CST Announces SR 1 Billion Investment To Enhance 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 approximately SR 1 billion in investments into the telecommunications sector. It aims to enhance smart infrastructure, introduce advanced technologies, and improve service competitiveness.

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. The event was attended by notable figures such as Saudi Water Authority President Eng. Abdullah AlAbdulkarim and CST Deputy Governor for Regulation and Competition Sector Eng. Omar Alrejraje.

The license allows utility companies to offer excess telecommunications infrastructure capacity, like fiber optics and towers, to licensed individual service providers. WTCO's chief executive Eng. Khaled AlHabib, SAR's vice president of infrastructure Eng. Abdullah AlYousef, and Raqeem Smart Solutions' chief executive Eng. Bandar AlAnazi represented their respective companies at the ceremony.

For WTCO, this license will enable them to optimize existing infrastructure and expand telecommunications services for citizens. It is also expected to accelerate digital transformation by providing services to individual license holders.

SAR's license is anticipated to enhance the telecommunications sector through investments in fiber-optic cables along railway routes. This will extend telecom services to remote areas by leveraging SAR’s network along northern and eastern railway corridors.

Raqeem Smart Solutions' license is projected to generate investments that support efficient telecom services for Saudi Arabia’s industrial infrastructure.

Non-Terrestrial Networks Licenses

CST also granted a General Class License for Providing Telecommunication Services Over Non-Terrestrial Networks (NTN) and a permission for Providing Operation Services of NTN to SKYFive Arabia. Chief executive Mohammed Abdulrahim received these licenses on behalf of the company.

The NTN licenses enable SKYFive Arabia to develop high-quality satellite communication solutions aimed at enhancing connectivity within the aviation sector in Saudi Arabia. These permissions facilitate efficient in-flight connectivity solutions for commercial aircraft, benefiting both citizens and visitors.

Commitment to Growth

CST remains dedicated to fostering growth across its sectors by enhancing service competitiveness and expanding the telecommunications market with new licensed operators. This strategy aims to attract investments, strengthen infrastructure, and introduce innovative services that meet high-quality standards while leveraging advanced technology.

With inputs from SPA