---
title: Saudi Arabia launches free domestic roaming service   - Developing Telecoms
description: The Communications and Information Technology Commission (CITC) in Saudi Arabia announced the launch of the local roaming service, which aims mainly to maintain network service in villages and deserts covered by telecom services in all regions of the Kingdom.
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date: 2021-09-02T05:08:05Z
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The Communications and Information Technology Commission (CITC) in Saudi Arabia announced the launch of the local roaming service, which aims mainly to maintain network service in villages and deserts covered by telecom services in all regions of the Kingdom.

CITC announced that it has signed a commercial agreement between Saudi Telecom Company (STC), Etihad Etisalat Company (Mobily), and Mobile Telecommunications Company Saudi Arabia (Zain) for the launch of the local roaming service.

The service enables users to change their service operator to another operator's service network if there is no coverage for their primary service operator.

The authority clarified that local roaming service includes all services, like voice services, Internet services, short text messages “SMS” services in 21,000 villages of the Kingdom that are covered by telecommunications services, without charging any additional costs, as services will be charged at the base operator rate.

The CITC revealed that the implementation of the local roaming service will start in the Asir region initially and will be completed in the rest of the Kingdom's regions by the end of 2021.

The Governor of the Communications and Information Technology Commission, Dr. Muhammad bin Saud Al-Tamimi, stated that the “local roaming” service comes within the framework of the authority’s work with all parties concerned with providing the best telecommunications services.

Meanwhile, Zain KSA announced that it is supporting the "National Roaming" initiative launched by CITC to maximize the inclusiveness of telecommunication services throughout all Saudi regions and cities, with a particular focus on remote villages and desert areas.

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