Saudi telecoms and space regulator wants comments by 18 October on rules for satellite filings made in the Kingdom's name

Satellite operators, earth-station licensees and companies planning space services that rely on Saudi Arabia have days left to comment on two draft documents from the Communications, Space and Technology Commission (CST). In a notice dated 17 September, CST asked national and international stakeholders to send detailed input, backed by analysis and benchmarks, no later than 18 October 2026 through its consultation page.

What is on the table: according to CST, the draft Regulations for Satellite Filings lay down the steps and conditions that apply whenever a satellite network filing goes to the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) in Saudi Arabia's name. The second draft, on the use of radio spectrum by earth stations in space radio services, sets the requirements for a spectrum licence for a single earth station or a network of them. CST says both are meant to clarify requirements for applicants, improve how spectrum is managed and line national rules up with the ITU Radio Regulations.

Two dates: the official gazette Umm Al-Qura reported on 5 October that the filing rules are also listed on Istitlaa, the government consultation platform, under a description covering how filings are registered, reviewed, coordinated, maintained, transferred and brought into use, with that listing closing on 21 October. CST's own notice gives 18 October, the earlier of the two dates; neither source explains the difference. Hada has not opened the draft texts.

Why it matters: an ITU filing is how a country secures its claim to orbital positions and frequencies, so these rules, once adopted, would govern the procedure for any filing submitted in the Kingdom's name.

Sources: CST news notice, 17 Sep 2026; Umm Al-Qura, 5 Oct 2026.

Watch next: the final texts after the consultation closes, and whether CST publishes a summary of the comments it received.