The telecommunications industry stands at an inflexion point. Today, success demands that we become ecosystem orchestrators, not just connectivity providers. At Salam, we’ve embraced this fundamental shift by transforming how we work with hyperscalers, moving from a transactional vendor-client relationship to genuine co-creation of value. The numbers speak for themselves: our Saudi National Fiber Network (SNFN) now spans over 17,000 kilometres, incorporating advanced synchronous digital hierarchy (SDH) and dense wavelength division multiplexing (DWDM) technologies that deliver the ultra-low latency AI applications demand. But infrastructure alone isn’t enough.
What makes the difference is how we’ve strategically positioned carrier-neutral data centres in Riyadh, Jeddah, and Al Khobar, creating metro-fibre rings that provide the proximity and redundancy essential for latency-sensitive AI workloads.
The reality is that AI doesn’t just need bandwidth; it needs intelligence at the edge. Through our partnerships, we’re building a distributed edge computing infrastructure that ensures AI applications can process data where it’s generated while meeting Saudi Arabia’s CST compliance requirements. Our strategic acquisition of 60 per cent ownership of Technical Links Services Company (TLS) exemplifies how we’re optimising capital allocation while maintaining control over critical edge infrastructure.
This approach has positioned Saudi Arabia as a regional digital hub where international enterprises can deploy AI applications while benefiting from the kingdom’s 30-50 per cent lower operational costs compared to global averages.
The question everyone asks is whether telcos and hyperscalers can become real partners. My answer is unequivocal: yes, but only if we’re willing to fundamentally reimagine the relationship. Traditional vendor-client dynamics simply don’t work in an AI-driven economy where both parties need to share risk, investment, and long-term revenue.
Our partnerships with Oracle prove this transformation is possible. We’ve moved beyond simply “selling gigabytes” to creating integrated solutions that address both performance needs and data sovereignty requirements.
The convergence of IoT, 5G and AI has created natural partnership zones where telco infrastructure meets hyperscaler computing power. Edge computing applications requiring ultra-low latency processing play to our inherent strengths, while AI applications requiring local data processing strengthen our position as hyperscalers need local partnerships to meet compliance and performance requirements.
Internally, we’ve integrated AI and machine learning throughout our operations, from network optimisation and predictive maintenance to transparent billing systems that eliminate disputes and hidden fees. Our partnerships have transformed customer interactions using AI and cloud-based platforms, while our NCA-compliant cybersecurity frameworks use AI for threat detection, SOC monitoring, and DDoS protection.
This internal AI adoption provides us with deep expertise in AI infrastructure requirements, enabling us to better serve enterprise clients deploying their own AI applications. It’s created a virtuous cycle where our operational improvements directly translate to customer value.
As we look toward 2026, the opportunities are unprecedented. Smart city solutions require integrated IoT, AI, and blockchain capabilities that combine our connectivity strengths with hyperscaler processing and analytics. Industry 4.0 applications in manufacturing, logistics, and automotive sectors need real-time AI processing at the network edge, creating natural joint solution opportunities. The future belongs to those who can orchestrate ecosystems, not just operate networks.
