CST Announces SR 1 Billion Investment To Expand Smart Infrastructure At LEAP25 Conference

The Communications, Space & Technology Commission (CST) has issued four new licenses, including the Carrier Service Provider License. This announcement was made at the LEAP25 technology conference in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The initiative is expected to attract investments of around SR 1 billion into the telecommunications sector, aiming to enhance infrastructure and competitiveness while fostering growth.

During a formal ceremony, CST Governor Dr. Mohammed bin Saud Altamimi presented the Carrier Service Provider license to three companies: Water Transmission and Technologies Company (WTCO), Saudi Arabia Railways (SAR), and Raqeem Smart Solutions. This license allows these companies to offer excess telecommunications infrastructure capacity, such as fiber optics and towers, to licensed individual service providers.

WTCO was represented by its chief executive Eng. Khaled AlHabib during the ceremony. SAR's vice president of infrastructure Eng. Abdullah AlYousef accepted on behalf of SAR, while Raqeem Smart Solutions' chief executive Eng. Bandar AlAnazi received their license. These licenses are intended to optimize existing infrastructure and expand telecommunications services across Saudi Arabia.

The license granted to WTCO will enable them to provide services to individual license holders, thereby optimizing existing infrastructure and accelerating digital transformation in the region. For SAR, this license is expected to boost investment in their fiber-optic cables along railway routes, extending telecom services to remote areas using their network along northern and eastern corridors.

Raqeem Smart Solutions' license is projected to generate investments that support efficient telecom services for Saudi Arabia’s industrial infrastructure. Additionally, CST issued a General Class License and permissions for Providing Telecommunication Services Over Non-Terrestrial Networks (NTN) and Providing Operation Services of NTN to SKYFive Arabia.

SKYFive Arabia's chief executive Mohammed Abdulrahim received these permissions, which will enable the company to develop high-quality satellite communication solutions aimed at enhancing connectivity in the aviation sector within Saudi Arabia. This includes facilitating efficient in-flight connectivity solutions for commercial aircraft.

Advancing Digital Transformation

The introduction of these licenses aligns with CST's commitment to fostering growth across its sectors by enhancing service competitiveness and expanding the telecommunications market with new operators. The approach aims to attract investments, strengthen infrastructure, and introduce innovative services that meet high-quality standards using advanced technology.

By granting these licenses, CST seeks not only to improve telecommunications services but also contribute significantly to digital transformation efforts in Saudi Arabia. These developments are expected to improve quality of life for citizens and visitors alike by leveraging cutting-edge technology solutions.

With inputs from SPA