Law of Telecommunications and Information Technology

The Ministry shall have the power to supervise the telecommunications and information technology sector within the limits of this Law and relevant laws and in a manner that is not inconsistent with the powers and duties of other agencies in accordance with their laws and the laws under their supervision. To this end, it shall assume the following powers and duties: 1. Developing the strategies, policies, plans, programs, and infrastructure of the telecommunications and information technology sector; supervising the implementation thereof; and taking the measures necessary for matters requiring further action. 2. Proposing draft laws and regulations for the telecommunications and information technology sector in coordination with the Commission, and supervising the implementation thereof upon approval. 3. Representing the Kingdom before regional and international bodies in matters relating to the telecommunications and information technology sector; it may delegate such power to the Commission or to any other relevant agency. 4. Encouraging investment in the telecommunications and information technology sector and contributing to the localization of jobs and the qualification of human resources. 5. Encouraging and supporting research and development in the telecommunications and information technology sector. 6. Issuing and updating policies relating to emerging technologies and the Internet, and communicating such policies to relevant agencies. 7. Conducting a periodic comprehensive review of the performance of the telecommunications and information technology sector taking into consideration the approved policies, and publishing the results thereof to the public. Law of Telecommunications and Information Technology 8. Developing digital economy policies, standards, and procedures in a manner that allows the telecommunications and information technology sector to contribute to the stimulation of the economy, and taking the measures necessary to facilitate the use of telecommunications and information technology in the fields of digital economy. 9. Enhancing standards and procedures relating to digital transformation and the digital government as well as the mechanisms for implementing the same among relevant agencies. 10. Taking necessary arrangements, in coordination with the Commission, to ensure the continuation of the provision of basic telecommunications and information technology services if a service provider is unable to provide such services, in accordance with the rules and procedures specified by the Regulations. 11. Ensuring the availability of Universal Service and Universal Access. The provisions of this Article may be amended pursuant to a resolution by the Council of Ministers. Chapter 2: Licenses