The Communications, Space, and Technology Commission (CST), the Saudi Arabian communications authority established to regulate, monitor and empower the communications and IT sector, has granted a licence to provide specialised wireless telecommunication services to Aramco Digital.
Aramco Digital is the digital and technology subsidiary of Aramco, a leading producer of energy and chemicals. It’s a majority state-owned petroleum and natural gas company that is the national oil company of Saudi Arabia – and estimated to be the fourth-largest company in the world by revenue.
CST says this licence will enables the company to provide specialised services and wireless applications tailored to various sectors such as manufacturing, oil & gas, petrochemicals, transportation, tourism, logistics, business and others. Thus in turn will enable these sectors to adopt smart applications, automate operations, and enable Internet of Things (IoT) applications to connect, monitor and control, positioning Saudi Arabia as a leader in specialised communication services.
CST adds that the licence will create an enabling environment that supports the adoption of emerging technologies for specialised wireless networks, promote investments in digital infrastructure, and accelerate digital transformation in crucial sectors in the Kingdom.
This announcement was far from unprecedented. We reported in June that CST had announced that Aramco Digital had obtained what CST called a Specialised Radio Network Licence in the 450MHz band.
CST says the award came after Aramco Digital completed the required regulatory procedures for the licence. The 450MHz band is not available for public telecoms operations
