Page 111 - SAMENA Trends - July-August 2023

REGULATORY & POLICY UPDATES SAMENA TRENDS

Saudi Arabia

The Communications, Space, and Technology Commission regulators. It also highlights future opportunities and technologies
(CST) invites the public to submit their input on the "Space Data contributing to the development of radiocommunication and space
Regulations Platform and Application Document for Obtaining a services. Additionally, the plan includes a roadmap for the planned
Permit to provide a Space Data Platform Services", which aims to regulatory documents CST aims to release in order to enable
establish the regulatory environment of Space sector, and attract space radio services. CST emphasizes that the outlook is driven
investments to contribute in GDP growth, as well as increase the by its mandate in regulating space radio services and its future
effectiveness of space data governance. CST stated that through vision regarding the trends in the market for radiocommunication
the publication of these two documents, it aims to license an entity services in the kingdom. (August 17, 2023) www.cst.gov.sa
that undertakes the establishment of a platform that acts as a
marketplace for space data, to collect and process the space data In pursuit of Saudi Arabia’s 2030 Vision which puts sustainability
received from satellite operators. such as satellite images, remote as one of its pillars in elevating the Kingdom’s future, The
sensing data, orbital data, weather data, and astronomy data. Communications, Space and Technology Commission (CST)
Moreover, the platform connects satellite operators, developers published the 2nd edition of the "ICT and Space Sustainability
of technical solutions and applications, researchers, and entities in Saudi Arabia" Report in collaboration with the Ministry of
wishing to obtain solutions based on space data. CST also Communications and Information Technology (MCIT) and
outlined that the "Application Document for Obtaining a Permit the International Telecommunication Union (ITU). The digital
to provide a Space Data Platform Services" includes guidelines infrastructure, ICT and Space sector plays an essential role in
and requirements for entities interested to acquire the license, as enabling other sectors, hence the report features CST’s endeavors
well as obligations of relevant parties to ensure user rights and in achieving collaborative digital regulation, and a sustainable
data security. CST calls on all relevant parties and stakeholders digital economy. By adopting the (C.I.R.C.L.E.) roadmap the report
to provide their comments, observations and suggestions on the reflects CST efforts in bridging the digital divide, providing ICT
documents, emphasizing its commitment to transparency and services in remote areas, increasing reliance on renewable energy
clarity in engaging all relevant entities. (August 27, 2023) www.cst.gov.sa sources, and raising recycling rates. In addition to supporting R&D
and investment in emerging technologies, enabling smart cities
The Communications, Space and Technology Commission and innovative solutions, as well as diversifying job opportunities.
(CST) invites the public to submit their input on the "Space The report shed light on 12 interesting success stories from over
Radiocommunication Services Outlook", which aims to enable 34 entities adopted digital solutions to support the Sustainable
space radio services and study the key trends and needs of Development Goals (SDGs). The report also emphasized the most
manufacturers, operators, and users. Moreover, it aims to ensure notable achievements in digital sustainability for 2022, such as the
optimal utilization of spectrum and meet the requirements of first global successful trail of 5G technology using HAPS networks,
innovative space technologies. The CST indicates that the outlook the launch of the Emerging Technologies Sandbox, the launch of
includes an analysis of the current situation of space radio the "Recycle Your Device" initiative to recycle e-waste. As well as
services in the Kingdom, the most prominent global trends in the increasing women's participation in the ICT sector, and investment
field of space services, and the challenges faced by spectrum in space sector. (July 31, 2023) www.cst.gov.sa

Tunisia

The telecoms watchdog the National Telecommunications out rules for sharing access to infrastructure, which would also
Authority (Instance Nationale des Telecommunications, INT) be made mandatory by the regulations. The draft decision also
has published for consultation a draft decision on guidelines for includes proposed economic conditions, including requirements
the deployment of fiber infrastructure. The decision highlights to provide prices for three categories of service: fiber optic
the importance of fiber networks in achieving the government’s access services; access to civil engineering facilities; and mobile
targets of narrowing the digital divide and improving access to backhaul services. The INT’s view is that there should be pricing
high quality broadband services. The new rules aim to encourage differentiation between active and passive access tariffs, but
efficient investment in fiber networks in part by encouraging that pricing should not be a significant economic hinderance to
shared usage of such infrastructure. As such, the decision sets operators. (August 24, 2023) www.commsupdate.com

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