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Zain KSA adds 600 MHz to its spectrum portfolio: Zain KSA acquired a 15-year license for an additional 30 MHz in the 600 MHz spectrum band for SAR 624 mn to shore up its 5G coverage, according to a disclosure to Tadawul. The spectrum will be available for use from January 2025. The 600 MHz band offers wider geographic coverage and stronger building penetration.
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Financing structure: The license, awarded at the Communications, Space, and Technology Commission (CST) Spectrum Auction, will be paid in annual installments of SAR 48 mn over 13 years, starting July 2026.
Why it matters: Spectrum plays a critical role for mobile network operators in the Kingdom as customer demand for high-speed data continues to rise. By acquiring additional spectrum, telecom providers can boost network capacity, delivering faster and more dependable data speeds that enhance user satisfaction. Additionally, it enables the development of technologies like standalone 5G (5G-SA), the Internet of Things (IoT), and private networks, aligning with the Kingdom’s goals to strengthen the digital economy.
Putting Saudi on the map: With this auction, Saudi is the first country in Europe, Africa, and the Middle East to license the 600 MHz band for mobile networks, according to a statement from the CST. The auction aims to contribute over SAR 25 bn to the Kingdom’s GDP by 2030 and boost licensed mobile frequencies by 27%, from 1.11k MHz to 1.4k MHz.
Also from the auction: STC acquired 40 MHz in the 600 MHz band, and 100 MHz in the 3.8k MHz band. Mobily secured 20 MHz in the 700 MHz band, and 100 MHz in the 3.8k MHz band.
