Saudi MVNO bids expected in January

Published on 12.01.2012

Saudi Arabian telecoms regulator, Saudi Communications and Information Technology Commission (CITC), is expected to invite bids for at least two mobile virtual network operator licences in January.
Law firm SNR Denton is advising on the consultation process which makes the issue of a fourth conventional licence unlikely.
Bidders for the MVNO licences are likely to include regional MVNO operators such asFriendi and Rena as well as conventional operators and retail outlets and brands.
Previously in the Gulf, only Oman has issued MVNO licences, with other governments seemingly keen to protect existing operators.
Friendi has already made a start in Saudi Arabia with a branding and consultancy deal with third-ranked telecoms operator Zain Saudi.