Guidelines for
Telecom Services Provision in
Large-Scale New Developments
First version - 2024
[Link]
[Link]
Content
Introduction 03
Definitions 04
Phases of telecom services provision in large-scale new developments 05
Phase One: Developing project concept
06
Phase Two: Detailed requirements 10
Phase Three: Commercial agreements 13
Phase Four: Project execution 16
Summary of the Procedures 19
Annex 1: Licensed Communication Service Providers 23
Annex 2: Key Regulatory Related Documents
25
Guidelines for Telecom Services Provision in Large-Scale New Developments 2
Introduction
The Communications, Space and Technology Commission (CST) is responsible
for regulating the communications and information technology sector in Saudi
Arabia under the Communications and Information Technology act issued by
Royal Decree No. (106/M) dated 2/11/1443H.
In line with the Commission’s responsibilities to enable Saudi Arabia's digital
transformation and support national large-scale new developments, the
Commission provides these guidelines based on (Telecom infrastructure
regulations in new developments) and other relevant regulations, to achieve the
following objectives:
Defining Providing Enabling
the responsibilities of digital infrastructure in the provision of utilities
developers and telecom large-scale new in a coordinated manner
service providers. developments in an by joint construction
effective and high-quality and sharing of
manner for users. infrastructure.
Service providers are obligated to provide fixed and mobile telecom services to
the public in public areas. While the responsibility for providing these services in
private areas is shared between developers and service providers.
Guidelines for Telecom Services Provision in Large-Scale New Developments 3
Definitions
Commission Communications, Space and Technology Commission
Large-Scale New Means the real estates to be developed by land and building
Developments developers, including land planning and preparation and buildings
construction for residential, commercial, industrial, governmental or
any other purpose, which satisfies any of the following:
• A total area of more than (500,000) square meters.
• A built-up area of more than a (100,000) square meters.
• One or more buildings with total of more than (40) planned stories
above ground.
• Public buildings and facilities such as airports, universities, hospitals,
train stations, economic, sports, or recreational cities, among others.
Developer An entity which is authorized by the property owner for any of the
following:
• Preparing new development sites for residential, commercial,
industrial, governmental, or any other special purpose or public use
(Land Developer).
• Constructing and renovating of buildings (Building Developer).
Service Provider A telecom service provider licensed by the Commission.
Commercial Refers to an agreement concluded between the developer and one or
Agreement more service providers to develop, implement, own, or share
infrastructure and telecom networks, and provide telecom services in
Large-Scale new developments.
A committee established by the developer in which the Commission,
Technical
telecom service providers, and other relevant parties participate; It
Coordination
Committee (TCC) aims to identify technical requirements and develop plans for
telecom infrastructure and providing telecom services in the project.
Guidelines for Telecom Services Provision in Large-Scale New Developments 4
These guidelines include a description of
the processes and procedures for
interactions between the developer and
the Commission and Service providers
throughout all project phases, as follows:
1 Phase One
Developing project concept
2 Phase Two
Detailed requirements
3 Phase Three
Commercial agreements
4 Phase Four
Project execution
Guidelines for Telecom Services Provision in Large-Scale New Developments 5
Phases of telecom services provision
in large-scale new developments
First Phase
Developing project concept
Guidelines for Telecom Services Provision in Large-Scale New Developments
1
First Phase
Developing project concept
During this phase, the aspirations and technical objectives of the
large-scale new development are defined, along with possible
options for developing the digital infrastructure. This phase begins
with the start of planning and designing work for the project based
on it's vision and objectives.
The developer is responsible for the following during this phase:
1 2 3
Evaluate and define Allocate necessary Communicate with the
telecom service budgets and resources Commission via email
requirements in the
to meet the project’s (MegaProject@[Link].
project area.
needs related to sa), and assign a
telecom services. contact.
4 a Geographic boundaries of the development zone.
Comprehensive project plan (Master Plan), taking into
Providing the b
account the allocation of spaces and locations for services
Commission with the facilities (towers/equipment/devices).
following project’s Project stakeholders.
c
information: Number of facilities, residents, visitors, and their spatial
d distribution.
e Project implementation timeline.
Construction zones for the project at its various phases.
f
Telecom services required for the project.
g
Approved project documents (such as property document,
h approved plan, etc).
Guidelines for Telecom Services Provision in Large-Scale New Developments 7
Subsequently, the Commission provides the developing entity with
the following:
1 2 3
Level of telecom Possible technical and Recommended
services. regulatory options for technical standards and
developing digital guidelines for digital
infrastructure. infrastructure
implementation outdoor
and within buildings.
The Commission ensures effective communication
between the developer and service providers to achieve the following:
1 2 3
Providing data for Providing data about Aligning project plans
existing telecom service providers’ plans with telecom services
infrastructure and (if any). requirements.
networks.
4 5
Sharing procedures for developing, transferring, or Assign a contact .
dismantling existing infrastructure within the project
area (if necessary); while ensuring business
continuity in project is surrounding area, provided
that the developer bears the associated costs.
Guidelines for Telecom Services Provision in Large-Scale New Developments 8
Key recommendations:
01 Evaluate and determine the needs of telecom services in the project area
02 Allocate necessary budgets and resources to meet the project’s needs
related to telecom services
03 Consider the allocation of spaces and locations for services facilities
(towers/equipment/devices) while developing the Master Plan
04 Provide the Commission with the project’s information
Guidelines for Telecom Services Provision in Large-Scale New Developments 9
Phases of telecom services provision
in large-scale new developments
Second phase
Detailed Plans
Guidelines for Telecom Services Provision in Large-Scale New Developments
2
Second phase
Detailed Plans
This phase aims to develop the best designs related to digital
infrastructure and networks, and align with service providers to
ensure the provision of high-quality infrastructure that meets
the aspirations and needs of the project.
During this phase, the developer does the following:
1 1.1. Informing committee members about project
Establishing a Technical Coordination
details.
Committee (TCC) under the
1.2. Outlining telecom services required temporarily
supervision of the Commission, which
during the project's construction phases.
will include representatives from
1.3. Planning the implementation of various utilities
telecom service providers, and
in a coordinated manner.
establishing any required agreements
1.4. Specifying service providers’ requirements in
to ensure data confidentiality
order to provide the services.
between the developer and the
service providers. The main goals of 1.5. Ensuring infrastructure sharing between telecom
the committee are the following: service providers and preventing duplication.
2
During this phase, the developer can prepare a Request For Information (RFI) document
and share it with telecom service providers participating in the TCC; to assess and
evaluate options for achieving the technical objectives within the project area. After
collecting and evaluating the feedback provided by telecom service providers, it should
be shared with the Commission.
3 4
Identify and determine the final After obtaining the Commission approval,
requirements for telecom services, the developer can prepare Request For
develop the scopes of work, and share Proposals (RFP) document to implement
them with the Commission for review the scope of work and issue a tender
and approval. among relevant service providers.
Guidelines for Telecom Services Provision in Large-Scale New Developments 11
Key recommendations
05 Establishing a Technical Coordination Committee (TCC).
06 Posit the Request For Information (RFI) document to evaluate options for
achieving the technical objectives
07 Obtaining the Commission's approval for the Request for Proposals
(RFP) document
08 Posit the Request For Proposals (RFP) document among relevant service
providers to implement scopes of work.
Guidelines for Telecom Services Provision in Large-Scale New Developments 12
Phases of telecom services provision
in large-scale new developments
Third phase
Commercial Agreements
Guidelines for Telecom Services Provision in Large-Scale New Developments
3
Third phase
Commercial Agreements
During this phase, a commercial agreement needs to be
concluded between the developer and one or more service
providers to implement digital infrastructure and networks and
provide services within the project; a copy of this agreement must
be shared with the Commission.
The developer may assign the work of establishing, implementing, operating, and
maintaining the digital infrastructure and networks to one service provider only, provided
that this digital infrastructure and networks are shared between the service providers,
noting that concluding any agreement that includes exclusivity in the provision of telecom
services is considered a violation of the Communications and Information Technology Act.
These agreements should include, as a minimum, of the following:
Passive sharing of
a
1 2 infrastructure elements such
Telecom services to be The right for all service as towers, ducts, and telecom
provided within the project, providers to access the rooms and spaces.
along with details about the implemented Active sharing of network
entities responsible for infrastructure and b elements such as antennas
delivering these services. networks through: and wired and wireless access
networks.
3 4 5
Infrastructure within the Acknowledge compliance
Not imposing fees or
boundaries of the project with all regulations and
financial compensation on
area must be one and directions that may issue by
service providers for enabling
shared between all service the Commission regarding
them to provide services to
providers. telecom services.
the end users within the
project. This does not include
providing managed services
6 7 for operation and
Not sharing revenues that The ownership of the maintenance or renting
are generated by providing telecom networks and spaces that are used to
telecom services, with the equipment implemented in provide telecom services
service provider. the project belongs to one outside the project
or more service providers. boundaries.
Guidelines for Telecom Services Provision in Large-Scale New Developments 14
Key recommendations
09 Sign the commercial agreement of providing telecom services between the
developer and one or more service providers
Guidelines for Telecom Services Provision in Large-Scale New Developments 15
Phases of telecom services provision
in large-scale new developments
Fourth phase
Project execution
Guidelines for Telecom Services Provision in Large-Scale New Developments
4
Fourth phase
Project execution
During this phase, the developer tracks the project's
implementation progress and provides progress reports to the
Commission following the specified model.
After the project implementation is completed and the
infrastructure for communications services is ready, the
developer will submit the following to the Commission:
1 2
As -built documentation Data of the sites and
of the infrastructure and spaces allocated for
telecom networks telecom facilities.
Guidelines for Telecom Services Provision in Large-Scale New Developments 17
Key recommendations
10 Covering all project areas with wireless mobile communications networks.
11 Delivering optical fibers to all buildings.
12 Delivering optical fibers and permanent power sources to sites designated for
telecom facilities.
13 Preparing all buildings with the necessary infrastructure for telecom networks
according to the regulations and technical standards specified by the
Commission.
14 Relying on Indoor Building solutions (IBS) to provide mobile communications
services inside buildings
15 Share with the commission periodic reports of the project progress
16 Share with the commission the infrastructure data after completion of
implementation
Guidelines for Telecom Services Provision in Large-Scale New Developments 18
Summary of
the Guide's
Procedures
Guidelines for Telecom Services Provision in Large-Scale New Developments
Summary of the Guide's Procedures
1 Initial planning
1
Determine telecom service 2
needs
Allocate the necessary
resources
Share supporting data
Evaluation 2
Current telecom services
Infrastructure developmet
options
Regulations and technical
4 standards 3
3 Requirements
Establishment of a Technical
Coordination Committee
(TCC)
Determine final requirements
Proposing the necessary
projects
Concluding agreements 4
5 Design and implementation
CST Provider Developer
Guidelines for Telecom Services Provision in Large-Scale New Developments 20
Annex
Guidelines for Telecom Services Provision in Large-Scale New Developments
Annex 1
1
Licensed Communication
Service Providers
The information provided below is subject to update. Refer to the
updated list of licensed service providers through the Commission’s
official website.
Link
Establishment of Telecommunication Towers
Companies that can build and own outdoor communications towers, operate them and
lease them to mobile communications service providers.
Companies
Establishment of Indoor Coverage Solutions (IBS - DAS)
Companies that can build, own and operate (small cells, Distributed Antenna Systems
(DAS), Indoor Building Solutions (IBS) and wireless access points) neutrally by leasing
them to mobile communications service providers.
Companies
Guidelines for Telecom Services Provision in Large-Scale New Developments 22
Providing mobile communications services
Companies that can provide mobile communications services to the end user.
Companies
Providing virtual mobile communications services
Companies that can provide communications services to the end user through the
networks of other service providers only and by default.
Companies
Note: The license enables telecommunications services to be provided to the end user through the networks of other*
service providers only
Establishing the physical infrastructure for external communications networks
Companies that can build, own and operate cable and fiber optic paths on a neutral
basis by leasing them to fixed telecommunications service providers.
Companies
Providing fixed communications services
Companies that can provide fixed telecommunications services to the end user
Companies
Guidelines for Telecom Services Provision in Large-Scale New Developments 23
Annex 2
2 Key Regulatory Documents Related
(March 2021 – Edition)
The Commission issued a number of regulatory documents for the
telecommunications sector with the aim of developing the sector, raising its
efficiency, and encouraging digital transformation. It was also keen to enable
the implementation of communications infrastructure in new development
areas, by issuing the following regulations:
Regulations for Telecommunication
Infrastructure in New Development Zones
The "Regulations for Telecommunication Infrastructure in New Development
Zones" aims to facilitate the deployment of communication networks and
ensure their provision throughout the development phases with economic
efficiency; these regulations include:
Regulations necessary for Technical standards for Basis for coordination
establishing the implementing between the developer and
infrastructure for telecommunication service providers
communication networks infrastructure in new lands
and information technology and buildings
These can be accessed through the following link: Link
View all regulatory documents issued by the
Commission and their updated versions through the Link
regulations platform on the CST website:
Guidelines for Telecom Services Provision in Large-Scale New Developments 24
[Link]
