Protecting Users and the Market from Violating Practices: Commission Fines Telecom Companies More Than SAR 38 Million

The Communications and Information Technology Commission published today, on its website, decisions issued by the Committee for Consideration of Telecom Law Violations, including financial fines exceeding SAR 38 million, issued against Saudi Telecom Company, Etihad Etisalat Company (Mobily), and Saudi Mobile Telecommunications Company (Zain); upheld by final rulings issued by the Board of Grievances and recently received from the Court of Appeal.

The Commission stated that the Committee for Consideration of Telecom Law Violations fined Saudi Telecom Company amounts exceeding SAR 9 million, for a number of violations detailed in the decisions published on the Commission's website, including failure to implement the Commission's decision requiring the suspension of the application of the credit limit policy, failure to comply with implementing a number of the Commission's directives regarding a number of complaints, establishing a number of prepaid SIM cards in violation of the Telecom Law, and using frequencies without obtaining a license from the Commission.

The Committee also fined Etihad Etisalat Company (Mobily) amounts exceeding SAR 17 million, for a number of violations detailed by the Commission, including failure to comply with implementing a number of the Commission's directives regarding a number of complaints, failure to provide the Commission with the information required from the company within the specified deadline, and establishing a number of prepaid SIM cards in violation of the Telecom Law.

The Committee also fined Saudi Mobile Telecommunications Company (Zain) amounts exceeding SAR 11 million, for committing a number of violations published on the Commission's website, including advertising a promotional offer without obtaining the Commission's approval, failure to comply with implementing a number of the Commission's directives regarding a number of complaints, failure to provide the Commission with the information required from the company within the specified deadline, and establishing a number of prepaid SIM cards in violation of the Telecom Law.

The Commission affirms that it continues to monitor telecom companies and apply the Telecom Law and its implementing regulations against any negative practices that violate the law, in a manner that ensures the rights of users.

*** Details of all violations can be viewed by visiting the following link:

Link to violation details