10 September 2021

Saudi Arabia awarded licences to two new mobile virtual network operators (MVNOs), bringing the total number of mobile telecom companies operating in the kingdom to seven.

The new companies to be given the licences, after winning a competition announced by the Communications and Information Technology Commission (CITC) in February are Integrated Telecom Mobile Company (ITC Mobile) and Future Networks Communications Company.

In 2014, CITC awarded the MVNO licences to Virgin Mobile KSA and Etihad Jawraa.

CITC governor Mohammed Al-Tamimi said that licensing MVNOs comes in line with the plan to stimulate the investment environment for Saudi Arabia’s telecom sector.

“At CITC, we aim to enhance the level of competitiveness in the sector, and improve user experience, by facilitating additional service providers,” he said in a statement published by Saudi Press Agency.

Al-Tamimi also said telecom service providers are important partners in transforming Saudi Arabia into a digital society, which is a key component of Vision 2030.

Companies awarded MVNO licences can provide users with services, including voice calls, internet, SMS, voicemail, media services and more, without owning any towers or frequencies.

The provision of these services depends on the MVNOs renting or purchasing capacities from service providers with infrastructure and then providing services to subscribers.