Saudi Telecom questions legality of Zain’s One Network deal
Saudi telecom has questioned its rival operator Zain for offering low tariff when travelling to other countries where Zain has a licence, under Zain’s One Network deal.
According to Saudi telecom, it is the way to attract subscribers and is illegal under legislation that only allows promotions lasting three months. Executives at Saudi Telecom made the complaint shortly after Zain launched its mobile phone services in August. “It is against the law. Why is only Zain allowed to do this? The regulator should issue a ruling before the end of December,” said, Khalid al-Ghurair, General Manager for financial planning and budgeting at Saudi Telecom.
Zain clarifies that the One Network is legal under Saudi law as it is a core part of Zain’s services to its customers. Zain’s Spokesman said, “It is not a promotion, it is a permanent service offering.” All we have done is good for the customer. The One Network stimulates trade and economic activity by making communication cheaper between different countries, he added.
