Saudi Internet Speeds Rank Among G20 Leaders
Saudi Arabia has secured a place among the top five G20 nations for mobile internet performance after recording significant improvements in network speed and digital connectivity. According to the Communications, Space and Technology Commission (CST), the Kingdom’s median mobile internet download speed reached 216 Mbps in 2025, up from 203 Mbps the previous year. Consequently, Saudi Arabia continues to strengthen its position as a global leader in digital infrastructure.
The findings, published in the fifth Saudi Internet Report, also show that internet penetration climbed to 99.6%, highlighting the widespread adoption of digital services across the country. Moreover, average monthly mobile data consumption reached 53 GB per person, nearly three times the global average. These figures reflect Saudi Arabia’s continued investment in advanced telecommunications networks under its digital transformation strategy.
5G Expansion Drives Faster Connectivity
Saudi Arabia’s expanding 5G infrastructure has played a key role in improving internet performance. Median 5G download speeds reached 320 Mbps, while mobile network latency fell to 24 milliseconds. In addition, median fixed broadband download speeds increased to 151 Mbps from 120.4 Mbps, while upload speeds rose to 73 Mbps with latency of just 8 milliseconds.
The report also revealed that total internet traffic reached 69 million terabytes during the year. Meanwhile, domestic traffic accounted for 56% of the total, while international traffic represented the remaining 44%. Riyadh generated the largest share of internet traffic at 30.6%, followed by the Makkah Region at 20.5% and the Eastern Region at 16.8%.
Digital Services Continue to Grow
Saudi Arabia’s internet users are increasingly embracing AI-powered and digital services. According to the report, 45.2% of internet users now utilize artificial intelligence tools, more than doubling the previous year’s adoption rate. Furthermore, government digital services reached 96% of users, while 85.9% used online banking and 76.9% shopped online. ChatGPT emerged as the most downloaded AI application, reflecting the country’s growing interest in generative AI technologies.
The report also noted that IPv6 activation reached 67% among users, demonstrating continued modernization of the Kingdom’s internet infrastructure. Additionally, Saudi Arabia recently ranked first among 159 economies in the International Telecommunication Union’s 2026 ICT Development Index, reinforcing its broader leadership in digital connectivity. As the Kingdom continues expanding broadband, 5G, and AI capabilities, it is strengthening its position as one of the world’s most digitally advanced economies.
