stc, Saudi Arabia: 2G and 3G shutdown dates
Updated
stc has no 2G shutdown date we could confirm and plans to switch off 3G in 2023, according to the sources we checked on 26 October 2026. The table gives each source and how far we trust it; the rest of the page says what this means for IoT devices in Saudi Arabia.
2G and 3G status at stc
| Network | Status | Date | Confidence | Sources and notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2G | Unclear | none | low | stc.com.sa, linkmobility.com stc's FAQ says it will retain its 2G network so customers keep voice and SMS after the 3G switch-off, and LINK Mobility (Aug 2026) says Saudi 2G remains available with no confirmed nationwide date. An stc business page reportedly listed a Q4 2025 2G switch-off, but it no longer loads and could not be verified. |
| 3G | Planned | 2023 | medium | stc.com.sa, linkmobility.com stc announced the 3G shutdown during 2023, completion expected in Q3 2023 (an older FAQ answer said end-2022), and lists cities already switched off. Date has passed without confirmation of nationwide completion found; LINK Mobility (Aug 2026) describes Saudi 3G as a transition underway. |
Confidence is high when the operator or the regulator states the date, medium when several independent sources agree, low otherwise. We recheck every month.
What it means for IoT devices on stc
- 2G status unclear. Test a 2G device on site before relying on stc's 2G network.
- 3G works until the shutdown (2023). Devices that rely on 3G should move to 4G before then.
- For new devices, choose 4G-based technologies: LTE Cat-1 bis, LTE-M or NB-IoT where the network offers them.
- Foreign SIMs in Saudi Arabia: foreign IoT SIMs may stay in permanent roaming for up to 120 days. Details on the Saudi Arabia page.
An M2M.global IoT SIM is not tied to a single network in a country, and its data can reach your cloud without the internet through private delivery.
Other operators in Saudi Arabia
| Operator | 2G | 3G |
|---|---|---|
| Mobily | Unclear | Unclear |
| Zain KSA | Unclear | Switched off, January 2024 |
All operators and both rules for Saudi Arabia: IoT connectivity in Saudi Arabia. Every country: 2G and 3G shutdown dates by country and operator.
Frequently asked questions
When does stc switch off 3G in Saudi Arabia?
stc plans to switch off 3G in 2023. stc announced the 3G shutdown during 2023, completion expected in Q3 2023 (an older FAQ answer said end-2022), and lists cities already switched off. Date has passed without confirmation of nationwide completion found; LINK Mobility (Aug 2026) describes Saudi 3G as a transition underway.