Best ISP in Saudi Arabia for 2026

Top ISPs in Saudi Arabia at a glance

ISP breakdown

1. STC (Saudi Telecom Company)

STC is Saudi Arabia's dominant telecommunications company and by far the largest ISP in the country. Its fiber-to-the-home (FTTH) network, marketed under the STC Home brand, is the most extensive in the Kingdom, covering Riyadh, Jeddah, Dammam, Mecca, Medina, and a growing number of secondary cities and towns. STC offers plans from 100 Mbps to 2 Gbps, with 500 Mbps and 1 Gbps being the most popular residential tiers. STC also offers 5G fixed wireless home internet in areas where its 5G network is deployed, providing a no-installation-required alternative in 5G-strong areas. STC's international routing is the strongest in the Kingdom, with multiple submarine cable connections.

2. Mobily

Mobily (Etihad Etisalat) is Saudi Arabia's second-largest telecom operator and a significant fiber broadband provider. Mobily's FTTH rollout has been concentrated in major urban areas, and its 5G FWA home internet service is competitive in cities with strong 5G coverage. Mobily frequently runs promotional pricing that undercuts STC on equivalent speed tiers, making it a strong value choice in areas where both providers are available. Mobily's mobile network is the second-largest in Saudi Arabia and bundles well with its home internet product.

3. Zain Saudi

Zain Saudi Arabia is the third of the Kingdom's major telecom operators, offering both fiber broadband and 5G home internet. Zain has been aggressive in deploying 5G FWA as an alternative to traditional fiber installation, marketing it as a fast-to-activate home internet solution. Fiber coverage is expanding but remains less comprehensive than STC. Zain's pricing is competitive and the provider is particularly popular among younger and more digitally active households attracted by its marketing and app-based account management.

4. GO Telecom

GO Telecom is a fiber-focused ISP that has been expanding its FTTH footprint in Riyadh and other major Saudi cities. GO differentiates itself with competitive pricing and a customer-first approach, and has built a reputation for reliable service in the residential developments it covers. Plans range from 100 to 500 Mbps. GO does not offer mobile services, positioning itself as a pure-play home broadband provider.

5. Integrated Telecom

Integrated Telecom (ITC) provides fiber broadband services primarily in Riyadh and a few other major cities. ITC has historically focused more on business connectivity but has expanded residential FTTH in select high-density developments. Plans top out at 500 Mbps for residential customers. Coverage is limited compared to STC or Mobily, so availability should be checked carefully at the address level.

How to choose the best ISP in Saudi Arabia

1. STC for widest coverage — if you are outside the major metro areas of Riyadh, Jeddah, and Dammam, STC is the most likely provider to have fiber at your address. Its nationwide footprint is unmatched.
2. Consider 5G FWA for easy activation — all three major operators (STC, Mobily, Zain) offer 5G home internet that activates within hours via a router device, with no fiber installation wait. For new residents or those who move frequently, this is a practical first option.
3. Compare promotional pricing — Saudi ISPs run frequent promotional campaigns. Comparing current offers on STC, Mobily, and Zain's websites before signing a 12-month contract can yield significant savings.
4. Check for Vision 2030 infrastructure in your area — Saudi Arabia's large-scale smart city and infrastructure projects (NEOM, Qiddiya, King Abdullah Economic City) are receiving high-speed fiber ahead of general residential rollout in surrounding areas.

Internet speeds in Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia's fixed broadband speeds have improved dramatically over the past five years, driven by Vision 2030 investment mandates for digital infrastructure. Ookla Speedtest data in early 2026 shows a median fixed broadband download speed of approximately 150–180 Mbps — a significant jump from the 50–80 Mbps range recorded in 2020. Riyadh and Jeddah record the fastest median speeds, often exceeding 200 Mbps. Mobile broadband speeds are also very strong, with STC and Mobily's 5G networks among the fastest in the Middle East. Rural and desert regions still rely predominantly on LTE FWA or VSAT satellite connectivity.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are VoIP and video calling services available in Saudi Arabia?

Yes — VoIP and video calling restrictions that previously applied in Saudi Arabia were lifted in 2017. Services including WhatsApp calls, FaceTime, Skype, Zoom, Google Meet, and similar platforms are fully accessible and widely used. Saudi Arabia's ISPs do not block these services, and broadband speeds are sufficient for high-quality video calls. This change was part of a broader liberalization of the telecom sector under Vision 2030.

How does STC compare to Mobily for home fiber in Saudi Arabia?

For home fiber, STC has the widest coverage and the most extensive FTTH network, making it the default choice in areas where competition is limited. In major cities where both are available, the choice comes down to current pricing promotions and customer service preference. Mobily has invested in improving its network quality and customer experience, and often matches or undercuts STC on promotional pricing. On equivalent plans, real-world speed differences are minimal — both deliver close to advertised speeds on fiber. Check both providers' current offers at your specific address before committing to a contract.