CITC Announces the Publication of the Application Document for a Third License to Provide Mobile Virtual Network Operator Services

Following what the Communications and Information Technology Commission had previously announced regarding the start of the process of issuing licenses to provide mobile virtual network operator services, which resulted in the Commission's Board of Directors approving the granting of a license to provide mobile virtual network operator (MVNO) services to each of:

1. Virgin Mobile Saudi Arabia Consortium, with Saudi Telecom Company as the host service provider.

2. Jawraa Consortium, with Etihad Etisalat Company (Mobily) as the host service provider.

The Commission has published the application document for obtaining a license to provide mobile virtual network operator services with the facilities-based host operator Saudi Telecom Mobile Company "Zain" on the Commission's website (www.cst.gov.sa). This document includes the terms and criteria for the application process and the conditions applicants must meet, the timeline for the licensing process, guidelines related to applicants and the contents of the application, application submission procedures, in addition to the general framework of the mobile virtual network operator agreement.

The Commission aims through licensing the provision of mobile virtual network communications services to enhance the achievement of the objectives stated in the Telecommunications Act regarding creating a suitable climate for fair and effective competition and encouraging it in all areas of telecommunications by providing advanced and adequate mobile telecom services at reasonable prices, and stimulating competition by providing more options for users of telecom and information technology services in the Kingdom, leading to more innovation and diversity in packages and improved subscriber care services, in addition to creating new job opportunities and opening new investment fields in this vital sector.

The Commission invited interested parties to submit their applications to compete for the license in accordance with the requirements stated in the document published on its website, noting that the final deadline for submitting an application to obtain a license to provide mobile virtual network operator services is three o'clock in the afternoon on Thursday 28/10/1436H (13/08/2015). Interested parties can obtain the aforementioned document from the Commission's website on the internet.