Staying Connected During Hac: SIM Cards, WiFi, and Communication

## The Connectivity Challenge

Two million people overwhelm cellular infrastructure. Understanding the landscape and planning accordingly is essential.

## Saudi SIM Cards

STC, Mobily, and Zain offer prepaid SIMs at airports. SAR 50-150 with 5-20 GB data. STC generally has widest Hac area coverage. Bring passport for registration.

## WiFi Availability

Most hotels offer WiFi with variable quality. Some cafes provide WiFi. Haram has limited unreliable free WiFi. Do not rely on WiFi for critical needs.

## Network Congestion

During core Hac days, voice calls fail repeatedly. Data speeds drop to near-zero in crowded areas. This is a capacity problem, not coverage.

## Communication Strategy

Set expectations with family about periods of unreachability. Check in during early morning or late evening. Use text over voice calls. Send brief updates.

## Why IhramOS Offline Mode Matters

All core features work without internet. Download content before your trip and never depend on unreliable networks.

## Power Management

Carry a 10,000+ mAh power bank. Bring adapter (UK-type). Enable battery saver mode. Disable unnecessary background apps.