Carrier guide

Network compatibility STC

STC (Saudi Telecom Company) is Saudi Arabia's leading mobile operator with over 30 million subscribers. A 5G pioneer in the Middle East, STC deploys a dense network including 5G mmWave. This guide details the 4G/5G bands and compatibility with HiCellTek.

Updated March 2026 · ~5 min read

STC frequency bands

STC operates a comprehensive spectrum portfolio including FDD, TDD and mmWave bands, providing nationwide coverage and ultra-high throughput in urban areas.

Technology	Band	Frequency	Primary use
4G LTE	B1	2100 MHz	Urban coverage, capacity
4G LTE	B3	1800 MHz	Primary band, extended coverage
4G LTE	B7	2600 MHz	High capacity FDD
4G LTE	B20	800 MHz	Rural and indoor coverage
4G LTE	B38	2600 MHz TDD	TDD, high urban capacity
4G LTE	B40	2300 MHz	TDD, additional capacity
4G LTE	B41	2500 MHz	TDD, high throughput
5G NR	n78	3500 MHz	Primary 5G, high throughput
5G NR	n258	26 GHz	5G mmWave, ultra-high throughput

STC also retains 2G (900/1800 MHz) and 3G (900/2100 MHz) spectrum. 5G SA (Standalone) is active on n78 in major Saudi cities.

HiCellTek use cases for STC

5G Drive Test

Drive test campaigns on the STC network including 5G n78 and n258 mmWave bands. Measure SS-RSRP, SS-SINR and NR throughput in Riyadh, Jeddah and Dammam.

Network optimization

Optimize FDD/TDD coexistence (B7/B38) and identify interference zones. The RF Monitor module delivers real-time KPIs across all STC bands.

SSV (Single Site Verification)

Validate STC sites by measuring coverage, handovers and VoLTE quality. Export reports in Excel for technical acceptance processes.

Indoor coverage audit

Map STC coverage in malls, airports and Saudi stadiums with the Indoor Walk Test module. Validate DAS and 5G small cells.

Frequently asked questions. STC

What 4G/5G bands does STC use in Saudi Arabia?

STC deploys bands B1 (2100 MHz), B3 (1800 MHz), B7 (2600 MHz), B20 (800 MHz), B38 (2600 MHz TDD), B40 (2300 MHz) and B41 (2500 MHz) for 4G. For 5G, STC uses n78 (3500 MHz) and n258 (26 GHz mmWave) for ultra-high throughput.

Does STC offer 5G mmWave?

Yes, STC is one of the first operators worldwide to have deployed 5G mmWave on band n258 (26 GHz) in Saudi Arabia. This technology delivers speeds above 1 Gbps in dense areas such as Riyadh and Jeddah.

How can I test STC network quality with HiCellTek?

HiCellTek supports all STC FDD and TDD bands. The Drive Test and RF Monitor modules measure RSRP, RSRQ, SINR and throughput in real time, including on 5G bands n78 and n258, directly from an Android smartphone.