Saudi CITC issues internet exchange regulatory framework

The Communications and Information Technology Commission (CITC) announced today, Feb. 14, 2021, issuing the regulatory framework of the Saudi Arabian Internet Exchange (SAIX) in the Kingdom.

In a statement, the Saudi telcom regulator highlighted that the objective of this framework is to set up high-quality internet matrix, in line with the highest international standards, and determine the rights and obligations of the telecom services providers. It will also help attract foreign investment to meet the market’s needs to achieve the Vision 2030, maintain the national internet traffic within the Kingdom and establish the Kingdom as a regional hub for Internet traffic.

SAIX will also play a significant role in enhancing the Kingdom’s digitalization transformation, to become one of the world’s top telecommunications hubs.

Mapping out this framework came after the Saudi telecom regulator studied the market’s current conditions and the regulatory framework in the Kingdom. Additionally, CITC evaluated the best applicable international and regional experiences in this regard, in line with the Saudi Cabinet’s decree, pertaining to connecting networks and operators to the infrastructure and allowing the exchange of internet traffic in a symmetrical manner (Peering), which boosts privacy as well as network performance in the best interest of the users.