Communications, Space and Technology Commission (CST)

Saudi government commission that regulates the communications, technology and space sectors, issues licences and monitors licensees. Created in 2001, it was known as CITC until its 2022 renaming.

Industry: Telecommunications, technology and space regulation | Location: Riyadh, Saudi Arabia | Founded: 2001

About Communications, Space and Technology Commission (CST)

The Communications, Space and Technology Commission (CST) is Saudi Arabia's regulator for telecommunications, information technology and the space sector. It manages the radio spectrum and regulates digital content platforms, and describes its purpose as regulating and empowering the communications and technology sector. It has its own legal personality and enjoys financial and administrative autonomy. The body began as the Saudi Communications Commission, created in 2001 under a Council of Ministers decision, with the Telecommunications Act of 2001 providing the framework. In 2003, when it took on information technology responsibilities, it became the Communications and Information Technology Commission (CITC). On 1 November 2022 the cabinet approved its current name and transferred regulatory powers in the space sector from the Saudi Space Commission, covering the frequency spectrum, satellite networks, orbit reservations and emerging space technologies. On 24 December 2024 the Council of Ministers approved an amendment to the commission's regulation. Leadership: Saudipedia reports that a Royal Decree on 12 February 2026 appointed Haytham Al-Ohali as governor of CST. Al-Ohali had been Deputy Minister of Communications and Information Technology since 2018. Space and satellite regulation has become a major part of its work. In September 2022 CST published regulations for non-terrestrial networks that streamlined the procedure for obtaining licences to provide satellite services in the Kingdom and created an online registry, at no cost, for foreign satellite operators providing capacity there. In February 2025 it awarded a non-terrestrial network licence to SkyFive Arabia to improve connectivity for the aviation sector. It also licensed Neo Space Group for an earth observation platform service, described as the first of its kind in the Kingdom. In December 2025 CST opened a public consultation on a Space Sector Regulations and Guidelines document covering licences and permits for space activities, including their duration and requirements, with comments due on 24 March 2026. In August 2026 it held a session with the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology and the National Technology Development Program on government support programmes for Saudi space startups. CST also oversees digital infrastructure investment. At LEAP25 it said around SAR 1 billion in investments would expand digital infrastructure, and Argaam reported that it was offering four digital infrastructure licences worth SAR 1 billion. CST's rules also affect global operators. Saudi Arabia lifted its restrictions on calling apps in 2017, with the regulator reviewing applications against its requirements. Elon Musk said at the Saudi-U.S. Investment Forum that the Kingdom had approved Starlink for aviation and maritime use.

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