New regulations aimed at encouraging businesses to invest in new networks that could enhance wireless connectivity, and in innovative new telecoms services that could be delivered via those networks, have been approved in Saudi Arabia.
The Communications, Space & Technology Commission (CST) in Saudi Arabia approved three sets of rules – regulations relating to the provision and operation of so-called ‘non-terrestrial networks’ (NTNs); regulations relating to the operation of telecoms services via NTNs; and regulations regarding the registration of telecommunication space stations.
Dubai-based technology law expert Zil Rehman of Pinsent Masons said approval of the regulations is “a pivotal step towards a more connected, innovative, and economically diverse Saudi Arabia”, adding that the move aligns with the broader goals of the state’s Vision 2030, to transform the country into a global technology powerhouse.
NTNs is a term that can be used to describe a variety of different air- or space-borne technologies, all of which can enable wireless connectivity in some way. It is possible that NTNs will comprise whole or part of future ‘6G’ standards, which have yet to be agreed on.
The new NTN regulations are technology-neutral but apply to, for example, Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellites, which can provide global coverage with low latency; Medium Earth Orbit (MEO) satellites, which offer a balance between coverage and latency; and Geostationary Orbit (GEO) satellites, which can ensure consistent coverage over specific areas. They also apply to High Altitude Platform Systems (HAPS), which use stratospheric platforms for wide-area coverage; Low Altitude Platform Systems (LAPS), which employ lower altitude platforms for localised services; and Air-to-Ground (A2G) communication, where communication between aircraft and ground stations is facilitated.
The regulations relating to the provision of telecom services via NTNs and operation of NTNs set a series of technical and safety standards for the services. Service providers seeking to provide such services are required to obtain a licence from the CST. The regulations regarding the registration of telecommunication space stations detail the registration process for space stations involved in NTNs and aim to streamline administrative procedures and ensure regulatory compliance.
The CST, formerly the Communications and Information Technology Commission, has previously said the regulations “aim to enable these networks, create an encouraging regulatory environment that promotes investment, facilitate the adoption of the latest NTN wireless technologies and contribute to the thriving digital economy in the Kingdom”.
Rehman said the regulations will significantly impact the future of communication services and new technologies in Saudi Arabia. He said it has been envisaged that NTNs will provide more consistent access to digital services across the country; provide for reduced latency in comparison with some existing communication networks; foster innovation in telecom services; support the adoption of technologies like AI and the ‘internet of things’, and enable growth in Saudi Arabia at a time in which it is seeking to diversify the economy.
Approval of the regulations comes ahead of the International Forum on Connecting the World from the Skies, a major global telecoms industry event that is taking place in Riyadh this month. The event is being hosted by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) and the Communications, Space & Technology Commission (CST) of Saudi Arabia. A keynote discussion scheduled is to focus on the future of NTN connectivity.
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