What this means for end users is that they will be able to request service directly from their favorite operator through Dawiyat Fiber the most advanced fiber optic infrastructure in the Kingdom.

By moving to “Open Access” opening up broadband services nationwide, the Communication and Information Technology Commission aims to spread advanced fiber optic network nationwide and make it available for all operators to use equally without bias. This will encourage telecom operators to compete through service quality and pricing while taking advantage of the Kingdom’s vast telecom infrastructure to the fullest.

The move is expected to mark a turning point for in internet services in the Kingdom, in terms of quality, cover, and availability to the end users, who get to enjoy fast internet service anywhere in the Kingdom and to choose from a multitude of providers. It will also strengthen integration among operators while maintaining their ability to compete with service quality and the benefits they offer, ultimately contributing to achieving Vision 2030.

The initiative will help reduce the cost of capital expenditure towards building new fiber-based infrastructure by eliminating the need for multiple separate networks, which helps providers save capital, achieve better returns on investment, promote competition, and create more business. All five of the Kingdom’s operators – STC, Mobily, Zain, Integrated Telecom, and Atheeb – will have complete and equal access to Dawiyat’s broadband fiber network.

End users will be able to pick and choose which operator they would like to use without feeling constrained to one particular operator, and get to enjoy any service they want from any operator. Saudi Arabia is one of the first countries in the world to adopt the open broadband model, allowing all national operators to serve their customers equally with FTTH coverage.

Dawiyat has brought broadband to more than 500,000 households do far, with the target being 744,500 broadband-connected homes.