansion: Operators have increased the number of towers in the holy sites by up to 63% and expanded 5G coverage to critical areas like Muzdalifah and the Third Saudi Expansion of the Holy Mosque.
Performance Metrics: Speed and Quality
Despite the massive surge in users, mobile networks in Mecca and Medina have demonstrated impressive performance:
Internet Speeds: Mobile internet speeds have reached up to 264 Mbps in Mecca and 336 Mbps in Medina, with average download speeds during Hajj consistently exceeding 180 Mbps. Median 5G download speeds at the holy sites have been recorded as high as 470 Mbps.
Consistent Quality: While there are brief dips in network quality due to congestion—especially in the city center, Mina, and Mount Arafat—networks have proven resilient, with quick recoveries and stable performance throughout the pilgrimage.
Reduced Signal Loss: The proportion of time users spend without a signal has decreased, thanks to continuous infrastructure upgrades and real-time monitoring.
Innovations and Real-Time Management
Saudi operators have implemented cutting-edge technologies to maintain network reliability:
Artificial Intelligence: AI and machine learning are used to classify usage levels, diagnose network performance, and predict congestion or outages in real time.
Digital Twin Technology: This allows for live simulation and analysis of network conditions, enabling rapid responses to emerging issues.
Automated Service Delivery: Platforms like Nusuk streamline SIM activation and customer support, reducing wait times and improving the digital experience for pilgrims.
Operational Support and Volunteer Workforce
More than 7,400 ICT professionals and over 200 trained technology volunteers are deployed during Hajj to provide technical support and ensure smooth operation of telecom services. These teams work around the clock to monitor network performance, address technical issues, and assist pilgrims in multiple languages.
Challenges and Continuous Improvement
While the networks are robust, the sheer density of users can cause temporary slowdowns, particularly during peak rituals and in high-traffic areas. Nevertheless, the Saudi government and telecom operators have shown a strong commitment to continuous improvement, with annual increases in network capacity, coverage, and quality.
Conclusion
The mobile network performance during Hajj stands as a testament to Saudi Arabia’s commitment to leveraging technology for the benefit of pilgrims. Through strategic infrastructure investments, adoption of advanced digital tools, and a focus on real-time management, the Kingdom has succeeded in providing reliable, high-speed connectivity—even under the immense pressure of one of the world’s largest gatherings. This ensures that pilgrims can remain connected, informed, and safe throughout their spiritual journey