VoIP and international calls to Saudi Arabia end mostly on three mobile networks, stc, Mobily and Zain, and international traffic must reach them through licensed operators regulated by the Communications, Space and Technology Commission (CST). Buyers usually ask for separate stc, Mobily and Zain breakouts with CLI, and should check how directly the route lands on each network.
Rules last checked: October 2026.
Regulator and operators
The regulator is the Communications, Space and Technology Commission (CST), the name the former CITC took in late 2022 when space regulation was added to its remit. The mobile market has three network operators plus MVNOs:
| Operator | Notes |
|---|---|
| stc | The largest operator, with roughly half of the mobile market in 2026 analyst data |
| Mobily | The second network |
| Zain KSA | The third network |
| MVNOs | Virgin Mobile, Lebara and others run on the host networks; calls to their numbers terminate through the host |
Mobile numbers start with 5 after the country code 966. Mobile traffic dominates wholesale demand, although fixed and business lines still matter for some enterprise traffic. Saudi Arabia has mobile number portability, so carriers route on up to date number data; see mobile number portability and call routing.
How international calls are carried
International voice must be carried by operators licensed by the CST, which hand calls to the stc, Mobily and Zain networks under interconnection agreements. Termination prices are agreed between the licensed operators and their international partners, so the operator a route lands on matters as much as the carrier selling it. For buyers the main questions are:
- Does the route land directly with one of the Saudi operators, or through several transit carriers?
- Is quality equal across stc, Mobily and Zain? Ask for separate breakouts rather than one blended mobile rate.
- Is the route a premium or standard route? For business and conversational traffic to the Gulf, many buyers choose premium routes for steadier quality.
Internet calling and spam call rules
In September 2017 the regulator lifted its ban on internet calling apps that meet its requirements, which ended a restriction in place since 2013. App calling has since taken part of the international voice market, but it has not changed the rule that wholesale termination must go through licensed operators.
The CST also has regulations to curb spam messages and calls, which apply to marketing calls to Saudi numbers. If your traffic is outbound sales or call center traffic, make sure it complies, and state the traffic type in your request so the route can be chosen accordingly. See call center VoIP routes.
CLI and fraud risks
Most buyers to Saudi Arabia need their real caller ID delivered, because people are less likely to answer unknown or hidden numbers. Ask for a CLI route and check it with a CLI delivery test. Avoid offers that present a local Saudi number on traffic originating abroad unless the carrier can show it is allowed for your traffic; presenting numbers you do not own is CLI spoofing (see CLI spoofing rules). Very cheap routes can also hide false answer supervision, so watch ACD and short calls in the first days.
What drives the price
Price depends on the terminating operator, how directly the route lands, the CLI type (CLI routes cost more than non-CLI), the traffic type accepted and the billing increment. With only three network operators, how directly a route lands on stc, Mobily or Zain often decides both price and quality. More in what drives VoIP termination prices.
Getting a route
See the Saudi Arabia VoIP termination page and, for messaging, A2P SMS to Saudi Arabia with the Saudi sender ID registration guide. Tell us the operators, CLI type, traffic type and volume, and we source and manage the route through our VoIP termination service. Request a Saudi Arabia voice route.
Frequently asked questions
Is VoIP banned in Saudi Arabia?
Not for compliant apps. In September 2017 the regulator lifted its ban on internet calling apps that meet its requirements, ending a restriction in place since 2013. Wholesale termination of international calls must still go through operators licensed by the CST, which hand calls to the stc, Mobily and Zain networks.
Who are the mobile operators in Saudi Arabia?
There are three network operators: stc, the largest with roughly half of the mobile market, Mobily and Zain KSA. MVNOs such as Virgin Mobile and Lebara run on the host networks, and calls to their numbers terminate through the host. Mobile numbers start with 5 after the country code 966.
Can I show a Saudi number on calls from abroad?
Only if you own the number and the carrier can show it is allowed for your traffic. Presenting a local Saudi number you do not own on traffic originating abroad is CLI spoofing. Send your real caller ID on a CLI route instead, and check that it arrives with a CLI delivery test before sending volume.
Are telemarketing calls to Saudi Arabia regulated?
Yes. The CST has regulations to curb spam messages and calls, and they apply to marketing calls to Saudi numbers. If you send outbound sales or call center traffic, make sure it complies and state the traffic type in your route request, so the route can be chosen for that traffic.
Need a route?
Send the destination, route type and target rate. We reply with what we can deliver.