Other BriefingsSaudi Arabia’s Draft Regulation for Registration of Telecommunication Space Stations
Saudi Arabia’s Communications, Space & Technology Commission (CST) has issued the second draft of the Regulation for Registration of Telecommunication Space Stations for public consultation, aiming to establish a transparent framework for managing space-based communications.
On October 10, 2025, Saudi Arabia’s Communications, Space & Technology Commission (CST) released the Second Version of the Regulation for Registration of Telecommunication Space Stations (hereinafter, the “draft regulation”) for public consultation.
The proposed framework sets out detailed procedures for the registration, management, and oversight of space-based telecommunication assets, reflecting Saudi Arabia’s growing commitment to developing a transparent and competitive space and communications ecosystem.
CST’s expanding role
Established as the unified regulatory body for the communications, space, and technology sectors, the CST plays a central role in coordinating Saudi Arabia’s transformation into a digitally driven and innovation-led economy. Over recent years, the Commission has expanded its oversight from traditional telecommunications to include emerging technologies, digital infrastructure, and national space policy implementation, a convergence that mirrors global trends in integrated communications regulation.
The release of this second draft regulation marks another step in this evolution, reinforcing the CST’s position as the Kingdom’s lead authority on the governance of space-enabled communications.
A step toward structured governance
The new draft regulation outlines the definitions, scope, and obligations applicable to operators of telecommunication space stations, ranging from satellite communication platforms to associated ground-based components. It establishes a unified registration system that defines the rights and duties of service providers, specifies procedural steps for obtaining and maintaining registration, and introduces provisions for compliance monitoring.
By setting these parameters, the CST aims to strengthen legal clarity and accountability across the rapidly expanding space communications sector, ensuring that operators adhere to national and international standards of safety, data protection, and orbital coordination.
Supporting Vision 2030 and space sector growth
The move comes as Saudi Arabia accelerates its space industry development under Vision 2030, with the Kingdom seeking to diversify its economy and position itself as a regional hub for next-generation communications infrastructure.
Initiatives under the Saudi Space Agency (SSA) and CST have increasingly focused on creating a robust regulatory environment that enables both domestic and international investment in satellite services, Earth observation, and space-based connectivity.
The new registration framework complements these efforts by providing a structured mechanism for transparency and operational oversight, key factors in attracting private sector participation and fostering international collaboration. As the global space economy grows, Saudi Arabia’s alignment with international best practices will be crucial to ensuring sustainable market access and regulatory credibility.
Industry context and implications
The timing of the draft regulation is significant. Across the Middle East, governments are modernizing telecom and space governance to support new commercial models driven by low Earth orbit (LEO) constellations, data-intensive satellite applications, and cross-border connectivity demands. In this context, Saudi Arabia’s proactive regulatory reform signals its readiness to compete for investment and partnerships in the broader satellite and communications value chain.
For industry participants, the regulation introduces important compliance considerations. Operators, service providers, and downstream users will need to assess how the proposed rules affect:
- Licensing and operational authorizations under existing telecom and space service frameworks;
- Coordination with international spectrum management regimes such as those of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU); and
- Data and security obligations, including how space-based communication interacts with national cybersecurity and data protection requirements.
Engagement in the public consultation will be essential for stakeholders aiming to shape a balanced and innovation-friendly regulatory outcome.
Satellite-communications industry overview
The broader satellite-communications industry is poised for significant growth and forms a critical backdrop to the proposed regulation. Globally, the satellite communications market was valued at approximately US$90.3 billion in 2024 and is projected to reach around US$159.6 billion by 2030, reflecting a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of about 10.2 per cent from 2025-30.
In the Middle East specifically, the satellite communications segment is estimated at US$3.74 billion in 2025 and expected to grow to about US$5.35 billion by 2030 (a CAGR of roughly 7.4 per cent).
Furthermore, the satellite‐data-services sub-market in the Middle East & Africa generated around US$728.9 million in revenue in 2024 and is forecast to grow at a CAGR of approximately 14.6 per cent through 2030. These figures underscore both the opportunity and urgency for clear regulatory frameworks.
As the number of space-enabled services and operators expands, so too do the demands for registration, oversight, spectrum coordination, security and compliance, all of which the draft regulation by the CST seeks to address.
Outlook: Toward a competitive and responsible space economy
The release of this second version demonstrates Saudi Arabia’s intent to establish a governance model that balances innovation, investment, and regulatory accountability. By integrating space station registration into its broader digital and space policy framework, the Kingdom is taking another step toward a future in which space-enabled communications play a central role in national infrastructure, economic diversification, and digital transformation.
The consultation period also reflects an important shift in regulatory culture, toward openness, industry dialogue, and the co-development of rules that support a sustainable and competitive space ecosystem in the Middle East.
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