RIYADH — The international satellite industry came together in a webinar on "Fostering New Generation of Satellite Technologies in Saudi Arabia", organized by the Saudi telecom regulator the Communications and Information Technology Commission (CITC). Satellite technologies are among the most exciting innovations in the ICT sector and are now entering the mainstream. Commercially, they are ready to be considered alongside terrestrial technologies such as fiber, microwave, Wi-Fi and mobile, to drive global broadband adoption. The webinar follows the recent release of CITC's "spectrum outlook for commercial and innovative use", which seeks to optimize the use of the spectrum in Saudi Arabia, thereby enabling satellite technology, safeguarding satellite industry investments, and encouraging development to satisfy the Kingdom's demand for connectivity. Dr. Mohammed Al-Otaibi, deputy governor for Radio Spectrum at CITC explained the rationale behind the webinar, saying: :In our role as Saudi Arabia's digital regulator, we understand that satellite technologies are an integral part of the Kingdom's digital transformation.'' Al-Otaibi further emphasized the importance of emerging technologies in the satellite industry for areas with poor connectivity, noting: ''New LEO satellite technologies support providing broadband services by complementing existing terrestrial networks and connecting unconnected areas, with a potential speed that can reach 100 Mbps with low latency''. In addition to faster internet speeds, the new generation of satellite technologies will improve broadband services in aircraft and ships, enable the Internet of things services, and become part of the wireless networks of the future. The sessions featured discussions with several, high-profile international satellite service providers, including Laith Hamad, Director Government, and Regulatory Engagement at OneWeb, Omar Qaise, Founder & CEO of OQ Technologies, Zeina Mokaddem, VP at Inmarsat, Amy R. Mehlman, VP Government Affairs and Global Policy at VIASAT, Badr Alsuwaidan, VP & CTO at ARABSAT, and Mohaned Juwad, SM Spectrum Policy at INTELSAT.
