Saudi Arabia Roaming Tariff Market Size, Share, Growth Drivers, Trends, Opportunities & Forecast 2025–2030

Saudi Arabia Roaming Tariff Market Overview

• The Saudi Arabia Roaming Tariff Market is valued at USD 1.1 billion, based on a five-year historical analysis. This market growth is primarily driven by the rising number of international travelers, surging mobile data consumption, and extensive telecom infrastructure upgrades. The push for seamless connectivity—especially with the expansion of 5G—has accelerated demand for roaming services, positioning this segment as a critical component of the national telecommunications industry .
• Key players in this market include major telecom operators such asSTC, Mobily, and Zain KSA. These companies maintain market leadership through extensive network coverage, strong brand equity, and continuous innovation in service offerings. Their ability to deliver competitive roaming packages, leverage international partnerships, and rapidly deploy new technologies—such as 5G and eSIM—further consolidates their market position .
• In 2023, the Saudi government enacted theTelecommunications and Information Technology Law, 2022issued by the Communications, Space & Technology Commission (CST). This regulation mandates transparency in roaming charges, introduces a cap on roaming fees for consumers traveling abroad, and requires operators to clearly disclose all tariffs. The law aims to ensure fair pricing, enhance consumer protection, and improve customer satisfaction in the roaming tariff market .

Saudi Arabia Roaming Tariff Market Segmentation

By Roaming Type:

The roaming type segmentation includesNational Roaming, International Roaming, Intra-Regional Roaming, and Cross-Border Roaming. Among these,International Roamingis the dominant segment, fueled by the increasing number of Saudi travelers abroad and the growing demand for high-speed data services. National Roaming remains significant, especially for domestic travelers requiring uninterrupted connectivity across different service providers. The surge in mobile data usage, 5G adoption, and the need for seamless connectivity are the primary factors shaping these trends .

By Service Type:

This segmentation includesData Roaming, Voice Roaming, and SMS Roaming.Data Roamingleads the market, reflecting the shift toward mobile internet for communication, streaming, and social media while traveling. Voice Roaming remains relevant but is gradually overtaken by data-centric services as users increasingly prefer messaging apps and digital platforms. SMS Roaming continues to decline as consumers adopt more cost-effective data-based alternatives .

Saudi Arabia Roaming Tariff Market Competitive Landscape

The Saudi Arabia Roaming Tariff Market is characterized by a dynamic mix of regional and international players. Leading participants such as STC (Saudi Telecom Company), Mobily (Etihad Etisalat Company), Zain KSA, Virgin Mobile KSA, Lebara Mobile, Atheeb Telecom, GO Telecom, Taliya (MVNO), International Roaming Partners (Vodafone, Orange, Telefonica), Regional Telecom Providers (UAE Telecom, Omantel), Technology Enablers (Mavenir, Ericsson, Nokia), and Regulatory Bodies (CITC - Communications and Information Technology Commission) contribute to innovation, geographic expansion, and service delivery in this space.

Saudi Arabia Roaming Tariff Market Industry Analysis

Growth Drivers

• Increasing Mobile Data Usage:The mobile data consumption in Saudi Arabia reached approximately 5.5 million terabytes in future, reflecting a year-on-year increase of 15%. This surge is driven by the growing reliance on mobile applications and social media platforms, with the average user consuming around 10 GB per month. As mobile data becomes integral to daily life, the demand for roaming services is expected to rise, further propelling the roaming tariff market in future.
• Expansion of International Travel:In future, Saudi Arabia recorded over 20 million outbound travelers, a significant increase from previous years. This trend is supported by the government's initiatives to promote tourism and ease visa regulations. As international travel continues to grow, the demand for affordable roaming services will increase, leading to a more competitive market landscape and driving revenue for telecom operators in future.
• Technological Advancements in Telecommunications:The rollout of 5G technology in Saudi Arabia is projected to reach 80% coverage by the end of future. This advancement enhances mobile connectivity and data speeds, making roaming services more appealing to consumers. With faster and more reliable networks, telecom operators can offer innovative roaming packages, thus stimulating market growth and attracting more users to their services.

Market Challenges

• Regulatory Compliance Issues:The Saudi telecommunications sector faces stringent regulatory frameworks, including compliance with the Communications and Information Technology Commission (CITC) guidelines. In future, operators incurred costs exceeding SAR 500 million due to compliance-related adjustments. These regulations can hinder flexibility in pricing strategies and limit the ability to respond swiftly to market changes, posing a challenge for growth in the roaming tariff market.
• High Operational Costs:The operational costs for telecom operators in Saudi Arabia have risen significantly, with average expenditures reaching SAR 1.2 billion in future. Factors contributing to these costs include infrastructure maintenance, customer service, and technology upgrades. High operational costs can limit the ability of operators to offer competitive roaming tariffs, impacting their market position and profitability in the long term.

Saudi Arabia Roaming Tariff Market Future Outlook

The Saudi Arabia roaming tariff market is poised for significant transformation as mobile data usage continues to rise and international travel expands. The adoption of 5G technology will enhance user experiences, while competitive pricing strategies will attract more consumers. Additionally, the focus on customer experience will drive innovation in service offerings. As operators navigate regulatory challenges, they will need to leverage partnerships and technological advancements to capitalize on emerging opportunities in the market.

Market Opportunities

• Partnerships with International Carriers:Collaborating with international telecom operators can enhance service offerings and expand coverage. Such partnerships can lead to bundled roaming packages, providing consumers with more value and convenience, thus increasing market penetration and customer loyalty.
• Development of Innovative Roaming Packages:Creating tailored roaming packages that cater to specific consumer needs can drive growth. For instance, offering data-heavy plans for business travelers or family packages can attract diverse customer segments, enhancing revenue streams and market share for telecom operators.