Saudi Arabia: The Communication and Information Technology Commission (CITC) granted network licenses to foreign operators to increase FDI in the ICT sector

On 12 January 2020, The Communication and Information Technology Commission (CITC) has released a Request for Application (RFA) to issue foreign mobile virtual network operators (MVNO) with licenses, enabling them to invest in Saudi Arabia. The decision is part of the plan to accelerate the ICT sector’s growth by 50% and increase its contribution to GDP by USD 13.3 billion. Until recently, only Saudi telecommunications company were the only operators in the kingdom. However, the government in 2014 granted MVNOs licenses to Virgin, Etihad Jawraa and Lebara.