RIYADH – The Communications and Information Technology Commission (CITC) directed telecommunications companies to calculate free tariff for approved educational and health digital platforms as part of the measures taken in the backdrop of preventing the spread of corona. This aimed at facilitating the educational process and providing digital alternatives to benefit from health services in accordance with the social responsibility schemes of telecommunications companies, the Saudi Press Agency reported. CITC initiative follows the Saudi government's decision to suspend studies at all educational institutions across the Kingdom as part of measures to stem the spread of corona. On Sunday, Minister of Education issued directives to activate virtual schools and distance education during the suspension period, ensuring that the educational process continues in an effective way with maintaining the quality. The educational platforms, which are listed in the free data tariff included the National Education Portal (iEN) https://ien.edu.sa/ and the Unified Education System (http://www.vschool.sa). The two platforms contain advanced digital solutions that provide advanced digital educational contents and tools, the ability to perform homework and school tests, as well as providing effective channels of communication among students, school staff and parents. iEN is a strategic project that provides reliable e-educational services to all students, teachers, educational leaders and parents. The free data tariff also included the Seha App for online medical consultation service. This service aims to facilitate the use of free medical consulting services via smart devices, for the cases that may not need to visit the health centers.
