The following phrases and terms are intended; wherever they appear in this Law and its Implementing Regulation, the meanings specified next to them apply, unless the context requires otherwise:

• The Kingdom: The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

• The Law: The Communications Law.

• The Regulation: The Implementing Regulation of this Law.

• The Organization: The Organization of the Communications and Information Technology Commission.

• The Ministry: The Ministry of Communications and Information Technology.

• The Minister: The Minister of Communications and Information Technology.

• The Commission: The Communications and Information Technology Commission.

• The Council: The Board of Directors of the Communications and Information Technology Commission.

• Communications: The transmission of signals via wired or wireless devices between specified starting and ending points, including signals over the World Wide Web (Internet).

• Communication Service: The partial or complete transmission and routing of signals over public communication networks, including radio and television broadcasting and Internet services.

• Communication Network: The system used to provide communication service, including exchanges, cables, towers, wireless devices, optical means, electromagnetic means, and any other communication devices, along with their accompanying equipment.

• Universal Service: The provision of a minimum level of communication services with appropriate quality and price for all users.

• Right to Universal Access: Providing all users in the Kingdom the opportunity to benefit from a minimum level of communication services of appropriate quality, within a specified geographical area, and at a reasonable price.

• Operator (Service Provider): Any entity licensed to provide public communication service or operate a communication network used to provide such service.

• Dominant Operator: The operator whose service covers at least (40%) of the communication market in the Kingdom, and the Commission may change this percentage according to market conditions.

• User: A Natural Personality or legal entity that uses communication services.

• Frequency: The number of complete cycles of a wireless wave per second.

• Radio Spectrum: The range of frequencies that can be used in wireless communication according to international radio (wireless) regulations.

• National Frequency Plan (Frequencies): The plan prepared by the Commission and approved by the Council of Ministers, for the distribution of radio spectrum usage among the relevant entities.

• Numbering: A sequence of serial numbers that identifies a designated endpoint in the public communication network, including the necessary information to route communications to this endpoint.

• National Numbering Plan: The plan prepared by the Commission to determine the range of numbers used in various communication services.

• Supervision of the telecommunications sector shall be as follows:

  • 1. The Ministry shall set public policies and development plans and programs for the telecommunications sector; submit the license applications required under this Law and draft laws and amendments thereto; coordinate with concerned parties regarding the services provided to government bodies; represent the Kingdom before local, regional, and international telecommunications bodies, and it may delegate such power to CITC or any other agency it deems appropriate; and approve the rules, principles, and conditions related to Universal Service and Universal Access as proposed by CITC.

  • 2. CITC shall assume the duties assigned thereto under this Law, the Statute, and their Regulations.

• The telecommunications sector shall be regulated in accordance with this Law and in line with the following purposes:

  • 1. Providing advanced and adequate telecommunications services at reasonable prices.

  • 2. Providing access to public telecommunications networks, devices, and services at reasonable prices.

  • 3. Creating and promoting a fair and competitive environment in all telecommunications fields.

  • 4. Achieving effective and interference-free usage of frequencies.

  • 5. Utilizing the National Numbering Plan.

  • 6. Achieving clarity and transparency in all procedures.

  • 7. Observing the principles of equality and non- discrimination.

  • 8. Protecting public interest, user interest, and confidentiality of communications as well as maintaining information security.

  • 9. Transferring and nationalizing telecommunications technology and keeping abreast with developments thereof.

The provision of mobile phone communication services shall only be permitted through joint-stock companies that offer their shares for public subscription.

The license to provide mobile phone communication services is subject to the approval of the Council of Ministers.

• A financial consideration shall be collected for the benefit of the public treasury for providing commercial services, licensing operators, and allowing them to use frequencies pursuant to a decision issued by the Council of Ministers.

• CITC shall establish the principles and rules for determining the financial consideration for telecommunications services in a manner that maintains a competitive market. The Regulations shall specify the necessary controls.

• Requirements of Universal Service and Universal Access shall be applied in accordance with the rules and principles set in the Regulations.