Regulations on the Use of the Radio Spectrum for Program Making and Special Events PMSE Annex

CST has issued the Regulations for the use of Radio Spectrum for Program Making and Special Events (PMSE) Applications, including the provisions and regulatory frameworks related to using the frequencies for program making and special events, to ensure the optimal use and effective management of the frequency spectrum in KSA ‏.‏

PMSE applications include a range of radio systems such as wireless microphones, audio and video links, remote control systems, wireless cameras, and other technologies used in media broadcasting, television coverage, live performances, cultural and religious events, as well as sports and entertainment activities. These applications are also widely deployed in radio and television studios, educational institutions, meeting halls, and theaters ‏.‏

The importance of regulating the use of such applications arises from their increasing reliance in various sectors. Through this Annex, the CST seeks to achieve the following objectives ‏:‏

‏-‏ Promoting the optimal use of the frequency spectrum used for PMSE applications ‏.‏

‏-‏ Aligning with international usage of frequency spectrum for PMSE applications ‏.‏

‏-‏ Managing the frequency spectrum for PMSE according to a clear, transparent, and comprehensive mechanism looking to the future without discrimination ‏.‏

‏-‏ Improving the quality of radio applications used in PMSE in KSA ‏.‏

The terms and expressions included in this Annex shall have the same meanings as those included in the Telecommunication and Information Technology Act and its Bylaws, unless the context requires otherwise. The following terms and expressions, wherever they appear in this annex, shall have the meanings defined for each of them, unless the context requires otherwise ‏: ‏

2-1 Program Making and Special Events (PMSE) Applications: Refers to using wireless applications to support the program making and special events, including, but not limited to, wireless microphones, audio and video transmission systems, and remote-control systems ‏.‏

2-2 Wireless Multichannel Audio System (WMAS): wireless audio transmission systems using digital broadband transmission techniques for microphone and in-ear monitor system applications, and other multichannel audio PMSE use ‏.‏

3-1 This annex is applicable to radio spectrum users for PSME applications ‏. ‏

3-2 This annex does not apply to Satellite News Gathering (SNG) uses ‏.‏

4-1 CST licenses the use of the radio spectrum in the specified frequency bands for PSME applications to government entities and legally registered companies in KSA, provided that the entity requesting the license is the organizer of the events or the user of the applications ‏.‏

5-1 The frequency license fees for PSME applications are determined in accordance with the Frequency Licensing Fees Regulations published on CST’s website ‏.‏

6-1 CST licenses the temporary use of the radio spectrum for (PMSE) applications in accordance with the intended term of use, for a maximum period of sixty (60) days. The license may be renewed -upon the licensee’s request and after obtaining the necessary approvals- provided that the total term after renewal does not exceed sixty (60) days ‏.‏

6-2 CST licenses the use of the radio spectrum for PMSE applications with a term exceeding sixty (60) days on an annual basis. The license may be renewed -upon the licensee’s request and after obtaining the necessary approvals ‏.‏

7-1 Licenses must be obtained from CST before using the radio spectrum for PMSE applications ‏.‏

7-2 CST licenses the use of the frequency bands specified in Article (12) for the following PMSE applications ‏:‏

7-2-1 Audio Applications: Such as wireless microphones, IEMs, and audio links ‏. ‏

7-2-2 Video Applications: Such as wireless cameras links and video links ‏. ‏

7-2-3 Service Links: Such as remote-control links for PMSE applications, and the talkback systems ‏. ‏

7-3 Access to specialized communications service systems, PMR, for PMSE is limited to licensed service providers only ‏.‏

7-4 CST licenses the use of the radio spectrum for WMAS, subject to case-by-case review and evaluation ‏.‏

7-5 CST licenses the use of the radio spectrum on a first-come, first-served basis ‏.‏

8-1 CST will permit the use of the specified frequency bands for audio applications and some use cases under light licensing regime. The regulations and conditions for these uses will be determined according to the light licensing regulations issued by CST ‏.‏

9-1 SRDs, UWB devices, and DECT systems used in PMSE do not require a frequency license, if they comply with the technical specifications issued for those uses ‏.‏

9-2 The technical specification for audio applications outlines the frequency bands available for license-exempt use ‏.‏

10-1 Users wishing to obtain a frequency license for PMSE application must submit their application to CST at least ten (10) business days prior to the commencement of use ‏.‏

10-2 The applicant must provide CST with the following requirements ‏:‏

10-2-1 Technical documentation for PMSE applications, and the frequency bands used ‏.‏

10-2-2 The geographic area(s) and coordinates of all locations where the spectrum will be used ‏.‏

10-2-3 The start and end dates of use ‏.‏

10-2-4 Identifying information related to the applications used, including but not limited to the devices’ serial numbers and manufacturer details ‏.‏

10-2-5 Any additional information requested by CST, at its discretion, during the review of the licensing application ‏. ‏

10-3 The applicant must comply with all terms and conditions issued by relevant government entities, in accordance with the laws and regulations in force in KSA ‏.‏

11-1 PMSE applications shall operate on a non-interference, non-protection basis, without causing harmful interference to other radiocommunication uses and shall not be entitled to protection from these uses ‏. ‏

11-2 The use of the frequency bands 617-652 MHz and 663-698 MHz for PMSE applications is prohibited ‏.‏

11-3 CST shall issue separate regulatory plans for the use of the radio spectrum during large-scale events. The classification of an event as large-scale shall be determined by CST based on the size of the event and the nature of the associated spectrum use ‏.‏

11-4 CST examining licensing the use of the frequency spectrum to support PMSE applications not specified in this Annex on a case-by-case basis, in accordance with the regulations relevant to these uses ‏.‏

11-5 CST may determine additional conditions, obligations, or amendments to the frequency license, and the licensee shall comply with them immediately upon CST notification ‏.‏

11-6 The use of PMSE applications in violation of the terms, conditions, or frequency bands specified in this annex is prohibited, unless a special license is issued by CST.

12-1 Frequency bands for audio applications (wireless microphones, in-ear monitors (IEM)).

12-2 Frequency bands for portable, mobile, and temporary point-to-point audio links.

12-3 Frequency bands for mobile and portable video links, and wireless camera links.

12-4 Frequency bands for temporary point-to-point video links.

12-5 Frequency bands for service links.

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¹ ‏ ‏ CST shall evaluate requests for wider channel bandwidths on a case-by-case basis ‏.‏

‏ ‏ ² Up to 100 mW EIRP for other uses at the CST’s discretion (e.g., body-worn wireless microphones) ‏.‏

³ Up to 50 mW EIRP for other uses at the CST’s discretion (e.g., body-worn wireless microphones).

⁴ Up to 25 mW ERP for temporary use