Maximum fine of $6.66mln for sale of illegal telecommunications devices in Saudi

RIYADH — The Communications and Information Technology Commission (CITC) announced the end of the corrective period for the supply and sale of telecommunication devices in violation of its regulations.

The telecom regulator said that it has started enforcing maximum fines of SR25 million, in accordance with the telecom law, when any of these devices is detected in the local markets.

The authority warned suppliers of telecommunications equipment against the supply, distribution and sale of any devices in violations of the regulations approved by it, and these included unlicensed telecommunication devices and illegal network boosters so as to avoid the announced penalties.

The CITC said that during the 60-day grace period, a number of inspection tours were carried out in telecom markets and stores to find out the severe impact of the violating devices on the quality of telecommunication devices.

It was found that the illegal network boosters cause radio interference that negatively affects mobile telecommunications services, as well as lowering the level of services for users adjacent to these low quality devices.

It is noteworthy that the authority provides, through its website, the “Device Licensing” service, which enables manufacturers of communications and information technology devices and their suppliers to ensure that their devices conform to technical specifications, before manufacturing them or importing them into the Kingdom.