المملكة: Banning air communications and mandatory Arabic bills…the most prominent satellite Internet regulations
The Authority explained that this step aims to facilitate the regulatory framework and unify The reference for service providers, stressing that the merger will not affect the structure of current permits, but rather will enhance the flexibility of the sector by updating some regulatory materials to include new and innovative services, such as direct communication services between Satellites, personal devices (“P2P”), and secure government communication (“G2G”), currently limited to Internet services.
Covering all geographical areas
The scope of application of the new regulations includes all service providers for operating non-terrestrial networks and telecommunications services through them within the Kingdom, to cover all geographical areas, including the airspace and territorial waters, and this includes telecommunications services Voice, data transmission, and broadband Internet, in addition to any other services that the Authority decides to add in the future to keep pace with technical growth.
The proposed regulations cover a wide range of advanced technologies, such as mobile communications via satellite (“GMPCS”), Very Small Terminal Technology (“VSAT”), and communication systems on board aircraft and ships, which opens horizons for In a related context, the Authority opened a public discussion on the regulatory considerations for providing communications services on board aircraft, inviting stakeholders in the communications and aviation sectors to share their opinions to ensure the development of an integrated regulatory framework that achieves fair competition between local and foreign companies, and addresses challenges such as Duplication of fees and licensing requirements for aircraft crossing the Kingdom’s airspace.
Strict controls to ensure quality
The Authority has established a set of strict controls to ensure the quality and security of service, as it obliges network operators to notify it of any changes occurring in their data within 15 days, and to use approved international gateways within the Kingdom, and to obtain the necessary licenses for the frequency spectrum, with Commitment to international technical standards issued by organizations such as the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) and the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO).
With regard to air communications services, the regulations stipulate that the operation of mobile telecommunications services must be limited to an altitude exceeding ten thousand feet, in order to avoid any potential interference with terrestrial networks, which reflects the authority’s keenness to achieve a balance between innovation Technical and safety of communications infrastructure.
The regulations stressed the obligations of service providers towards end users, requiring them to provide full transparency in prices, service conditions and scope of coverage, issue accurate invoices in Arabic, provide qualified technical support to efficiently address complaints, and ensure non-discrimination between subscribers.
The Authority set clear requirements for obtaining Permits to operate or provide the service through its electronic platform “Connected” include submitting a valid commercial register, a technical description of the services and technologies used, in addition to a commitment to pay the required financial fees, as the validity period of the permit is linked to the duration of the general class license granted to the operator.
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