Saudi digital enabler stc Group and Ooredoo Oman, a regional telecommunications provider, have announced the signing of a head of terms agreement to establish an international terrestrial fibre optic network corridor between Saudi Arabia and Oman. It’s called the SONIC project.
Both stc Group and Ooredoo say they are committed to enhancing the region's digital ecosystem and thus are creating an integrated terrestrial fibre network with two redundant paths that connects submarine cable landing stations and data centres across Saudi Arabia and Oman.
The partners aim to leverage the unique geographic positioning of both countries to enhance connectivity and elevate the digital infrastructure through a highly reliable and agile network.
The first phase of the SONIC project, expected to take 12 months – with the whole project completed within 24 months – aims to support ongoing subsea projects and elevate international subsea routes between Asia and Europe.
As Mohammed Alabbadi, Group Chief Carrier & Wholesale Officer at stc Group, puts it: “The SONIC project will be one of the key components in meeting the growing demand for regional and international connectivity through secure, high-capacity, and efficient networks.”
Bassam Yousef Al Ibrahim, CEO of Ooredoo Oman, adds: “By connecting Ooredoo Oman’s infrastructure with stc Group, we are enabling seamless international data flow, attracting investment, and fostering innovation. This collaboration realises a shared vision for progress and supports Oman Vision 2040 by driving economic growth and positioning the Sultanate as a key hub in the global digital ecosystem.”
