CITC issues 2 new mobile virtual network operators licenses

Logo of The Communications and Information Technology Commission (CITC)

The Communications and Information Technology Commission (CITC) awarded licenses to two new mobile virtual network operators (MVNOs) – Integrated Telecom Mobile Co. and Future Networks Communications Co. – bringing the total number of MVNOs inside the Kingdom to four.

Companies with MVNO licenses can provide users with services, including voice calls, internet, SMS, voicemail, media services and more, without owning any towers or frequencies. The provision of these services depends on the MVNOs renting or purchasing capacities from service providers with infrastructure, and then providing services to subscribers, CITC said in a statement today, July 14.

During the licensing ceremony, governor of CITC, Mohammed Al Tamimi, said that licensing MVNOs comes in line with the commission’s plans to stimulate the investment environment in Saudi Arabia’s telecom sector, which reflects the market competitiveness and attracts local and international investors.

The two licenses were awarded after the companies won a competition announced by CITC in February 2021.

Capital investments of telecom service providers amounted to SAR 17.6 billion in 2020, and the mobile telecom services penetration reached 135.5%, the statement added.