STC vows to honour free calls pledge

Saudi Telecom Company (STC) has vowed to honour its promise to its two million customers to give them a month's free calls despite a ban by the kingdom's telcom watchdog.

A statement by the Communications and Information Technology Commission's (CITC) statement on Sunday said the promotion would damage competition and was not allowed, according to a report in Arab News.

However, STC confirmed to the paper on Monday that it would go ahead with the promotion as planned because it adhered to all CITC regulations.

Mohammed Al-Faraj, STC's corporate communications manager, said the watchdog has misunderstood the offer, which started on Saturday.

He told the paper there was no promotional campaign involved, and that it "was just an appreciation programme to mark a milestone in the company's achievements."

According to the paper the "STC confirmed it remained committed to its offer, with consideration to all CITC regulations and laws and would work hand in hand with the commission to achieve fair competition between all operators whilst maintaining the best interests of its customers."