stc Group, Mobily, and Zain KSA have acquired new spectrum for mobile telecommunications networks in the following low-band frequencies: 600 MHz, 700 MHz, and 3800 MHz.
It is worth noting that the three local-based operators have achieved substantial progress in advancing 5G connectivity.
Saudi: A Leading Nation in Mobile Spectrum
The Communications, Space and Technology Commission’s (CST) latest auction granted the following allocations to the leading operators in the country:
- stc Group won 40 MHz in the 600 MHz band and 100 MHz in the 3800 MHz band
- Mobily won 20 MHz in the 700 MHz band and 100 MHz in the 3800 MHz band
- Zain KSA won 30 MHz in the 600 MHz band
The auction increased the total licensed frequencies for mobile telecommunication networks from 1110 MHz to 1400 MHz, positioning the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia as the leading G20 country in terms of the total licensed spectrum for mobile networks in low-band frequencies (below 6 GHz).
Previous Coverage: The Year of Spectrum in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
The auction is anticipated to contribute over SAR 25 billion to the nation’s GDP by 2030, as a result of enhancements in digital infrastructure; increased investments and competitiveness in mobile telecommunications networks; and the deployment of innovative and high-quality telecom services.
Furthermore, CST highlighted that the Kingdom is the first country in Europe, Africa, and the Middle East (EMEA) region to license the 600 MHz frequency band for mobile telecommunication networks.
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