CST And ITU Forge Cooperation Agreement To Host Global Events On Non-Terrestrial Networks

The Communications, Space and Technology Commission (CST) and the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) have formalised a partnership to organise global events centred on non-terrestrial networks (NTN). This agreement was signed by Eng. Mohammad AlJanoobi, CST's Deputy Governor of the Radio Spectrum Sector, and Mario Maniewicz, Director of the ITU Radiocommunication Bureau. The signing took place during the Connecting the World from the Skies Global Forum 2024.

The agreement aims to enhance collaboration between CST and ITU in hosting international events focused on NTN. It also seeks to keep up with rapid developments in telecom services, provide tech solutions to connect remote areas and serve humanity, promote research and innovation in NTN technologies, and enable a sustainable and eco-friendly communication infrastructure.

Saudi Arabia has been a member of the ITU since 1949. The Kingdom has also held a seat on the ITU Council since 1965. The council consists of 48 member states out of ITU’s total of 193 member countries. This long-standing relationship underscores Saudi Arabia's commitment to global telecommunications development.

This agreement aligns with CST's efforts to establish Saudi Arabia as a global hub for hosting international events. It aims to spearhead worldwide initiatives to bridge the digital divide and connect unserved populations. By focusing on NTN technologies, Saudi Arabia seeks to advance its position in global telecommunications.

Saudi Arabia hosted the first edition of the Connecting the World from the Skies Global Forum in 2022. This event is scheduled every two years, highlighting Saudi Arabia's role in fostering international dialogue on telecommunications advancements. The forum serves as a platform for discussing innovative solutions in connecting remote regions.

The cooperation between CST and ITU reflects their shared goal of advancing telecommunications technology. By promoting research and innovation in NTN technologies, they aim to create sustainable communication infrastructures that benefit humanity globally. This partnership is expected to drive significant progress in connecting underserved areas through advanced telecom solutions.

Saudi Arabia's active participation in ITU initiatives demonstrates its dedication to enhancing global connectivity. Through this agreement, CST aims to contribute significantly to bridging digital gaps worldwide. The focus remains on providing technological solutions that are both sustainable and environmentally friendly, ensuring long-term benefits for all communities involved.

The collaboration between CST and ITU marks an important step towards achieving comprehensive global connectivity through non-terrestrial networks. By leveraging their combined expertise, they aim to address current challenges in telecommunications while paving the way for future innovations that will benefit societies around the world.

With inputs from SPA