The update outlines the process and objectives for granting a 450 MHz Radio License for a Specialized Radio Network in Saudi Arabia. It specifies that entities incorporated in Saudi Arabia or joint ventures can apply, with regulations enabling participation without requiring a unified license. The objectives include facilitating digital transformation in industrial sectors, establishing a nationwide specialized network, and meeting the needs of diverse user groups. Concerns revolve around providing adequate coverage and service to both large and small user groups, while ensuring reasonable costs for digital transformation.

The consultation outlines regulations for non-geostationary satellite (NGSO) services in Saudi Arabia, covering scope, frequency bands, technical standards, licensing requirements, international coordination, fees, and general provisions. It defines NGSO satellites and states that the regulations apply to users of allocated satellite frequency bands in Saudi Arabia. It classifies satellite radio services and their frequency bands, detailing restrictions and directions for each service type. Technical operation standards and licensing requirements, including application processes, license categories, and duration, are specified. The document also addresses license renewal, modifications, revocations, EMC analysis, fees, and periodic review. Additionally, it outlines a Service Level Agreement for issuing, amending, and revoking frequency licenses.

The transitional phase, during which both the existing and revised standards will be applicable, extends until August 21, 2024.

For existing licensee to ensure the ongoing compliance with the standard, manufacturers are required to furnish In-house or Independent Test Reports, or relevant Test Certificates, for all product varieties covered within the existing scope of their license. The implementation of the revised IS 3854:2023 will be verified through either a special inspection or surveillance inspection, to be conducted following the submission of compliance documentation by the licensee, or at the latest, within three months from the conclusion of the concurrent running period.

For samples currently undergoing testing under the previous version, manufacturers may proceed with processing under the existing standard by submitting an Undertaking. However, the transition to the revised standard must be completed before the designated deadline.

New manufacturers seeking certification must adhere to the latest version of the standard to obtain certification.

The purpose of this letter of intent for cooperation is to confirm the bilateral commitment to the signing of a mutual recognition agreement for the conformity evaluation of broadcasting and communication equipment, and to promote education and training on related technologies and exchanges of experts in the future, which is expected to further strengthen the ICT partnership between the two countries.

“Indonesia is a country with a high potential for growth in the ICT market, and the signing of a letter of intent with Indonesia is meaningful in that it has laid the foundation for revitalizing cooperation in the ICT field between the two countries,” said Seo Sung-il, head of the National Radio Research Institute. “We will expand cooperation in evaluating suitability with major overseas countries to promote overseas exports of domestic ICT manufacturers and resolve export difficulties such as trade technology barriers.”

On March 9th, ANATEL released the Official Letter no. 83 for more information, see below for the main points:

1. ANATEL will accept to homologate new devices and renew certificates without the Cybersecurity testing, if the applicant formally approved the project to OCD until March 9th. Applicant will need to present the cybersecurity testing report until July 6th, 2024, otherwise ANATEL will suspend the certificate.

2. This exception is an alternative to applicants and if this option is adopted, the applicant will need to sign a declaration letter committing to present the cybersecurity report until the deadline defined by ANATEL and, in case of failure during the testing, remove all units sold in Brazil market or arrange a recall of those units, according to the conditions described in the Brazilian Consumer Law.

3. Reinforce that new approvals or renewal started as for March 10th will need to present the cybersecurity testing report without any exception to obtain the ANATEL approval.

1. ANATEL’s Certification and Numbering Management (ORCN) has received questions, both from industry representatives and Designated Certification Bodies (OCDs), about the applicability of the minimum mandatory cybersecurity requirements for assessing the conformity of CPE (Customer Premises) equipment, approved by Act No. 2436, of March 7, 2023, on devices classified as access points intended for exclusively corporate use.

2. According to the scope contained in item 1.1 of the Annex to Act No. 2436/2023, the aforementioned requirements are applicable to CPE equipment for use by the general public used to connect subscribers to the Internet service provider’s network.

3. According to the definition contained in the requirements, the general public is understood as any person who uses and/or has access to the product and who does not have specialized technical knowledge about the telecommunications equipment and who is only interested in using its functionalities and consuming the telecommunications services.

4. It is understood that equipment intended exclusively for corporate use is installed and configured by a team with specialized technical knowledge. Additionally, such equipment operates on corporate networks that have different layers of security and, for this reason, normally do not connect directly to the Internet service provider’s network.

5. Considering these characteristics, ORCN clarifies to those interested in certifying this type of product that the requirements approved by Act No. 2436/2023 are not applicable to CPE equipment intended exclusively for corporate use.

Key points from the regulation include:

1. Implementation timeline for SAR local testing for cellular phones and tablet computers:

a. fulfilment of the specific absorption rate limit on the head starting on April 1, 2024, and

b. fulfilment of specific absorption rate limits on torso/body and limb starting on August 1, 2024.

Applications for certificates of cellular phones and tablet computers must include a report on the SAR results after the effective date.

2. If the domestic test center is unable to provide a specific absorption rate test result report, a certificate from the center indicating the issuance date of the report can be submitted for certification. The exclusion provisions are applicable for a maximum of two years from the date when the obligation to meet the SAR limit comes into effect.

The report on specific absorption rate test results for each certificate from the domestic test center must be submitted within 14 calendar days of the issuance date.

3. Certificate holders can request retesting if a cellular phone or tablet computer fails to meet the SAR limit. Devices that do not comply with the technical requirements will face sanctions for not meeting technical standards.

4. Detailed technical requirements and test method standards are specified in the regulation.

OFCA also published the following specifications in February 2024:

HKCA 1065, Issue 4 – Performance Specification for Multi-Standard Radio (MSR) Base Station

HKCA 1082, Issue 1 – Performance Specification for New Radio (NR) Base Station

HKCA 1083, Issue 1 – Performance Specification for Active Antenna System (AAS) Base Station