SAUDI ARABIA

NATIONAL SPECTRUM
STRATEGY 2025
Executive Report

Communication and Information Technology Commission

2020
TABLE OF
CONTENTS

02
AT A
GLANCE
09
SAUDI ARABIA’S
NATIONAL
SPECTRUM
STRATEGY 2025

03
RADIO-
FREQUENCY
SPECTRUM IN
SAUDI ARABIA

20
LOOKING
FORWARD
 AT A
GLANCE

S pectrum is a limited, natural and enabling resource for all radio

systems vital for ensuring safety and security of the public
and crucial for viability of the economy in the technological era.

With the boom in wireless connectivity, & innovative uses, and safeguarding
2 evolving technologies, and proliferation national access
of use cases and applications, radio
spectrum is facing significant rise in • Pillar B aims to “Empower a ‘Smart’
SAUDI ARABIA’S NATIONAL RADIO SPECTRUM STRATEGY 2025

competing demands from a wide variety Spectrum” in order to meet demand

of stakeholders across different industry captured in pillar A in an innovative and
sectors. Saudi Arabia has made notable efficient way by enhancing portfolio
progress on addressing some of the of spectrum management tools and
most pressing issues, specifically on the services, including developing adaptive
International Mobile Telecommunication regulatory mechanism, facilitating
(IMT) front, as a result, being ranked wireless access and investments, as
among leading nations in awarded IMT well as embracing market-oriented
spectrum; however, additional effort approaches
must be made to maintain this position • Enablers aim to “Build the Foundation”
and many new considerable challenges in a way that ensures the organizational
are yet to be addressed. capabilities, tools, as well as the spectrum
Our vision is to unlock the potential of ecosystem are prepared to fulfill the
radiocommunication in Saudi Arabia strategic objectives
to secure a smarter and safer future We expect a significant impact from
by managing spectrum effectively the National Spectrum Strategy that
and efficiently. We will achieve that by contributes to Vision 2030: we forecast
offering users the access to spectrum a sizeable contribution to the economy
they need to innovate and grow in close (direct GDP contribution of SAR ~500
collaboration with all stakeholders. million annually and ~20% increase
Saudi Arabia National Spectrum in spectrum enabled GDP by 2025),
Strategy 2025 describes a blueprint additional non-oil revenue up to SAR
of our priorities going forward, and is ~18 - 36 billion, doubling of the spectrum
outlined in two main pillars supported by allocated to commercial and innovative
a foundational enabler: uses compared to today, and many other
benefits that would drive the positioning
• Pillar A aims to “Unlock the Future” of our nation to be among the top 20 ICT
by acting on current spectrum demand nations by 2030.
and proactively anticipating future
needs. This is achieved by optimizing the
legacy spectrum, fostering commercial
RADIO FREQUENCY
SPECTRUM IN SAUDI
ARABIA

Global context and 300 GHz. RF transmissions transcend

borders, potentially causing interference
3

importance in other countries. As such, managing

the radio spectrum is a matter of high
national and international significance.
Radio-frequency (RF) spectrum
The International Telecommunication
is a natural resource that enables
Union (ITU), a specialized agency of the
radiocommunication across all
United Nations, has the responsibility
sectors, including applications such
for international management of
as mobile phones, TV broadcasting,
RF spectrum use and satellite orbit
maritime communication, remote
resources, developing the standards for
sensing, earth exploration, emergency
radio systems, mediating debates on RF
telecommunications, weather
utilization, as well as other issues related
forecasting, global positioning system
to information and communication
(GPS), space exploration, environmental
technologies.
monitoring and many others.
Radio spectrum is finite; with a limited
overall bandwidth ranging from 3 KHz to

FIGURE 1: WHAT IS SPECTRUM?

INFRARED ULTRAVIOLET GAMMA RAY

RADIO SPECTRUM VISIBLE LIGHT X-RAY

Radio Frequency Spectrum is a scarce natural resource that is the fundamental pillar for
wireless technologies, services and daily activities
 Radio spectrum has an economic
contribution (enabled GDP) of
at least ~3.4% in the top 20 ICT
nations.

The global demand for radio spectrum observe that Saudi Arabia currently
access is increasing rapidly, driven by stands at around 2.4% GDP contribution,
growing demand for existing digital implying significant room to unlocking
wireless services, the emergence of further value from spectrum.
new technologies and use cases, and
international harmonization decisions The use of radio spectrum, through its
relevant to spectrum. role in enabling new technologies and
4
innovation, also positively contributes
Like any other natural resource, radio to improvements in economic efficiency,
SAUDI ARABIA’S NATIONAL RADIO SPECTRUM STRATEGY 2025

spectrum is a national asset that has an productivity and profitability. While it

important economic value. It contributes can’t always be measured directly, many
substantially to, amongst others, Gross experts back the link between increased
Domestic Product (GDP), employment, use of Information & Communications
non-oil revenue, and technological and Technology (ICT) and greater efficiency,
investment development. productivity, etc.
Analysis from several benchmarked The use of radio spectrum, through its
country data points suggests that the role in enabling new technologies and
use of radio spectrum has an economic innovation, also positively contributes
contribution (enabled GDP) of at least to improvements in economic efficiency,
~3.4% in the top 20 ICT nations as productivity and profitability. While it
illustrated in figure 1. When correlated cannot always be measured directly,
with the ICT development index, we can many experts back the link between

FIGURE 2: TOP-DOWN ESTIMATE OF SPECTRUM-ENABLED GDP CONTRIBUTION

Spectrum can boost economy, enabling to ~3.4% of GDP

ICT Development Index (IDI)2

~3.4%
of GDP enabled

8
Top 20 ICT countries

~2.4%
of GDP
7
enabled

Estimate on current KSA

GDP enabled by spectrum

6
1.5 % 2.0 % 2.5 % 3.0 % 3.5% 4.0 % 4.5 %

UK / EU / Ireland datapoints (2006 – 2017)3 GDP enabled by Spectrum1

 5

increased use of Information & Amongst other dimensions of impact,

Communications Technology (ICT) and this National Spectrum Strategy aims
greater efficiency, productivity, etc. to create a transparent and stable
regulatory environment through, as an
Radio spectrum also brings a variety example, a revision of the spectrum
of important social and public service access fees that would create a fertile
benefits. First responders (police, fire ecosystem for infrastructure and
protection, ambulance services, etc.) systems related investments. It will
can only function efficiently with reliable also allow Saudi Arabia to deliver high
and secure mobile communications. Quality of Service for mobile and fixed
Radio spectrum, for instance, enables wireless services, benefitting businesses
the defense forces to carry out their and the community alike. Increased
duties, and has a fundamental role in rural coverage, improved network
the safe operation of air, sea and land performance, and lower prices would
transportation. give customers a service that should
In Saudi Arabia, we forecast that stimulate both their personal and
spectrum-related activities will working lives.
potentially add approximately over SAR Safety and security continues to be a
500 million to the gross domestic product critical strategic priority, and a special
(GDP) annually and contribute to more attention is given to allowing the
than ~3% of enabled GDP by 2025. In respective spectrum users to upgrade
terms of non-oil revenue, we expect that their services towards higher capacity,
the releases of key commercial bands better reliability, and robust security.
to further contribute up to SAR 18 - 36 They should be also able to improve
billion by 2025. interoperability, multimedia data
On top of that, proactive, smart sharing, etc., thus ensuring a secure and
spectrum management will support peaceful environment in which citizens
strong growth in the commercial sector and businesses can grow and thrive.
by catalyzing innovation. With doubling
of the commercial and innovation related
spectrum compared to today, Saudi
Arabia would be well positioned to keep
a leading rank among the top 20 ICT
nations by 2030.
 FIGURE 3: SUBSTANTIAL IMPACT FOR KSA FROM SPECTRUM

Substantial impact expected

6 18-36B
added proceeds1 from 2020-2025 auctions (SAR)
SAUDI ARABIA’S NATIONAL RADIO SPECTRUM STRATEGY 2025

NON-OIL
REVENUE
x4
annual proceeds vs. 'As-is' scenario

+500M
direct yearly GDP impact2 by 2025 (SAR)

GDP +20%
enabled GDP3 vs. 'As-is' scenario in 2025
CONTRIBUTION

~x2
spectrum for commercial & innovation4

NETWORK-RELATED
INVESTMENTS
Top 20
Investment friendly countries5

1. Based on auctions of -4,600MHz in 600/700/800 MHz, 1500/1900/2100 MHz,

C Band and mmwave at price of 4 M to 8 M SAR / MHz based on benchmark price of simil r b nd weighted By GDP PPP
2. 2025 impact using fiscal multiplier of 0.3x between direct government revenue and GDP
(IMF 2018 working paper on fiscal multipliers in MENA), based on -1.7B SAR / year new revenues
3. Based on correlated IDI Score with GDP enabled by spectrum. Assuming current baseline of 2.4%,
as-is growth based on last 5y progress on IDI score Et NSS growth based on top 20 IC countries.
4. Based on target of 11,330 MHz available for commercial and innovation (unlicensed) based on current baseline of 5,270 across bands
5. Based on expected spectrum price decrease of -20% over 5 years to align with top ICT countries to encourage
ICT investments and communication investment beyond

Source: CITC Interviews, CITC Finance team, Benchmark of auction prices in 57 countries, NSS Strategy blueprint, ITU, WEF, BCG Analysis
As we continue to move forward, we need
to carry on with the momentum to maintain
our leading position with IMT spectrum
awards, while having to overcome numerous
other challenges.

Spectrum
management: Role
and mandate of
CITC 7

Spectrum management involves several the most congested frequency bands

strategic, technical, economic, and to other frequency bands through
administrative activities that enable various incentives
efficient utilization of spectrum by users
• Coordinating, on international level,
without causing harmful interference to
access to orbital resources for satellite
their radio systems.
communications
The activities we carry out include, but
• Inspecting radio transmitting stations
not limited to:
of all spectrum users and monitoring
• Allocating frequency bands to radio frequency bands to ensure compliance
services with granted license terms.

• Authorizing frequency spectrum use

to diverse users, including government
institutions and private individual
entities such as industrial enterprises Spectrum demands
•
Authorizing spectrum through a and challenges in
general licensing regime for unlicensed
use, such as Industrial, Scientific and
Saudi Arabia
Medical applications, or short-range
and low-power devices used by the We have already achieved considerable
general public success in assigning spectrum to public
mobile networks that utilize International
•
Licensing spectrum to public Mobile Telecommunication (IMT)
radiocommunication networks, standards to provide mobile broadband
through a competitive framework, services. In early 2019 we reached a
including elements such as best price milestone of awarding more than 1.1 GHz
and applicant liability of spectrum to IMT operators after the
auctions of 2.3 GHz, 2.6 GHz and 3.5 GHz
• Evacuating spectrum currently used bands, which significantly contributed
by older technologies, so that it can to increasing mobile Internet speeds in
be redeployed for more spectrum- the Kingdom. Furthermore, as part of
efficient applications the efforts to facilitate the introduction
• Redirecting spectrum demand from of 5G in the Kingdom, a dedicated
subcommittee was created, focusing on
5G spectrum matters within the National
 5G Taskforce. input. This applies to both commercial
and public uses, such as public safety,
As we continue to move forward, we national security and media; and
need to carry on with the momentum
to maintain our leading position • On the supply side: ensuring that
with IMT spectrum awards, while spectrum management capabilities
having to overcome numerous other can deliver the required spectrum
8
challenges. For example, the spectrum in an efficient and effective manner,
re-deployment challenges that hindered while maintaining the flexibility and
SAUDI ARABIA’S NATIONAL RADIO SPECTRUM STRATEGY 2025

IMT services in the past, continue to responsiveness needed to adapt

hinder other services and applications. to changes in, among other things,
Specifically, acute inefficiencies in the technologies, demand from spectrum
management of problematic bands is users and end-users (e.g., promoting
leading discontent among spectrum’s interests of various user communities),
stakeholders in Saudi Arabia. The market developments (e.g., promoting
Kingdom also faces frequent local and competition,contributing to development
international radio interference, which of internal market) and relevant public
threatens its national security and policy objectives (e.g., ensuring that the
creates undue restrictions on operation end-users derive maximum benefit in
of various services. terms of price, choice and quality).
To develop our National Spectrum
Framework for world Strategy we started with the
class spectrum comprehensive benchmarking exercise,
followed with expert and local interviews,
management spectrum users’ workshops, and public
consultations to ensure we cover all
Radio spectrum management involves the stakeholders in the spectrum
the careful consideration of a broad range management ecosystem. We closely
of factors (e.g. administrative, regulatory, engaged with more than 55 external
social, economic and technical) with a stakeholders (including spectrum users
view on ensuring that radio spectrum is and end-users) and 50 individuals from
used effectively and efficiently. This also within our organization (CITC) to develop
involves balancing a range of competing a national spectrum strategy grounded
factors within demand and supply of in the local context of Saudi Arabia.
spectrum, including:
• On the demand side: appropriately
meeting the requirements of all radio
services in the current, mid and long term
by addressing immediate needs and
proactively anticipating future demands
from market and industry research,
as well as from direct stakeholders’
SAUDI ARABIA’S
NATIONAL SPECTRUM
STRATEGY 2025

Aspiration and Industry 4.0. Our vision aligns with

the Saudi Vision 2030 by ensuring
availability of radio spectrum to meet the
Our vision is to “Unlock the potential of needs of the public entities that deliver
radiocommunication in Saudi Arabia key safety and security services. We also
for a smarter and safer future”. This is a aim to ensure that the spectrum fulfills
holistic vision that outlines the potential the needs of direct spectrum users and 9
of radio spectrum to transform Saudi end-users, thus serving the interests of
Arabia into a digital society by enabling the nation and benefitting all of Saudi
different industries, including, for Arabia.
example, transportation, space, media,

FIGURE 4: HIGH-LEVEL OVERVIEW OF KSA NATIONAL SPECTRUM STRATEGY 2025

UNLOCK THE POTENTIAL OF RADIOCOMMUNICATION

IN SAUDI ARABIA FOR A SMARTER AND SAFER FUTURE
Offer all users the access to spectrum they need to innovate and
grow by managing the spectrum effectively and efficiently in
close collaboration with our stakeholders

UNLOCK EMPOWER A BUILD THE

THE FUTURE ‘SMART’ SPECTRUM FOUNDATION
Act on current spectrum Innovate in driving Ensure that the organization,
demand from stakeholders spectrum efficiency by tools and spectrum
while proactively anticipating enhancing portfolio of ecosystem are ready to
future needs tools & services achieve the strategy

A B C
 We aspire to achieve our vision by
“offer[ing] all users the access to
spectrum they need to innovate and
grow, by managing spectrum effectively
and efficiently in close collaboration with
our stakeholders”. Our top priorities are:
10 addressing the needs of all the users,
maximizing value by making efficient
and effective spectrum allocations
STRATEGY
2025

and assignments, and ensuring that

STRATEGY

spectrum management engages all

relevant stakeholders in the development
SPECTRUM

of various regulations.
Three guiding principles will anchor
SPECTRUM

our efforts towards fulfilling our Vision.

They guide how the work is done, how
RADIORADIO

stakeholders must be engaged, and how

decisions are approached:
NATIONAL

1. Future orientation in our policies,

NATIONAL

whereas the needs of Spectrum users

are met and anticipated to sustain
ARABIA’S

predictability, as this promotes

investment
ARABIA’S

2. Efficiently and proactively seeking

SAUDISAUDI

opportunities to optimize spectrum

for its users, maximizing its value to
society
3. Engagement and building strong
relationships with all national
stakeholders to ensure that spectrum
management decisions reflect
market dynamics and to strengthen
representation of Saudi Arabia
interests abroad.
One of our key strategic priorities is to “Unlock the
Future,” by ensuring that we continue to provide
timely, sufficient access to spectrum to meet current
and future spectrum demand, thus optimizing
economic and social benefits for Saudi Arabia.

Strategic pillars A2 Foster Commercial And

Innovative Uses
Pillar A – Demand: We will promote innovation and
Unlock the Future commercial uses of spectrum by
increasing access to spectrum (both
One of our key strategic priorities is to licensed and unlicensed), ensuring 11
“Unlock the Future,” by ensuring that management practices account for
we continue to provide timely, sufficient competitive dimensions, and tackling
access to spectrum to meet current problem issues very specific to the
and future spectrum demand, thus local ICT market context (e.g., Quality of
optimizing economic and social benefits Service requirements for Saudi Arabia).
for Saudi Arabia. The captured demand
covers spectrum needs of various A.2.1  Drive 5G+ will push 5G+
industry verticals, national operators as deployment to position Saudi Arabia
well as those within the broader umbrella among leading nations in unlocking
of private and public sector users and innovative high-performance use cases
thus drive efforts within this strategic and applications based on 5G. We will
pillar. focus on giving timely and sufficient
spectrum access to operators in a way
that will allow them to meet Quality of
A1 Optimize Legacy Spectrum Service objectives in terms of mobile
A.1.1  We aim to identify and resolve services’ performance, price, and
existing inefficiencies in Saudi coverage. We will also aim to enable
Arabia’s spectrum assignments, while deployment of private 5G networks for
overcoming hurdles that prevent industry verticals. For instance, factories
international harmonization and optimal in remote areas within the Kingdom
spectrum utilization. For instance, can greatly benefit from access to 5G
accumulated legacy assignments for connectivity. Additionally, we will develop
fixed point-to-point links have resulted effective assignment and authorization
in multiple overlapping band plans that models for spectrum releases that
cause major technical inefficiencies for reconcile operators’ needs with national
users. We will perform a comprehensive interests and those of the consumers.
review of fixed point-to-point links to We have an ambitious target to keep
determine the most optimal band plans. Saudi Arabia at the forefront of spectrum
Our overall objective in this area will be to assignment to IMT networks by releasing
review and optimize a total of 5.4 GHz of at least 4,660 MHz of spectrum and thus
legacy spectrum by 2025. achieving a total of more than 5,770 MHz
assigned for IMT by 2025.
 A.2.2  Accelerate Innovation, have the spectrum resources they need
Sciences and Radio Technologies aims in a timely manner.
at enabling applications and use cases
that rely heavily on free/eased access A.3.1  Enable Space Spectrum
to spectrum and unlocking spectrum- shall focus on championing spectrum
related innovation. We aim to increase the availability for Saudi Arabia’s emerging
total unlicensed spectrum to at least 5.5 space industry in international
12
GHz, enable wireless Internet of Things, discussions and within the Kingdom.
promote emerging radio technologies This work will be carried out in strategic
SAUDI ARABIA’S NATIONAL RADIO SPECTRUM STRATEGY 2025

(such as High-Altitude Platform Stations, partnership with the recently established

etc.), and potentially leveraging these Saudi Space Commission. We will work
technologies to increase rural coverage, closely with the ITU and other parties
while also encouraging scientific and on satellite coordination requests and
other radio services such as Amateur strive to resolve all such requests in a
radio, meteorological services, radio timely manner. This will give existing
astronomy, etc. and future satellite services access to
spectrum and manage trade-offs with
A.2.3  Upgrade Media shall focus on IMT allocations. We will prioritize efforts
optimizing efficiency of spectrum used to identify ways of integrating satellite in
for media (e.g. TV/Audio Broadcasting) 5G by promoting relevant technologies
and proactively supporting the emerging (such as high-throughput satellites,
trends that enable integration of media small satellites, and non-GSO satellites,
and other services. For instance, we will such as LEO (low-earth orbit) and MEO
continue to push for such optimization (middle-earth orbit)
by enabling the expansion of Digital
Audio Broadcasting (DAB+) across all A.3.2  Empower Industry &
Saudi Arabia regions. We will be also Logistics seeks to unlock the future of
monitoring international discussions transportation, logistics, Industry 4.0, and
regarding 600 MHz band and considering smart utilities in Saudi Arabia. We aim to
repacking UHF (ultra-high frequency) establish this by addressing interference
DTV (digital television) distribution to and congestion issues plaguing maritime
achieve more efficient spectrum use by and aeronautical users. Additionally, we
media services, while accommodating are exploring the use of dedicated bands
increasing demand for other services, for land transportation and measures
in light of the decreasing popularity of to enable emerging technologies such
terrestrial broadcasting within Saudi as Intelligent Transportation Systems
Arabia. in Saudi Arabia. Moreover, we are
addressing the spectrum needs of
Industry 4.0 and public utilities to enable
A3 Safeguard National Access applications such as smart grid. The
current objective for Industry 4.0 and
To safeguard strategic national access to
public utilities is to allocate required
spectrum, we will focus on ensuring that
spectrum for developing a shared
government and civil entities that deliver
network with the goal of migrating
crucial services such as safety and public
majority of PMR (Private Mobile Radio)
transportation for the Saudi population
 Delivering cutting-edge spectrum
management capabilities will benefit
all stakeholders in the spectrum
ecosystem and help advancing the
Kingdom to be among those countries
with best spectrum management

users over to this network. At a later B1 Adopt Adaptive Regulatory

stage, we will also assess the need and
Mechanisms
feasibility for spectrum to support
developing a shared LTE (Long Term Flexible, clear and streamlined
Evolution) network for civil users. regulatory mechanisms are key to
creating a predictable and stable
A.3.3  Improve Public Security &
spectrum management ecosystem. We 13
Safety shall focus on the spectrum needs
will further put our efforts in making sure
of public entities that deliver crucial
our distributive and regulatory policies,
national services, such as emergency,
pricing frameworks, etc. are developed
security, and defense.These efforts should
in agile and engaging manner in order
facilitate the development of national
to stay relevant in an ever changing and
networks to eliminate the fragmentation
evolving environment.
of government bands, and ensure that
all evolving radio systems needs for B.1.1  Streamline Regulatory Policies
emergency and national defense and and Procedures entails developing
security services are met. This will allow regulatory policies for major radio
national security users to upgrade their services to clarify and communicate
services towards higher capacity, better information on all available bands,
reliability, and robust network security. applicable licensing process, any
Shared networks would also help to restrictions and limitations. We seek to
improve interoperability, multimedia data ensure that all parties clearly understand
sharing, etc., thus providing a secure and the bands available for their services and
peaceful environment in which citizens the accessibility conditions. Additionally,
and businesses can grow and thrive. we will formalize, streamline, and publish
procedures to reduce the application
Pillar B – Supply: Empower processing time of different radio
‘Smart’ Spectrum services.
This pillar will pay special attention to B.1.2  Optimize Spectrum Use shall
the spectrum supply-side by address focus on conducting spectrum audits to
the identified areas of improvement identify, complement, and refine all data
pertaining to carrying out basic functions on spectrum use in the country. Notably,
of spectrum management. Delivering this will enable us to revamp the National
cutting-edge spectrum management Frequency Register. Such audits will
capabilities will benefit all stakeholders improve confidence in data quality and
in the spectrum ecosystem and help better inform spectrum management
advancing the Kingdom to be among decisions. We will also leverage the
those countries with best spectrum gathered knowledge to identify
management practices. opportunities for optimizing spectrum
by releasing it from users and potentially
repurposing it. For example, we will
address the phenomenon of spectrum
warehousing by public entities in order
 to increase the percentage of spectrum would yield significant benefits by
accessible to non-government entities reducing the burden of fees on spectrum
from ~30% to ~50% in sub-6 GHz bands. users and allowing investment to thrive.
We are taking on multiple ambitious
B.1.3  Support Spectrum Research objectives for this initiative, with the
will build Saudi Arabia’s contribution goal of having Saudi Arabia reach the 20
to global spectrum innovation and top countries in the Affordability rank
14
development by studying feasibility from a spectrum perspective. Through
of innovative spectrum management periodic pricing reviews, we will ensure
SAUDI ARABIA’S NATIONAL RADIO SPECTRUM STRATEGY 2025

methods, nurturing local spectrum competitiveness on an ongoing basis.

and wireless R&D efforts, and playing
an active role in international R&D B.2.2  Revamp Licensing will create
initiatives, e.g. examining the impact of a baseline from the current portfolio of
quantum communication technologies licenses in the Kingdom while identifying
on the radio frequency ecosystem. To opportunities to serve new use cases. We
achieve those objectives, we will foster will also review and fine-tune some of the
partnerships with academia, the wireless legacy licenses in the country. Our goal
industry, and other entities. Innovative is to integrate 95% of current licenses
spectrum management tools, possibly into the newly established framework
including blockchain based databases, and to conduct two license review cycles.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools for By granting usage conditions tailored
dynamic spectrum access and other to specific application, we will enable
methods, would enable us to improve spectrum users to deliver the best
operational efficiency and maximize possible services. Meanwhile, we will also
value from spectrum. simplify overall authorization processes
and spectrum usage by moving towards
B2 Facilitate Wireless Access unified, lighter licenses and introducing
and Investments new types of licenses, such as test-and-
trial and temporary licenses.
To enable Saudi Arabia spectrum users
to utilize their assignments efficiently, B.2.3  Future-Proof Planning and
we will revamp our core spectrum Allocation shall focus on specific ways
management functions and activities: to adopt a forward-looking approach and
spectrum pricing, licensing, and overall methodology for spectrum management,
decision-making regulatory framework decision-making, and spectrum
and processes. allocation. We will also focus on building
an impact assessment framework that
B.2.1  Tailor Pricing aims to redesign aids decision-making, and developing
the pricing framework to be more market tools to forecast spectrum needs of
and competition friendly and encourage key services and industry verticals.
development of new, innovative This initiative will overall ensure that
business cases, as well as public safety our organization can proactively plan
applications. A re-adjusted framework

1. This effort will be based on the Spectrum audits conducted in B.1.2, as well as on the redesigned
license portfolio.
We have identified a set of key enablers to improve
engagement in spectrum management ecosystem and
expand our toolkit with better equipment, while growing
our own capabilities and those of our stakeholders.

and anticipate spectrum changes by Our objective is by 2025 to have

analyzing market trends and industry piloted at least three efforts related to
research. decentralization, by collaborating with
other agencies or industry bodies. This
initiative may also test a secondary
B3 Embrace Market-oriented market for spectrum, with the goal of
Approaches achieving more fluid assignment of 15
frequencies and licensing flexibility in the
As we move forward, we are eager
Kingdom.
to increase our agility by adopting
market-based models for spectrum Enablers: Build the
management and using mechanisms
and tools that are inherently driven by Foundation
market dynamics. At the same time, In order to achieve the goals enumerated
this means we will complete moving under pillars A and B, we have identified
away from wielding top-down spectrum a set of key enablers that will help us
management techniques without any improve engagement in spectrum
input from the market. management ecosystem and expand
B.3.1  Pilot Spectrum Sharing aims our toolkit with better equipment, while
to maximize spectrum efficiency by growing our own institutional capabilities
enabling several users to use the same and those of our stakeholders.
spectrum band simultaneously in the
same geographic area without harmful C1 Engage the Ecosystem
interference. Our aim is to enable a
plethora of ways in which spectrum The spectrum management ecosystem
can be shared and utilized, be it within is multi-layered, covering national
the same service or user group (e.g. spectrum users, administrations in
Dynamic spectrum sharing between neighboring countries, and international
various mobile networks) or across the standardization organizations such as
services and user groups (e.g. between the ITU. Managing spectrum successfully
broadcasting and mobile, or between in Saudi Arabia requires integrated
commercial networks and government and effective communication with
services). stakeholders on all three of these tiers.

B.3.2  Experiment with Decentralized To achieve its national interests, Saudi

Assignments will investigate Arabia must have a comprehensive
possibilities for devolving spectrum understanding of national spectrum
assignment/licensing for some target demand from businesses, end-users,
services/user groups to sectoral public entities, and others. Saudi Arabia
agencies or industry bodies for reducing must then be able to fulfill those national
operational overhead, delivering higher demands by championing them in
quality of service and faster processing regional and international discussions
time (e.g. providing one stop shop for the related to spectrum.
thousands of fishermen radio licenses
annually).
 C.1.1  Involve Stakeholders in various Saudi Arabia stakeholders will need to
aspects of spectrum related policy- forge new alliances and partnerships
making by developing mechanisms for with key international stakeholders such
interaction and ensuring an open and as industry associations, equipment
transparent environment that provides suppliers and vendors.Additionally, we will
stakeholders with further visibility host key international spectrum events to
on spectrum manager processes, gain greater visibility on the international
decisions and plans. This two-way spectrum management scene. Between
exchange would enable us, on one hand, 2020 and 2025, we aim to host no less
16 to leverage market-based information than 10 radiocommunications-related
and expertise to enhance the quality of international events in Saudi Arabia and
SAUDI ARABIA’S NATIONAL RADIO SPECTRUM STRATEGY 2025

our decision making and, on the other participate in work of five ITU-R study
hand, provide the stakeholders with groups.
a stable regulatory environment that
supports investment decisions, and
further knowledge and information
C2 Expand the Toolkit
sharing that improves business planning. We shall be adding new tools and
We will achieve this by enhancing our capabilities, including upgrade of our
communication capabilities in terms of spectrum IT systems, so that we can
content and methods as well as tools, deliver on our responsibilities to carry
and by identifying optimal measures for out efficient spectrum planning and
engagement with stakeholders, such as assignments, monitor its usage and
developing channels to achieve strategic resolve any interference instances.
alignment with key stakeholders on
important topics. C.2.1  Enhance Spectrum Monitoring
shall boost our RF monitoring capabilities,
C.1.2  Strengthen Saudi Arabia’s targeting a near-real-time spectrum
International Influence to play an awareness. It aims to modernize and
impactful role in shaping international expand the entire complement of our
discussions and decision-making related monitoring systems and equipment (e.g.,
to spectrum in light of the impact they handheld equipment, vehicles, and fixed
have on Saudi Arabia national interests stations), revamp monitoring operations,
(e.g. representing national interests optimize daily tasks of CITC radio
at ITU World Radiocommunication monitoring staff. As a supporting activity,
Conferences). As such, we will develop we shall also educate spectrum users and
our capabilities to negotiate and advance end-users to improve their operational
our national interests in regional and practices with wireless equipment and
international venues. We will continue to prevent the use of illegal devices. We
participating in activities and increasingly also aim to address current flaws and
lead debates on key international inefficiencies regarding our enforcement
spectrum issues at the relevant regional activities by improving communication
and global organizations, most notably channels with users, strengthening the
the ASMG ,ITU-R , and other sector- legal terms for on-site inspections, and
specific organizations as needed. To take reinforcing ties with relevant government
a leading role on the international stage,
2. Arab Spectrum Management Group

3. International Telecommunication Union-Radio communication Sector

17
 entities. By 2025, 100% of all planned entail evaluating interactions between
monitoring equipment will be deployed diverse teams and departments within
and operational. the spectrum management organization
to improve processes and overall quality
C.2.2  Upgrade Spectrum IT Systems of services. For example, one of the goals
shall concentrate on increasing is to bring the average time required
reliability, efficiency and smoothness of to answer interference complaints to
18
our spectrum management processes less than 6 hours and to fully resolve
and services by redeveloping software interference complaints in less than two
SAUDI ARABIA’S NATIONAL RADIO SPECTRUM STRATEGY 2025

tools and e-services in IT system, in order working days.

to create an integrated, prime quality
Automated Spectrum Management C.3.2  Grow Talent Pool seeks
System (ASMS). We have already begun to fuel organizational growth by
reviewing the specifications for the acquiring and growing top talent in
new ASMS, and we will review the user the spectrum ecosystem, i.e. primarily
experience (UX) and user interface (UI) of within our organization, but also within
our website and online portals to ensure organization of external stakeholders.
better e-services for spectrum users. By We will be developing a national learning
2025, we plan to deploy 100% of newly and development (L&D) program to
developed ASMS modules and ensure improve professional knowledge and
that more than 99% of radio license capabilities of personnel to be employed
requests are submitted online. We will in radio spectrum management. Our
ensure the ASMS will guarantee a secure L&D program will include secondments
and reliable access to data stored in our that aim to boost employees training
National Frequency Register and perform by sending/receiving skilled workforce
Big Data Analytics on collected data by to and from peer organizations (e.g.
the spectrum monitoring system, for exchanges with other spectrum
informed decisions on spectrum future managers or Saudi Arabia government
planning. The two systems (hardware agencies, receiving secondees from
and software) will create the foundation ITU, etc.) but also through a portfolio of
for our future evolution; by enabling training sessions, industry events and
spectrum awareness and consequently higher education sponsorships. By 2025,
autonomous spectrum management. we aim to fully complete the recruiting
plan developed as part of this strategy.
C3 Grow Capabilities
By improving and revamping our internal
processes and institutional capabilities,
we will build the foundation for future
reforms and improvements.
C.3.1  Revamp Core Processes will
undertake a systematic review of the
core organizational processes. It will
FIGURE 5: BLUEPRINT OF KSA NATIONAL SPECTRUM STRATEGY

UNLOCK THE POTENTIAL OF RADIOCOMMUNICATION

IN SAUDI ARABIA FOR A SMARTER AND SAFER FUTURE
Offer all users the access to spectrum they need to
innovate and grow by managing the spectrum effectively
and efficiently in close colloboration with our stakeholders

A1 A2 A3
Optimize Legacy Spectrum Foster Commercial and Safeguard National Access
A.1.1 Optimize Legacy Innovative Uses A.3.1 Enable Space
Spectrum A.2.1 Drive 5G+ Spectrum
A.2.2 Accelerate Innovation, A.3.2 Empower industry &
Sciences, and Radio Logistics
Technologies A.3.3 Improve Public
A.2.3 Upgrade Media Security & Safety
19

B1 B2 B3
Adopt Adaptive Facilitate Wireless Embrace Market-oriented
Regulatory Mechanisms Access and Investments Approaches
B.1.1 Streamline Regulatory B.2.1 Talior Pricing B.3.1 Pilot Spectrum
Policies and Procedures B.2.2 Revamp Licensing Sharing
B.1.2 Optimize Spectrum use B.2.3 Future-proof B.3.2 Experiment
B.1.3 Support Spectrum Planning & Allocation Decentralized
Research Assignments

C1 C2 C3
Engage the Ecosystem Expand the Toolkit Grow Capabilities
C.1.1 Engage Local C.2.1 Enhance Spectrum C.3.1 Revamp Core
Stakeholders Monitoring Processes
C.1.2 Stengthen Saudi C.2.2 Upgrade Spectrum C.3.2 Grow Talent
Arabia’s International IT Systems Pool
Influence
 LOOKING
FORWARD

We will monitor the aggregate effects of keep this strategy under review.
implementing this strategy by keeping
track of key performance indicators As technologies evolve, consumers and
and metrics to ensure we continue to markets change, we expect our strategic
optimize the spectrum access and use, direction to adapt and our efforts and
and to inform future decisions related to resources to adjust.
spectrum management in general. As required, we will assess and respond
Those metrics include, on the demand to new developments in consultation
20
side, the number of MHz assigned to with stakeholders (including users, other
specific uses and radio services (including regulators, government entities, etc.).
SAUDI ARABIA’S NATIONAL RADIO SPECTRUM STRATEGY 2025

unlicensed spectrum), percentage There is a clear path forward that we have

of harmonization with international articulated in our implementation plan
standards, as well as efficiency of in terms of phasing actionable projects
spectrum utilization, especially in to realize our ambition and identifying
congested bands. Also included, on mitigation actions to overcome risks and
the supply side, are the proportion of roadblocks, so we are confident that with
commercial spectrum vs government an engaging and collaborative approach,
spectrum, affordability of spectrum we are set to embark on a successful
services, and degree of implementing journey to unlock the full potential of
shared spectrum schemes. radio communications in Saudi Arabia.
We will continue to track changing
spectrum demand and the effectiveness
of the spectrum supply management to