Regional Workshop “Regulatory Framework for Satellite Internet Services” – Zoom, March 25, 2025

Tunis, March 25, 2025 – The Arab ICT Organization (AICTO) successfully organized a regional online workshop on “Regulatory Framework for Satellite Internet Services“ bringing together key stakeholders, from Arab ICT Ministries, regulatory authorities, industry leaders, and eminent international experts to discuss the future of satellite broadband in the Arab region.

The workshop witnessed a wide participation of 96 participants from various countries, including Jordan, Bahrain, Tunisia, Algeria, Sudan, Somalia, Iraq, Oman, Palestine, Qatar, Kuwait, Libya, Egypt, and Morocco.

The workshop provided a global overview of satellite Internet services, showcasing regulatory experiences from various regions. Experts examined key topics such as:

• Emerging technologies in satellite Internet and their implications,
• International and national regulatory frameworks,
• Licensing and governance policies,
• Cooperation mechanisms for satellite frequency spectrum management,
• Security challenges including data protection and cyber threats.

The event was inaugurated by His Excellency Eng. Mohamed Ben Amor, Director General of the Arab ICT Organization, who reaffirmed the organization’s commitment to strengthening regional cooperation and developing regulatory frameworks that keep pace with the rapid evolution of the digital landscape. He emphasized that the expansion of satellite internet represents a significant advancement in promoting digital inclusion, particularly in remote areas lacking access to traditional terrestrial networks. He also highlighted the need for a clear and balanced regulatory framework to ensure the sustainability of these services and their seamless integration with national and regional systems. He concluded by stressing that the ultimate goal is to unify Arab positions on these technologies, reinforcing the sovereignty of Arab countries, enhancing their cybersecurity, and safeguarding their personal and sensitive data.

For his part, Dr. Hisham Besbes, former Chairman of the Telecommunications Regulatory Authority of the Republic of Tunisia, provided an overview of the global landscape of satellite Internet services for customers, highlighting the complexities of licensing and spectrum management as critical regulatory challenges. He emphasized the importance of global and regional coordination, particularly through spectrum allocation led by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) and the simplification of cross-border licensing. He also underscored the role of the Arab ICT Organization in developing a unified Arab framework to enhance regulatory efficiency, alongside the benefits of coordinated policies. He identified key priorities, including the development of consistent regulations, the strengthening of global partnerships, and investments in satellite research and education. Dr. Besbes concluded by emphasizing that a collaborative approach to satellite Internet will drive innovation, bridge the digital divide, and strengthen digital sovereignty in the Arab region.

Distinguished keynote speakers included:

• Mr. Peng Zhao, Secretary General of the Global Satellite Operator’s Association (GSOA),
• Mr. Matthew Evans, Director of Regulatory Affairs at RiverAdvisers,
• Mr. Aimin Niu, Vice President for International Cooperation at USPACE Technology Group Limited,
• Dr. Mohamed Hamdi, Expert at AICTO.

The workshop offered participants a platform to exchange insights on developing a unified regulatory framework for satellite internet services in the Arab region. The discussions highlighted the need for policy coordination, strengthened international cooperation, and proactive regulatory measures to foster both innovation and securityAt the end of the workshop, the participants recommended that AICTO propose a reference framework for regulating direct broadband satellite Internet services, tailored to the specificities of the Arab region, to be presented at the next meeting of the Arab Permanent Committee of ICT Ministers.