CST: Around SR 1 Billion in Investments to Expand Smart Infrastructure at LEAP25

The Communications, Space & Technology Commission (CST) has announced the issuance of four licenses including the Carrier Service Provider License, and the provision of telecommunication services and the operation services of Non-Terrestrial Networks (NTN). The announcement was made during the International Tech Conference LEAP25 currently held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia and is expected to drive approximately around SR 1 billion in telecommunications sector investments. This step aims to enhance the development of advanced smart infrastructure, enable cutting-edge technologies, boost service competitiveness, and attract further investment to foster growth in Saudi Arabia’s telecommunications sector.

CST granted the Carrier Service Provider license to Water Transmission and Technologies Company (WTCO), Saudi Arabia Railways (SAR), and Raqeem Smart Solutions. This license allows utility companies to provide excess telecommunications infrastructure capacity, such as fiber optics and towers, to licensed individual service providers.

During a formal ceremony attended by CST Governor Dr. Mohammed bin Saud Altamimi, Saudi Water Authority President Eng. Abdullah AlAbdulkarim, and the Authority’s Vice President of Sustainability Eng. Mamdouh AlShuaibi, Eng. Omar Alrejraje, Regulation and Competition Sector Deputy Governor at CST presented the Carrier Service Provider license to the three companies; WTCO was represented by its CEO Eng. Khaled AlHabib, the Saudi Arabia Railways was represented by Eng. Abdullah AlYousef, Vice President of Infrastructure, while Raqeem Smart Solutions was represented by its CEO Eng. Bandar AlAnazi.

The license provided to WTCO will enable licensed companies to provide services to individual license holders. This will optimize existing infrastructure, expand telecommunications services for citizens, and accelerate digital transformation.

For SAR, the license is expected to boost the telecommunications sector with an anticipated investment in the company’s fiber optic cables along railway routes. It will also extend telecom services to remote areas, leveraging SAR’s fiber optic network along the northern and eastern railway corridors.

The license granted to Raqeem Smart Solutions is projected to generate investments, supporting the provision of efficient telecom services for Saudi Arabia’s industrial infrastructure.

Additionally, CST issued a General Class License, a permission for Providing Telecommunication Services Over Non-terrestrial Networks (NTN) and a permission for Providing Operation Services of Non-terrestrial Networks (NTN), to SKYFive Arabia, received by its CEO Mohammed Abdulrahim. The license enables the company to develop high-quality satellite communication solutions to enhance aviation sector connectivity in Saudi Arabia.

SKYFive Arabia’s permission for Providing Telecommunication Services Over Non-terrestrial Networks (NTN), facilitating efficient in-flight connectivity solutions for commercial aircraft. This will enhance services for Saudi citizens and visitors, contributing to quality of life and advancing digital transformation.

CST remains committed to fostering growth across its sectors, enhancing service competitiveness, and expanding the telecommunications market by welcoming new licensed operators. This approach aims to attract investments, strengthen infrastructure, and introduce innovative services that meet the highest quality standards and leverage cutting-edge technology.