Saudi CST Proposes Caps on Donation Fees and Toll-Free Reception Tariffs in Updated Retail Regulations
RIYADH — The Communications, Space and Technology Commission (CST) of Saudi Arabia has published a draft updating the Retail Telecom Services Tariff Regulations on the national public consultation platform Istitlaa. The proposed framework expands regulatory oversight over end-user tariffs and digital service offerings to boost market efficiency, protect consumer interests, and ensure transparent pricing structures across the Kingdom.
Under the draft provisions, CST proposes granting itself the explicit authority to establish price caps on administrative and processing fees charged by service providers for telecom-enabled charitable donations. The measure aims to streamline donation channels and prevent fee inflation on charitable contributions processed through mobile and SMS networks. Additionally, the regulation allows the authority to set maximum tariff ceilings on incoming call reception fees for subscribers using toll-free (800) calling services.
The framework also introduces stricter compliance obligations governing customer retention and promotional campaigns. Operators must secure prior approval from CST before introducing or modifying customer loyalty programs. Furthermore, the commission gains discretionary power to cap the daily, monthly, or annual volume of tariff approval applications submitted by carriers, while strictly prohibiting the unauthorized extension or continued advertisement of temporary promotional offers after their approved expiration dates.
To adapt to evolving digital consumption patterns, the proposed rules grant CST the authority to set specific terms and conditions for digital-only promotions, Fixed Wireless Access (FWA) connections, and nomadic broadband services. The draft re-emphasizes a strict prohibition on any private side-agreements or custom billing arrangements between service providers and end-users that deviate from officially approved tariff rates. The public consultation period remains open on Istitlaa through late August 2026 for stakeholder feedback.
