Saudi Arabia: Comprehensive update to the National Spectrum Plan

In a strategic move aimed at strengthening the Kingdom's digital infrastructure, the Communications and Space Technology Commission (CITC) has released a draft update to the National Spectrum Plan through the government's online platform, "Istilaa." This initiative empowers the public and relevant stakeholders to participate in shaping regulatory changes, ensuring the optimal use of limited natural resources and reinforcing the principles of transparency and good governance in the communications and information technology sector.

The importance of the frequency spectrum in the digital age

The radio spectrum is the lifeblood of the modern digital economy, underpinning all wireless technologies, from mobile networks and high-speed internet to space, security, and defense technologies. Under the Kingdom’s Vision 2030, managing this resource is of paramount importance to supporting digital transformation, developing smart cities, and advancing Internet of Things (IoT) technologies. These updates reflect the Kingdom’s commitment to maintaining its regional leadership, as it ranks among the most advanced countries in allocating radio spectrum for mobile communications services in the Middle East and Africa.

Key features of the new update

The proposed document focused on four strategic pillars aimed at radically restructuring the organizational framework. Among the most prominent changes are:

• Updating the National Frequency Allocation Table: This included reviewing international and national footnotes and adding detailed information about the nature of the uses to resolve any potential overlap between different services.
• Introducing the “User Access Category”: The Authority added a separate column that clearly identifies the entities entitled to use each domain, whether they are governmental entities (military and civilian), commercial entities, or individuals, which enhances the clarity of the regulation.
• Classification of radio services: The services were precisely divided into “primary services” which have full protection from interference, and “secondary services” which are not entitled to claim protection, even if they came first in terms of time usage.

Compliance with international standards

The Authority affirmed in its draft the Kingdom's full commitment to the regulations issued by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU). National distributions have been updated to align with the outcomes of World Radiocommunication Conferences, ensuring that systems and technologies in the Kingdom operate in harmony with global standards and preserving the Kingdom's regulatory status within "Region 1" of the ITU's geographical divisions. This facilitates the adoption of new technologies as soon as they are released globally.

Financial responsibilities and timeframe

The plan set a clear time and financial framework for implementation, stipulating that:

• Cost-bearing: Spectrum users are required to bear the cost of modifying or replacing their systems to comply with new standards in the event of a conflict, in order to ensure an operating environment free from harmful interferences that could affect vital services.
• Implementation date: The revised plan is scheduled to come into effect 90 days its official adoption, giving the concerned parties sufficient time to adjust their technical and legal status.

The Authority concluded its document by emphasizing that the National Plan is the only regulatory reference that balances the growing needs of the public and private sectors, and supports the growth of the digital economy while maintaining national security requirements.