Regulations for NTN Services

In accordance with the Telecommunications and Information Technology Law (the Law) and its Executive Regulations (the Regulations) and the powers it includes for the Communications and Space and Technology Commission (CST), including those related to the regulation of telecommunication services, and in accordance with the development of telecommunications markets in the Kingdom and the experiences of other countries; CST issues this document to enable advanced telecommunications services, establish a proper environment for effective and fair competition, and encourage the provisioning of Non-Terrestrial Network services under the General Class License; to achieve clarity and transparency in its procedures.

The principle of “technological neutrality”, which provides the flexibility to use different technologies subject to terms and conditions set out in this document, is followed by international best practices to build a competitive and modern regulatory framework that aims to remove identified market entry barriers, and reduce regulatory burdens. This approach allows for the licensing of future networks as well as all present networks, promoting innovation and competition, creating certainty, thus attracting investments in the country for the expansion of the telecommunication services. 
​

The words and phrases that are defined in the Telecommunications and Information Technology Act, its Executive Regulations and other decisions issued by the CST, will have the same meaning when used in this document, and the following words and expressions will have the meanings associated with them, unless clearly indicated otherwise.

2.1 Class License: a telecommunications license issued by CST that authorizes all qualified telecommunications service providers within the class defined in the license to provide telecommunications services in accordance with the conditions specified in the license.

2.2 General Class License (GCL): a class license that allows the provision of any of the Telecommunications Services authorized under the license.

2.3 Non-terrestrial network (NTN): the interconnection system that includes space telecommunications stations and/or air-borne telecommunications stations, and may include ground devices and equipment associated with it, and used for telecommunications purposes.

2.4 Service Permit: the permit issued by the CST to holders of a General Class License to allow the provision of the services mentioned in this document.

2.5 Operation services of non-terrestrial network (NTN) Provider: the service provider holding a general class license issued by the CST with a “permit” to provide non-terrestrial network operation services.

2.6 Telecommunication services over non-terrestrial network (NTN) Provider:  the service provider holding a general class license issued by the CST with a “permit” to provide telecommunication services over non-terrestrial network (NTN).

2.7 Subscriber: any person or entity that is part of a contract or any other valid similar agreement with a service provider holder of Provision of NTN telecommunication services permit for the purpose of providing telecommunications services.

2.8 Subscriber Service Agreement: the agreement that sets forth the terms and conditions of the service and the applicable tariffs, for the provision of the services to the Subscriber.

2.9 End User: the end consumer of the Telecommunication Service, including individuals and public (governmental) and private entities.

2.10 Provision of Non-Terrestrial Networks telecommunication services: the provisioning of Non-Terrestrial Networks telecommunications services using technologies specified in section (4) in this document.

2.11 Operation of non-terrestrial networks: the operation of non-terrestrial networks to provide communication services using technologies specified in section (4) in this document.

2.12 Personal Mobile Communications Services via Satellite (GMPCS): mobile services using space stations’ capacity for personal communications, including voice services, data and internet access services, and emergency services.

2.13 VSAT services: the establishment of VSAT systems and networks to provide connectivity, data services, to closed groups.

2.14 Broadband Satellite Services: the provision of connectivity whether mobile or fixed via space stations, including broadband data services, space stations’ capacity, and other related services.

2.15 Systems of identical earth stations: systems of identical earth stations that share the same technical parameters and frequency bands and that communicate with the same space stations, operating on fixed locations, or in moving vessels or aircraft (also referred to as earth stations in motion -ESIM-). 

2.16 Connectivity Systems on Aircraft and vessels (ground-based or spaceborne): the connectivity (for the use of mobile telephony or for the provision of internet access) to passengers and crew inside an aircraft or vessels.

2.17 Telecommunications Space Station Capacity: the capacity of the transmitter provided by the space stations.

2.18 Telecommunications Space Station Capacity Provider: the space stations operator incorporated in the registry administrated by the CST to provide space stations capacity over the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. 

2.19 Airborne non-terrestrial network: a network, or segment of a network, that uses a vehicle located between (1) and (80) kilometers of altitude relative to the Earth to embark the base stations or Subscriber's Peripherals.

2.20 Spaceborne non-terrestrial network: a network, or segment of a network, that uses space stations systems.

2.21 Gate-to-Gate (G2G): the provision of on-board WiFi services from the boarding gate at the departure airport to the disembarking gate at the arrival airport, exclusively for services provided to aircraft.

2.22 Pier-to-Pier (P2P): the provision of on-board WiFi services from the boarding pier at the departure port to the disembarking pier at the arrival port, exclusively for services provided to vessels.​

4.1 The conditions of this document apply to anyone who builds, operates, and provides telecommunications services over non-terrestrial networks in the Kingdom, including the areas comprising the land, internal waters, territorial sea, and zones over which the Kingdom exercises sovereignty and jurisdiction in accordance with international law, and the airspace above them. These networks are used in the provision of the following telecommunications services:

4.1.1. Provisioning of voice telecommunications services through non-terrestrial networks.

4.1.2. Provisioning of internet services and data transmission through non-terrestrial networks.

4.1.3. Value-added services related to services through non-terrestrial networks.

4.1.4. Any other telecommunication services related to non-terrestrial networks that CST deems necessary to include to the scope of this document according to the growth and expansion of the telecommunications sector and based on CST judgment.

4.2 The services mentioned above in 4.1 are provided through non-terrestrial networks, which may include one of the following technologies:

4.2.1. Personal mobile communications systems and networks via satellite (GMPCS)

4.2.2. VSAT services

4.2.3. Broadband satellite services

4.2.4. Systems of identical earth stations

4.2.5. Connectivity systems on aircraft and vessels (ground-based or spaceborne), including the provision of G2G and P2P limited to internet connectivity 

4.2.6. Any other technology related to Non-Terrestrial Networks (NTN) that CST deems necessary to include to the scope of this document according to the growth and expansion of the telecommunications sector and based on CST judgment.

4.3 The “Provision of operation services of non-terrestrial network permit” does not allow the ownership, building and operation of infrastructure elements that require obtaining other licenses from the CST, and the CST has the right to exempt whomever it deems appropriate from that on a case-by-case basis; to serve the interest of communications and information technology sector in the Kingdom.

4.4 The “Provision of operation services of non-terrestrial network permit” allows the provision of services only to holders of “Provision of Telecommunication Services over NTN permit” and any other service provider who holds a license or other permit allowing him to provide such services in the Kingdom

4.5 A “Provision of operation services of non-terrestrial network permit” is required before the building and operation of any non-terrestrial networks.

4.6 A “Provision of Telecommunication Services over NTN permit” is required before the provisioning of any telecommunications services through Non-Terrestrial Networks to end users.

Service special terms & condition applies as follow: article (5.1) states the service special terms & conditions for provisioning operation services of non-terrestrial network, article (5.2) states the service special terms & conditions for provisioning telecommunication services over non-terrestrial network.

5.1.1. Notify the CST of any change in the information provided in the application process within the next fifteen days of the change.

5.1.2. Not cease operating the telecommunications networks which they are licensed to operate without prior notification to CST, with a minimum notice period of thirty (30) days. This excludes cases of a force majeure that affects the performance of the obligations stated in the License – such as, but not limited to, natural disasters, fires, or emergency government decisions. 

5.1.3. Coordinate with the CST regarding the registration of any stations that use a very large antenna and a wide range of radio frequencies in accordance with the regulations of the International Telecommunication Union, as the Authorized provider must submit all the necessary information.

5.1.4. Use the capacities of space telecommunications stations only from the provider of capacities of space telecommunications stations registered with the CST in accordance with the document “Regulations for the Registration of telecommunications space stations.”

5.1.5. In the case where a spectrum license is required, the use of the assigned frequencies shall be as determined by the CST in accordance with the terms and conditions contained in the Radio Spectrum License.

5.1.6. Liaise with CST when intending to change the licensed frequencies or the satellites associated with the frequency license.

5.1.7. Implement the necessary technical means and procedures for monitoring system performance and service quality, and submit related reports to CST, while complying with relevant regulations published by CST.

5.1.8. The service provider must use the international connection gates of licensed service providers inside the Kingdom in the event of providing Internet access services.

5.1.9. In cases where connectivity systems on aircraft (ground-based or spaceborne) are provisioned using mobile telephony services, usage shall be limited to altitudes above (10,000) feet.

5.1.10. The CST has the right to request the building and/or operation of the following facilities within the borders of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to fulfill the regulatory requirements:

5.1.10.1. One or more earth stations (whether main or secondary) to secure the connection between these stations and one or more telecommunications space stations with the terminal devices to manage the permitted services.

5.1.10.2. A network operation center to provide services, support and control over the permitted services.

5.1.10.3. Technical and interconnection equipment that enables the Permit Holder to abide by the following:

5.1.10.3.1. Meet all technical requirements to connect technical monitoring devices.

5.1.10.3.2. Filter subscribers' traffic on the Internet in accordance with CST's regulations.

5.1.11. The service provider has the right to provide the services mentioned in Paragraph (4-1) using the technologies mentioned in Paragraph (4-2) as submitted in its application to obtain the permit submitted to the CST, and it requires obtaining the CST’s prior approval before providing any other services or using any other technologies that are not clarified in his application to the CST while obtaining the permit.

5.1.12. Comply with any laws, regulations, or guidelines imposed by other regulatory authorities in the Kingdom, such as the General Authority of Civil Aviation.

5.1.13. Comply with standards, technical specifications, and related rules and regulations issued by international organizations such as: the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), 3GPP and the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO).

5.1.14. Service providers are allowed to enter into contractual agreements with other service providers holding a 'Provisioning of Operation Services of Non-Terrestrial Networks Permit' in the Kingdom, for the purpose of providing the permitted services. Such agreements shall be subject to the CST’s prior approval and evaluated on a case-by-case basis, in a manner that serves the interests of the communications and information technology sector in the Kingdom.

5.2.1. Notify CST of any change on the information provided in the application process within the next fifteen days of the change.

5.2.2. Not cease providing the telecommunications Services which they are licensed to provide without prior notification to CST, with a minimum notice period of thirty (30) days. This excludes cases of a force majeure that affects the performance of the obligations stated in the License – such as, but not limited to, natural disasters, fires, or emergency government decisions. 

5.2.3. Provide services to any customer on non-discriminatory basis.

5.2.4. Refrain from engaging in market practices – such as offering free equipment or promotional deals – if they imply unjustified preference or discrimination.

5.2.5. Publish clear, easily accessible information for the subscriber through multiple channels, including but not limited to the website, points of sale, and text messages. This information shall include describing the services, the fees, terms and conditions, quality of services, technical support contacts, and other details that will allow the subscriber to exercise their rights.

5.2.6. Disclose its commercial identity (name) to the end user prior to service provision, particularly for telecommunications services provided on board aircraft and vessels.

5.2.7. Ensure invoices are clear, accurate, written in Arabic, with the possibility of using any other language with it.

5.2.8. Provide the service that is available, accessible, retainable, and reliable.

5.2.9. Provide a sufficient number of experienced employees or contractors to receive complaints received from subscribers and respond promptly to them. Take all reasonable measures to promptly remedy and avoid repetition of all customer complaints regarding the quality or availability of the service.

5.2.10. Develop the necessary technical means and procedures for monitoring and reporting on system performance and service quality, and comply with relevant regulations published by CST.

5.2.11. The service provider must use the international connection gates of licensed service providers inside the Kingdom in the event of providing Internet access services.

5.2.12. In cases where connectivity systems on aircraft (ground-based or spaceborne) are provisioned using mobile telephony services, usage shall be limited to altitudes above (10,000) feet.

5.2.13. Provide the services using a network operated by a holder of a “Provisioning of Operation Services of non-terrestrial networks Permit” or more in the Kingdom. CST reserve the right based on its judgment to approve the service provider's request to provide the service through providers of telecommunications space station capacities on a case-by-case basis. To serve the interest of the communications, space and technology sector in the Kingdom. Prior approval from the CST must be obtained in the event of a change in the operator.

5.2.14. Include Quality of service (i.e. Geographical coverage and internet UL/DL speeds) in the terms and conditions of the subscriber service agreement.

5.2.15. The service provider has the right to provide the services mentioned in Paragraph (4-1) using the technologies mentioned in Paragraph (4-2) as submitted in its application to obtain the permit submitted to the CST, and it requires obtaining the CST’s prior approval before providing any services or using any other technologies that are not clarified in his application to the CST while obtaining the permit.

5.2.16. Comply with any laws, regulations, or guidelines imposed by other regulatory authorities in the Kingdom, such as the General Authority of Civil Aviation.

5.2.17. Comply with standards, technical specifications, and related rules and regulations issued by international organizations such as: the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), 3GPP and the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO).

The applicants must complete the permits requirements as follows: article (6.1) states the requirements for obtaining the permit for provisioning operation services of non-terrestrial network, and article (6.2) states the requirements for obtaining the permit for provisioning telecommunication services over non-terrestrial network.

6.1.1 Submit the application through Mutasil platform. 

6.1.2 Have a General Class License valid for at least for the next six months. 

6.1.3 Submit a valid local commercial registration that includes the activity of the service permit. Applicants from outside the Kingdom may submit the commercial registration of the entity in its country of registration, or an equivalent document, if the provision of the service does not require a physical presence or direct capital investment within the Kingdom.

6.1.4 Provide a brief description of the company profile.

6.1.5 Provide a brief description of the services and technologies to be provided in the Kingdom, by specifying each service along with the corresponding technology, in accordance with the services referenced in Article (4-1) and the technologies referenced in Article (4-2).

6.1.6 Provide the technical specifications of the networks, systems, and devices to be used in the provision of the service, including the details on the location of the gateways stations that will be used to provide the services, if applicable.

6.1.7 Comply with the regulatory requirements of providing the service.

6.1.8 Submit the application for the use of numbering resources, if applicable. 

6.1.9 Fill out an application form for licensing the use of frequencies, available in CST website, and attach it to the service permit application.

6.1.10 Submit a confirmation of the agreement with the proposed space station capacity provider, if the services to be provided require the use of space station capacity, unless the applicant and the space station capacity provider are the same.

6.1.11 Submit all required documents and information in Arabic. Supporting documents (if any) may be submitted in English.

6.1.12 Pay the applicable fees within (30) days from the date the invoice is issued.

6.2.1 Submit the application through Mutasil platform. 

6.2.2 Have a general class license valid for at least the next six months.

6.2.3 Submit a valid local commercial registration that includes the activity of the service permit. 

6.2.4 Provide a brief description of the company profile.

6.2.5 Provide a brief description of the services and technologies to be provided in the Kingdom, by specifying each service along with the corresponding technology, in accordance with the services referenced in Article (4-1) and the technologies referenced in Article (4-2).

6.2.6 Provide the technical specifications of the networks, systems, and devices to be used in the provision of the service.

6.2.7 Comply with the regulatory requirements of providing the service.

6.2.8 Submit a copy of the contracts and agreements with the permit holders of “provisioning of operation services of non-terrestrial networks” and indicate the capacities provider of the telecommunications space stations for this service.

6.2.9 Proposed price plan for end-users

6.2.10 Brief description of the proposed approach of:

6.2.10.1 Customer care and after-sales services.

6.2.10.2 Monitor service performance

6.2.10.3 Billing procedures.

6.2.11 Expected date for launching services. 

6.2.12 Expected number of subscribers, and their geographical distribution 

6.2.13 Submit the application for the use of numbering resources, if applicable. 

6.2.14 Submit all required documents and information in Arabic. Supporting documents (if any) may be submitted in English.

6.2.15 Pay the applicable fees within (30) days from the date the invoice is issued.

8.1 The duration of the permit to the service would be the same as the duration of the General Class license, unless any of the permits is cancelled or terminated by the CST.

8.2 The duration of the associated spectrum license shall be tied to the validity of the “Provision of operation services of non-terrestrial network permit”, unless either the service permit or the spectrum license is canceled or terminated by the CST.

9.1 Approval of the service permit is subject to CST judgment.

9.2 CST has the right to request licensees and applicants any information, including reports detailing the types of services provided in the Kingdom and the technologies used, as well as the contracts and agreements signed between service providers of operation non-terrestrial networks and providers of telecommunication services over non-terrestrial networks.

9.3 If an entity based outside the Kingdom submits a request for a “Non-Terrestrial Network Service Authorization” using its commercial registration from its country of registration or an equivalent document, the same registration must be used when applying for the General Class License (GCL), in accordance with Article (9-2) of the GCL Regulations.

9.4 The applicant shall be required to obtain a local commercial registration that includes the activity of the service permit, if other regulatory requirements arise, as determined by CST.

9.5 If the license is granted based on a commercial registration issued outside the Kingdom in accordance with Article (6-1-3), and new regulatory requirements or conditions are later introduced that necessitate a physical presence or direct capital investment within the Kingdom, the licensee shall be required to obtain a local commercial registration that includes the activity related to the service permit. Failure to comply with this requirement entitles CST to take legal action, including revoking the license.

9.6 CST reserves the right, as its sole discretion, to grant exemptions from requirement (6-1-3) to any applicant as it deems appropriate.

9.7 CST has the right introduce additional conditions and obligations for permit holders based on the nature of the service and technology.

9.8 This document is subject to periodic review by the CST, and will be updated as it deems appropriate in accordance with the regulatory framework.