With Attendance of More Than 50 Government Entities: Communications Commission Holds Virtual Workshop on IoT Services and Their Role in Enhancing Government Services

The Communications and Information Technology Commission held a virtual workshop on Internet of Things services and their role in enhancing government services, attended by representatives of more than 50 government entities, in addition to a group of IoT service providers in the Kingdom.

During the workshop, the importance of keeping pace with emerging technologies, particularly the Internet of Things, and the need to invest in them was affirmed, after these technologies became a strategic choice and a fundamental and important pillar for advancing many industries and elevating services in various fields.

The roles of the Communications Commission in contributing to stimulating investment in IoT services, developing the local market, and working to bridge the gaps between supply and demand were also reviewed, in addition to its efforts in raising awareness and supporting government entities to adopt IoT technologies. During the workshop, the Commission's Director General of Emerging Technologies, Dr. Khalid Al-Shathri, reviewed the most notable work carried out by the Commission in regulating and enabling the Internet of Things, and also noted that the Commission had previously approved and published the Regulatory Framework for the Internet of Things, licensed the provision of IoT virtual network operator (IoT-VNO) services, and contributed to spreading IoT connectivity technologies such as NB-IoT technology, alongside establishing a license for providing IoT services using unlicensed frequencies.

Following that, presentations were given by a number of national companies working in the field of the Internet of Things and its services, reviewing how to benefit from them in enhancing government entities' initiatives and services, before the workshop concluded with an open discussion on IoT services and emerging technologies. At the end of the workshop, the Communications Commission renewed its invitation to government entities to adopt IoT technologies, to provide innovative and pioneering services, contributing to achieving Saudi Vision 2030.