Prior to our engagement, lack of spectrum was identified as key impediment to the development of 4G and 5G mobile in Saudi Arabia. As a result, the Saudi Arabian regulator for communications, information, and technology (CITC, now CST) was tasked by the government to facilitate the modernization of the Saudi telecoms markets.

Through three successive engagements, NERA developed a roadmap for release of spectrum for mobile and other uses and designed and implemented auctions for large spectrum allocation events.

NERA designed and implemented auctions in 2017 and 2018 for critical spectrum in the 700, 800, 900, and 1800 MHz bands. It was the first time auctions and online software had been used to allocate spectrum in Saudi Arabia. NERA also designed the competitive tender for the nationwide PMR license and designed and implemented the first auction for satellite spectrum in the country with the 2022 NTN award.

NERA also assisted the CITC in producing Saudi Arabia’s first spectrum outlook. The document was based on the analysis of a broad array of sectoral uses for spectrum, from large sectors such as IMT and WiFi to innovative spectrum uses such as vehicle-to-vehicle communication. We also reviewed responses to the CITC’s largest stakeholder spectrum consultation.

The completed auctions paved the way for Saudi Arabia’s transformation from mobile laggard to a recognized leader in 5G, resulting in Saudi Arabia ranking within the top five among G20 countries for 5G base stations and within the top five G20 countries for 5G population reach in 2021.

Meanwhile the outlook was a key factor in CST’s (previously CITC) obtention of the G5 regulator classification.

Future outlooks combined with future auctions in IMT and other sectors will ensure Saudi Arabia maintains this leadership position. It will also create new opportunities for other industries using unlicensed and lightly licensed spectrum to realize the same success as mobile.