JEDDAH: Saudi telecom giant stc has signed a contract worth SR32.64 billion ($8.71 billion) with an undisclosed government entity to build, operate, and provide telecommunications infrastructure services.  The agreement, revealed in a filing with the Saudi Stock Exchange, spans 18 months for preparation and execution, followed by 15 years of operational management.  The deal comes amid the continued expansion of Saudi Arabia’s growing telecom and information and communication technology infrastructure sector, which was valued at $3.5 billion in 2023.