IoT connectivity in Saudi Arabia
Updated
In Saudi Arabia, foreign IoT SIMs may stay in permanent roaming for up to 120 days. Of the 3 mobile operators we track there, 0 have switched off 2G and 1 3G; the status of 4 networks is still unclear, as of 26 October 2026. Sources are listed below each table.
Permanent roaming
Allowed for a limited time, 120 days. CST's IoT Regulations require IoT SIMs to come from CST-licensed operators, but allow foreign SIMs for up to 120 days if they are replaced by local SIMs within that period and only serve specific predefined applications without open internet access.
Sources: cst.gov.sa, cst.gov.sa, help.wirelesslogic.com. Confidence: high.
2G and 3G shutdowns by operator
| Operator | Network | Status | Date | Sources |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mobily | 2G | Unclear | none | linkmobility.com, wirelesslogic.com Sources conflict: LINK Mobility (Aug 2026) says Saudi 2G remains available with no confirmed nationwide date, while Wireless Logic lists Mobily (Etihad Etisalat) 2G as closed in 2022. No Mobily or CST statement found. |
| Mobily | 3G | Unclear | none | linkmobility.com LINK Mobility (Aug 2026) describes Saudi 3G as a transition underway, without operator dates. No Mobily or CST announcement found. |
| stc | 2G | Unclear | none | stc.com.sa, linkmobility.com stc's FAQ says it will retain its 2G network so customers keep voice and SMS after the 3G switch-off, and LINK Mobility (Aug 2026) says Saudi 2G remains available with no confirmed nationwide date. An stc business page reportedly listed a Q4 2025 2G switch-off, but it no longer loads and could not be verified. |
| stc | 3G | Planned | 2023 | stc.com.sa, linkmobility.com stc announced the 3G shutdown during 2023, completion expected in Q3 2023 (an older FAQ answer said end-2022), and lists cities already switched off. Date has passed without confirmation of nationwide completion found; LINK Mobility (Aug 2026) describes Saudi 3G as a transition underway. |
| Zain KSA | 2G | Unclear | none | linkmobility.com, wirelesslogic.com Sources conflict: LINK Mobility (Aug 2026) says Saudi 2G remains available with no confirmed nationwide date, while Wireless Logic lists Zain Saudi Arabia 2G as closed in 2022. No Zain or CST statement found. |
| Zain KSA | 3G | Switched off | January 2024 | portal.powertec.com.au Industry company profile says Zain KSA's 3G network was shut down in January 2024. No Zain or CST confirmation found. |
What it means for IoT devices in Saudi Arabia
- 3G is already gone on 1 network: devices that fall back to 3G will lose service there.
- Plan a local profile: foreign SIMs cannot stay indefinitely. An eSIM able to download a local profile, or a local SIM, avoids being cut off.
- Private delivery works the same from Saudi Arabia: device data reaches your cloud over private links. See private delivery.
Other countries in Middle East
Full tables: permanent roaming rules by country and 2G and 3G shutdown dates.
Frequently asked questions
Is permanent roaming allowed for IoT SIMs in Saudi Arabia?
CST's IoT Regulations require IoT SIMs to come from CST-licensed operators, but allow foreign SIMs for up to 120 days if they are replaced by local SIMs within that period and only serve specific predefined applications without open internet access.
When is 3G switched off in Saudi Arabia?
Status by operator, as of 26 October 2026. Zain KSA: switched off (2024-01); stc: planned for 2023.