Updating the National Spectrum Plan in Saudi Arabia 2024

In a strategic move aimed at strengthening the Kingdom's digital infrastructure, the Communications and Space Technology Commission (CITC) has released a draft of the updated 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 alignment of local policies with the latest international standards and reinforcing transparency in the management of this vital national resource.

The importance of the frequency spectrum in the digital economy

The radio spectrum is the backbone of wireless communications and the lifeblood of the modern digital economy. Under the Kingdom’s Vision 2030, managing this resource is of paramount importance to support 5G and beyond technologies, the Internet of Things (IoT), and smart cities. The ongoing updates to the National Frequency Plan not only regulate frequencies but also enhance the efficient use of limited natural resources, opening new avenues for investment in the communications and technology sector and preventing harmful interference that could affect vital services and security.

Modernization and structural transformation axes

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

• National Table Update: The amendments included changes to the structure of the National Frequency Allocation Table, with updated international and national footnotes and the addition of detailed information on the nature of the uses to deconflict potential interferences.
• User access category: The Authority has introduced a separate column that clearly identifies the entities entitled to use each domain (government, military and civilian entities, or commercial and individuals), which enhances governance.
• Classification of radio services: The draft redefined services by dividing them into “primary services” that enjoy full protection, and “secondary services” that are not entitled to claim protection, even if they came first in terms of time usage.

Compliance with international standards (ITU)

The Authority affirmed in its document 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 the World Radiocommunication Conferences, thus maintaining the Kingdom's regulatory status within "Region 1" of the ITU's geographical divisions. This international alignment is essential to ensure the efficient operation of imported equipment and systems within the Kingdom and to avoid interference with neighboring countries, thereby enhancing the reliability of Saudi telecommunications services at the regional level.

Financial responsibilities and application deadline

The plan clearly defines financial responsibilities, stipulating that spectrum users will bear the cost of modifying or replacing their existing systems to comply with the new standards in case of conflict, thus ensuring an operational environment free from harmful interference. Regarding the timeframe, the authority has set a deadline for implementation; the revised plan is scheduled to take effect ninety days after its official adoption, giving all stakeholders sufficient time to adjust their technical and legal standing.

The Authority concluded its document by emphasizing that the National Plan is the only regulatory reference that achieves a balance between different needs and protects vital services, thereby supporting national security and the Kingdom’s accelerated economic growth.