Diriyah Company has recently signed an agreement with a joint venture between Integrated Telecom Company (Salam) and Telecommunications Towers Company (TAWAL) to provide telecommunications services to the first phase of the Diriyah project, including services for areas of Wadi Hanifah and Wadi Safar.
The 15-year Design, Build and Operate contract covers open-access services for visitors, tenants, and residents of Diriyah and fiber optic connectivity for 2,000 plots. In addition, more than 80 telecommunication towers are expected to be erected over the next three years.
The contract was signed by Jerry Inzerillo, GCEO of DGDA, Eng. Ahmed Al-Anqari CEO of Salam, and Eng. Mohammed Alhakbani CEO of TAWAL.
Works commenced in August 2022 with the construction of temporary towers to enable telecommunications services during the construction phase. One of the project’s most notable sustainability features is the shared use of each tower among all three of Saudi Arabia’s primary mobile operators – STC, Mobily, and Zain – to minimize the number of towers required for coverage and their impact on the urban silhouette and landscape. In addition, camouflaged towers will be used to blend in with the surrounding heritage and architectural design. The project will also include high-speed fiber optics, 4G and 5G wireless services, as well as a range of indoor solutions.
Jerry Inzerillo commented on the agreement stating that Diriyah prioritizes telecommunications and network access across all of its projects, adhering to the highest global standards. “The contract with Salam and TAWAL will boost Diriyah’s offering, providing high-speed wireless and fiber connectivity to tenants, residents, and visitors to Diriyah, a key element that will help enhance overall quality of life. The project is part of Diriyah’s comprehensive plan to offer neutrally managed high-speed connectivity, support the Internet of Things (IoT) connectivity, integrate smart city technology, and allow our residents and visitors to easily select their preferred service provider,” he stated.
The shared infrastructure will cut costs for service providers and will reduce the number of towers needed for coverage and provide reliable telecom services across the Diriyah development, thus guaranteeing connectivity.
New telecom services across Wadi Hanifah and Wadi Safar will also improve wireless connectivity and provide 4G and 5G services to residents and visitors, while replacing providers’ own towers with improved camouflaged ones that better blend in with the surroundings.
