RIYADH: Saudi Arabia has secured the second rank among G20 nations in the International Telecommunication Union’s 2023 index to monitor information and communication technology worldwide. According to ITU’s Information and Communication Technology Development Index, the Kingdom scored 94.9 points, advancing 10 spots over last year and reigning higher than the global average of 72.8. The US topped the ICT Development Index among G20 nations with 96.6 points. Other G20 peers, which include the UK and Japan, were also placed below Saudi Arabia, as they secured 92.8 and 92 points, respectively. The ICT Development Index monitors the economies of 169 nations to measure their progress in ICT services through two main pillars: “universal connectivity” and “meaningful connectivity.” In its report, ITU also evaluated factors such as providing a high-quality infrastructure and maintaining secure internet for everyone. In a statement, Saudi Arabia’s Communications, Space and Technology Commission said that the index highlights the Kingdom’s commitment to developing its ICT infrastructure and services to boost economic growth and create opportunities. It rates the Saudi ICT market as the largest and the fastest growing in the Middle East and North Africa region. “The IDI reflects Saudi Arabia’s strong ICT infrastructure and the affordable and reliable services, which directly contribute to the development of the national digital economy, attract investment, and increase the size of the Saudi ICT market,” said CITC in the statement. CITC added that Saudi Arabia’s ICT sector is progressing steadily, aligned with the goals outlined in Vision 2030, which aims to position the Kingdom as a technology hub. According to CITC, Saudi Arabia has 99 percent internet penetration, with total investments in the sector hitting SR93 billion ($24.79 billion) over the past six years. Since 2016, Saudi Arabia has had an established digitization procedure called the National Strategy for Digital Transformation. It is currently in its final stage, the Smart Government Strategy, aiming to create a new seamless government experience for beneficiaries by 2024.