Frequency Spectrum

Frequency spectrum is a limited natural resource and represents a key pillar of technologies, services and daily wireless activities. It constitutes the entirety of electromagnetic waves used to transmit information from one point to another. These waves are expressed in the name of frequencies for their technological uses in fields of satellites, mobile phones, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and other fields.

As the frequency spectrum is a limited natural resource, CST manages the spectrum through planning, licensing and monitoring processes in line with global trends and needs of the Kingdom's frequency spectrum users.

Frequency is measured in Hertz unit named in honor of German physicist Heinrich Hertz, who discovered nature of these waves and how they work.

Frequency spectrum has a range between 3 kHz and 300 GHz in the electromagnetic spectrum map. Wireless transmission transcends the political boundaries of States and may cause harmful interference to wireless signals between radio systems operating in those States. Therefore, frequency spectrum management is a matter of great importance at the national, regional and international levels. ITU, a UN Specialized Agency, is responsible for managing use of frequency spectrum and satellite orbits internationally, setting standards for wireless communication systems, mediating disputes over use of frequency spectrum, and other ICT-related issues.