The information and communications technology (ICT) sector has benefitted from rising smartphone sales and expanding broadband reach, but further growth is contingent on infrastructure, particularly the expansion of the nation’s broadband capability and its integration with international networks.

Analysts are warning that without expanding the spectral allocation for mobile broadband operators and harmonising spectrum with the international community, Saudi Arabia could miss an opportunity to reap the benefits of new technology.

Already the region’s largest ICT market, accounting for more than 50% of all ICT investments in the Middle East region according to the Saudi Arabia General Investment Authority, the Kingdom is on track to ramp up spending even further, thanks both to state projects and an increasingly wired up and logged on public.