The Communications and Information Technology Commission (CITC) announces its intention to issue new licenses for virtual mobile network operators (MVNOs) for the first time in the Kingdom.

The CITC Published today (24/02/1433H (18/01/2012G) publishing a consultation document on) This includes the draft license, draft guidelines and a draft Request for Applications. The public consultation process invites comments on the aforementioned documents and supporting regulatory details from any interested party. Full details will be available at: http://www.citc.gov.sa

In preparing for this public consultation, his Excellency Eng. Abdullah bin Abdulaziz Al-Darrab, Governor of CITC said “This consultation represents an important step in the liberalisation of the telecommunications market in Saudi Arabia and provides more choices for users of communications and information technology services. It will also provide users with new applications and innovative services, improve customer care, and encourage further new investment as well as additional opportunities for employment of young Saudis in this important sector.”

The ICT sector is considered as one of the most promising sectors in the Kingdom.  Telecom service revenues in Saudi Arabia have been steadily growing at a compound annual growth rate of around 13% over the past eight years (2002-2010) reaching SAR 61 billion at the end of 2010. Mobile services currently represent about three quarters of total revenues with fixed and data services making up the remainder.