Saudi telecom regulator issues unified licenses

The Saudi Communications and Information Technology Commission (CITC), the telecom regulator, has provided on Sunday authorized mobile network operators and internet service providers in the kingdom with unified telecommunication licenses, it said in a statement.

The regulator also extended licensing periods for Saudi Telecom Co. (STC), Etihad Etisalat (Mobily), Mobile Telecommunications Company (Zain) and Etihad Atheeb Telecommunications Co. (Go).

Under the new licenses, operators will be able to provide fixed-and-mobile services, as well as internet services, the CITC said.

The new licensing system will allow increased competition and subscriber options through enhancing network efficiency and cutting costs, it added.

Earlier this month, a government order was issued directing the CITC to provide the kingdom’s operators with unified telecommunication license and to extend their licensing periods by 15 years.