Narrowband  |   Broadband  |   Satellite  |  2025-07-02

CST Issues Spectrum Outlook for Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

Source: The Critical Communications Review | Gert Jan Wolf editor

One of the highlights of the spectrum outlook is the use of 1900 MHz for FRMCS to modernize railway communications.

Today, the Communications, Space & Technology Commission (CST) in Saudi Arabia announced the publication of the Spectrum Outlook for Commercial and Innovative Uses 2025–2027. Building on the success of the 2021–2023 Spectrum Outlook, this new edition aims to address the evolving spectrum demands for commercial and innovative use, while supporting national objectives and enabling the adoption of cutting-edge wireless technologies in the Kingdom.

This Outlook defines CST’s spectrum priorities and access regimes, reflecting international trends and best practices in spectrum management and licensing. It sets a forward-looking agenda aligned with national strategic plans, providing clear timelines for CST’s spectrum-related initiatives over the next 3 years.

The Outlook enables a wide range of emerging technologies by identifying key frequency bands and regulatory directions. Highlights include:

  • 5G private networks in the 4 GHz band.
  • Automated Frequency Coordination (AFC) for outdoor use in the 6 GHz band.
  • Unlicensed outdoor use of the 60 GHz band for high-throughput and short-range applications.
  • The use of 1900 MHz for FRMCS to modernize railway communications.
  • The use of the 28 GHz band for satellite services.
  • The use of mmWave spectrum (26 GHz) for enhanced 5G and Fixed Wireless Access (FWA).
  • Regulatory directions and new frameworks to enable innovation, spectrum sharing, and more flexible access models.

 

The outlook also outlines CST’s directions for enabling technologies such as Non-Terrestrial Networks (NTNs), UAVs/BVLOS, Advanced Air Mobility (AAM), and next-generation wireless solutions, while promoting research and innovation in 6G and other future technologies.

With this Outlook, CST announced that it reaffirms its commitment to advancing spectrum policy in ways that unlock socio-economic value and position the Kingdom as a leader in the wireless domain.

Please find here, the Spectrum Outlook for Commercial and Innovative Use 2025-2027.