STC continues to strengthen smartphone credentials

STC Group has announced the launch a new variety of smartphones, raising the number of such devices available to its subscriber base to 68.

Smartphones currently represent 34 per cent of the total number of devices on the STC network; with an increase of 200 per cent in Android operating system devices in the past year. STC was the first operator in the kingdom to launch 4G in 2011, and has been expanding the technology’s coverage throughout the Middle East and North Africa.

The telco was also the first to enable its subscribers to purchase applications from Nokia’s OVI online store, allowing users to add their purchases directly to their monthly bill. In addition, STC was the first telco to offer the Windows Phone operating system in the kingdom through HTC.

It is worth noting that a report issued by the United Nations (UNCTAD) positions Saudi Arabia as the number one market worldwide with respect to the use of mobile telephony, with penetration levels reaching 188 per cent.