New internet speed regulations from the Saudi Communications Authority
The Communications, Space and Technology Commission has released the third edition of the document regulating coverage and speeds of mobile communications services for public consultation. This step aims to establish internet speed regulations to improve the efficiency of services provided and protect the rights of users in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia by clearly and reliably defining obligations.
Objectives of internet speed regulations and improving service quality
This regulatory document is part of the Authority's ongoing efforts to enable comprehensive digital transformation and meet users' growing expectations for faster and more stable connectivity services. The Authority clarified that if a service provider wishes to transition to newer communication technologies, at least 99% of users' devices must support voice services for the new technology to be activated.
In cases where devices achieve a support rate exceeding 90%, the service provider has the right to submit a special request for the Authority to study, provided that the request includes all the necessary procedures and measures to mitigate the adverse effects that may result from this technological transition on current users.
Historical context and digital transformation in the Kingdom
The telecommunications sector in Saudi Arabia has witnessed tremendous leaps in recent years, in line with the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030. After relying on 3G and early 4G technologies, the Kingdom has achieved leading global rankings in mobile internet speeds thanks to massive investments in infrastructure and the deployment of 5G networks. These new regulations aim to crown this historic progress, ensuring coverage not only in terms of geographical area but also in terms of effective service quality and actual data speeds for subscribers.
Deadline for addressing violations and plans for fulfilling obligations
The document issued by the Communications, Space and Technology Commission (CSTC) confirms that service providers will be granted a grace period of up to 180 days to fulfill their coverage and download speed obligations if they are found to be non-compliant with the specified standards. The CSTC also indicated that this grace period can be extended in cases of unforeseen geographical changes, provided that the total grace period does not exceed 360 days from the date of official notification.
The Authority also noted that the service provider will bear the full financial costs of the verification and auditing processes necessary to ensure compliance with all obligations outlined in the document. The companies concerned must submit a clear action plan demonstrating compliance with the obligations in the specified geographic areas within a period not exceeding 90 days from the date of official adoption of the regulations.
Expected impact and joint cooperation to enhance transparency
This regulatory move aims to achieve the highest levels of transparency by unifying licensing obligations and government support projects under the umbrella of the communications and information technology system. At both the local and regional levels, improving the efficiency of communication networks contributes to supporting the growth of the digital economy, facilitating the operations of startups, and enhancing the Kingdom's attractiveness as a leading regional technology hub.
To ensure accurate implementation, the Authority relies directly on geographical and statistical data issued by the General Authority for Statistics, the Ministry of Transport and Logistics, and the General Authority for Roads, to identify and classify geographical areas with extreme precision to ensure that services reach all regions of the Kingdom with equal quality.
