CST awards stc frequency spectrum auction for non-terrestrial networks

Communications, Space, and Technology Commission headquarters

The Communications, Space, and Technology Commission (CST) announced the spectrum auction’s results in the 2100MHz band for non-terrestrial networks (NTNs), which started on Nov. 30.

The auction lasted for three days, which included 32 bidding rounds, as bidding took place on two frequency channels with a total bandwidth of 60MHz. A total of four companies were qualified to participate in the auction according to previously published disclosures.

stc won both channels to cover all regions of the Kingdom with airspace in-flight broadband internet access via air-to-ground (A2G) solution, as well as mobile communications services (MSS) via satellites.

The auction aims to stimulate the deployment of NTNs, enhance investments in them, provide advanced services to the end user, and emphasize the Kingdom's leadership in enabling these networks.

The winning firm is responsible for providing services to users, and can cooperate with other specialized companies in the field.

This auction is the first of its kind worldwide for NTNs aimed to enhance the CST’s efforts to spread these technologies across the Kingdom, cover areas not served by terrestrial and remote networks, and provide the best options for users therein.