Article 11 of the Saudi Communications and Information Technology Law
المادة 11 من نظام الاتصالات وتقنية المعلومات · الفصل الثالث: الطيف الترددي
The Authority manages the frequency spectrum allocated for civil and commercial uses under the national plan, and sets electromagnetic exposure levels for non-ionizing spectrum and the rules for measuring them.
Official text (Arabic)
This article has not been amended since the law was issued.
تتولى الهيئة ما يأتي:
1- إدارة الطيف الترددي المخصص للاستخدامات المدنية والتجارية، وفقاً لما تحدده الخطة الوطنية للطيف الترددي.
2- تحديد المستويات الخاصة بالتعرض للمجالات الكهرومغناطيسية للطيف الترددي غير المؤين، ووضع الضوابط والمعايير اللازمة للمطابقة والالتزام بها وإجراءات القياسات لذلك، واتخاذ ما يلزم في شأنها وفق ما تقرره اللائحة.
This is the official Arabic wording, the only legally binding version. We do not translate the law itself; the explanation below is ours. Official source: Bureau of Experts at the Council of Ministers
Article 11 explained in plain English
This article gives the Authority two tasks in the field of the frequency spectrum:
1- Managing the civil and commercial spectrum: the Authority manages the frequency spectrum allocated for civil and commercial uses, as the national frequency spectrum plan determines. This plan, under Article 10, is prepared by the Authority and approved by the Ministry in coordination with military and security bodies.
2- Safety from electromagnetic fields: the Authority:
- Determines exposure levels to the electromagnetic fields of the non-ionizing frequency spectrum, the type used in communications.
- Sets the controls and standards needed for conformity and compliance.
- Sets measurement procedures.
- Takes what is needed in respect of them as the regulations decide.
The second aspect matters to residents who are concerned about communications towers near them; the body competent to set exposure limits and measure them is the Authority. But the article does not mention specific figures or limits; these are learned from the controls the Authority issues. Article 12 comes after it to prohibit the use of any frequency before it is allocated by the Authority.
Practical example
Residents of a neighborhood in Taif were concerned about a communications tower installed near their homes. The body competent to determine the permitted levels of exposure to electromagnetic fields and set the procedures for measuring them is the Authority, and they can contact it in this regard.
Translated from our Arabic explanation with machine assistance. For guidance only; it does not replace advice from a lawyer on your situation.
How we write and review contentAdministrative Law lawyers: ask a specialist about your case
Describe your situation briefly and we'll suggest a lawyer who specialises in this law
Administrative Law (Board of Grievances) lawyers
Lawyers who handle this kind of case
Dr. Ali Al-Rubaie Law Office and Ittihad Al-Asr Legal Company
Al-Safwa Law Office and Legal Consultancy
Frequently asked questions about Article 11 of the Saudi Communications and Information Technology Law
Who sets the permitted radiation levels from communications towers?
The Authority determines exposure levels to the electromagnetic fields of the non-ionizing frequency spectrum, and sets the conformity controls and measurement procedures.
Who manages commercial frequencies in Saudi Arabia?
The Authority manages the frequency spectrum allocated for civil and commercial uses in accordance with the national frequency spectrum plan.
More articles on Radio Spectrum
- Article 10
The frequency spectrum is a natural resource owned by the State, and the Authority prepares the national frequency spectrum plan for approval by the Ministry in coordination with military and security bodies.
1- الطيف الترددي ثروة طبيعية تملكها الدولة. 2- تعد الهيئة الخطة الوطنية للطيف الترددي بالتنسيق مع الجهات ذات العلاقة -مراعية ما تقضي به الأنظمة الأخرى، والاتفاق
- Article 12
No user or service provider may use any frequency until the Authority has allocated it to him, he has obtained the necessary license and he has paid the fee.
لا يجوز لأي مستخدم أو مقدم خدمة استخدام أي تردُّد إلا بعد تخصيصه له من الهيئة وحصوله على الترخيص اللازم وتسديد المقابل المالي.
- Article 13
If the civil and commercial spectrum is used in violation of the Law, the regulations or license terms, the Authority may stop the operation of the devices used or withdraw them from service, calling on security bodies when needed.
في حال استخدام الطيف الترددي المخصص للأغراض المدنية والتجارية بما يخالِف النظام أو اللائحة أو أحكام وشروط الترخيص، فللهيئة إيقاف تشغيل الأجهزة المستخدمة في المخ
- Article 14
The Authority must establish a national frequency register recording data on the frequency spectrum, manage it, keep its data updated and preserve its confidentiality.
تنشئ الهيئة سجلاً وطنيًّا للترددات في المملكة، تقيد فيه البيانات المتعلقة بالطيف الترددي، وتتولى إدارته وتحديث بياناته والمحافظة على سريتها.
The texts are reproduced from the official website of the Bureau of Experts at the Council of Ministers for reference; where they differ, the officially published Arabic text prevails. This content is not legal advice.