STC launches three data centres in Saudi Arabia

Telco switches on 10.8MW of critical power in the Gulf state

Saudi telco STC has moved forward with the launch of three new data centres comprised of hundreds of prefabricated modules.

STC is investing almost £200 million (1bn SAR) into the new facilities as part of an initiative to improve digital infrastructure in the Gulf state.

STC said two Tier III facilities in Jeddah and Madinah are now online, while a third in Riyadh is being commissioned, which when live will complete the first phase of the ambitious IT infrastructure project.

10.8MW of critical power is currently available, while the second phase aims to increase that number to 40.8 MW via four additional facilities in strategic locations across the Kingdom.

Capacity will be added piece-by-piece in a modular fashion – with each module being kitted out with necessary IT infrastructure, thermal management and power.

STC said the project’s progression is realising the Gulf state’s National Transformation Program 2020 in line with Saudi Vision 2030, a strategic framework to reduce Saudi Arabia’s dependence on oil and diversify its economy.

The infrastructure also has a defence motivation, with the Kingdom seeking to keep data within its borders to deter cyber threats.

“Today we announce investing about SAR 1 Billion in these 3 data centres,” said Nasser Al-Nasser, CEO of STC.

“The successful completion and transformation of STC’s mission-critical offering will enable the next step in digital services to be delivered throughout the Kingdom. This first milestone achievement is only the beginning.”

Founded in 1998, STC is Saudi Arabia’s largest telco and formerly held a monopoly on both mobile and fixed-line services. It is controlled by Saudi Arabia’s sovereign wealth fund which owns a 70 percent stake in the company.