Saudi Arabia’s Communications, Space and Technology Commission (CST) has announced that four operators – stc, Echostar, Omnispace and Salam (in cooperation with Iridium, AST Space Mobile and Airbus) – have qualified to participate in the 2100MHz spectrum auction for non-terrestrial networks (NTN) technologies.
According to TeleGeography’s GlobalComms Database, the authority is aiming to award 2×30MHz of paired spectrum in the band (1980MHz-2010MHz/2170MHz-2200MHz), divided into two blocks of 2×15MHz each. Block A2 (1995MHz-2010MHz/2185MHz-2200MHz) will initially be limited to use for MSS services, with the successful bidder given the option to apply for an upgrade of the licence for terrestrial technologies. The CITC initially planned to hold the auction before the end of 2021, though following a number of delays (in order to modify current legislation prior to service adoption), the tender was re-scheduled for 30 November 2022.