Explanatory press statement regarding the decision on the single network and similar offers in mobile communications services

Media Center - Riyadh: Sunday 30/2/1431H

With reference to what has been circulating in some media outlets regarding the Communications and Information Technology Commission's requirement that mobile communications companies in the Kingdom implement the decision issued by the Commission regarding the single network service for mobile communications and similar offers, and apply the conditions set by the Commission for implementing this service. In this context, some media outlets have addressed the Commission's decision with an understanding far removed from the Commission's approach as a regulatory body for the communications and information technology sector, whose most important tasks include monitoring and overseeing the work of companies and enforcing its decisions, and it does not take its decisions in isolation from its comprehensive view, which takes into account economic, security, and regulatory considerations and the state's general direction toward spreading communications and information technology services across all regions of the Kingdom and protecting competition in a manner that positively reflects on subscribers.

The Commission issued a press statement on 3 Ramadan 1429H regarding the single mobile network after Zain Mobile Telecommunications Company launched the service without obtaining the Commission's approval, followed by a roaming offer from Etihad Etisalat Company (Mobily), and then a free call reception offer during international roaming for premium subscribers from Saudi Telecom Company, without obtaining the Commission's approval; the Commission clarified that it had not approved these offers and that it was studying the matter from all angles, taking into account the public interest and subscribers' interest, and confirmed that it would announce its position on the matter once the study was completed. The subject of the single network and similar offers received a comprehensive study by the Commission, addressing all related aspects and discussing them at the level of the Commission's Board of Directors meetings. The Commission's decision on this matter was issued on 29 Muharram 1430H, and companies were notified of it for implementation.

Due to companies' non-compliance in implementing decisions in this regard and the negative effects this causes, the Commission called for a meeting on the eighth of Safar 1431H bringing together the heads of the three mobile communications companies, and it was agreed among the companies to implement this decision and other decisions that directly affect subscribers.

In this regard, we confirm that the Commission does not act against the interests of subscribers, as long as the offers presented by companies do not conflict with the Commission's regulations, do not harm the fair competitive environment, or have security and economic impacts that contradict the state's general direction. The Commission has previously approved several discounted promotional offers presented by companies, all of which serve subscribers' interests.