"CITC" Announces the Results of the Mobile Virtual Network Operator (MVNO) Services Competition

The Communications and Information Technology Commission announced today the results of the competition for providing mobile virtual network operator (MVNO) services, which resulted in the win of both: Integrated Telecom Company Limited and Tharawat Technology Consortium, granting them (90) days from the date of notification of their win to complete the necessary regulatory requirements, stressing that if either of the two winning companies fails to fulfill those requirements within the specified period, the third-ranked candidate will be selected as a replacement, subject to the same regulatory procedures as stated in the license application document.

The Commission explained that the license to provide mobile virtual network services allows the virtual operator to provide voice communications services, mobile data services, and internet services, alongside a number of mobile communications services such as SMS, voicemail, and media services, among others, without requiring the virtual operator to own any towers or frequencies, noting that service provision relies on renting or purchasing capacity from existing facilities-based service providers, and then providing services to subscribers. The Commission also noted that granting new licenses to provide mobile virtual network services will contribute positively to improving the user experience, raising service quality, and providing users with more additional options, which will be reflected in the sector's development, enhancing investment opportunities, stimulating competitiveness among service providers, in addition to stimulating innovation and creating new job opportunities in the sector's markets.

The Communications and Information Technology Commission had granted Etihad Virgin Mobile Saudi Arabia and Etihad Jawraa Telecom and Information Technology Company a license to provide mobile virtual network operator (MVNO) services in 2014.

It is noted that if "Integrated Telecom Company Limited" and "Tharawat Technology Consortium" complete the necessary requirements to obtain the license within (90) days, the total number of mobile virtual network operator (MVNO) service licenses in the Kingdom will reach (4) licenses.