Page 115 - SAMENA Trends - February-March 2021

REGULATORY & POLICY UPDATES SAMENA TRENDS

Jordan

The Telecommunications Regulatory Commission (TRC) the Kingdom, has adopted the ideals of a digital economy and has
has announced the renewal of the individual public made great strides through the provision of efficient and effective
telecommunications license for Batelco Jordan, a subsidiary of telecommunications services and solutions in line with that goal.
Umniah. The signing ceremony, between TRC CEO Dr. Ghazi Al (March 1, 2021) zawya.com
Jobor and Umniah CEO Ziad Shatara, also saw the attendance
of senior executive team members from both sides. According to Internet penetration in Jordan increased by 0.8 percent over the
Dr. Al Jobor, the agreement is a clear illustration of the depth of year 2020, standing at 66.8 percent in January 2021 with a total
the cooperation between the public and private sectors, as well of 6.84 million Internet users in the country, according to a report
as the TRC’s tireless efforts to support the telecommunications issued by DataReportal, a global platform that specializes in
sector by facilitating the regulatory processes for them, thus providing data on online usage and trends. The figures indicated
advancing their investments in this vital sector of the national that the number of social media users in Jordan increased by 11
economy. Dr. Al Jobor went on to explain that the regulatory per cent between January 2020 and January 2021. That is an
processes and facilities provided by the TRC boost interest in increase by 600,000 making a total of 6.3 million social media
investments in this sector while consistently working to increase users, which is 61.5 per cent of the population. Furthermore,
competitiveness, which paves the way for the most innovative and the reports highlighted that there were 8.01 million mobile
cutting-edge telecommunications services that are on par with connections in Jordan in January 2021, a 0.04 per cent increase
global quality standards. Also, at the ceremony, Shatara spoke from the figures recorded in January 2021. The report noted that
of the tireless efforts by the TRC to increase competitiveness there were 3.20 million social media users in Yemen in January
in the telecommunications sector and support its growth on a 2021 and it increased by 700,000 between 2020 and 2021. Also,
national level, which has ultimately made it the best performing the number of social media users in Yemen was equivalent to
on a regional level. He went on to stress the significance of this 10.6 per cent of the total population in January 2021. According
agreement, which will allow the company to continue providing to the report, there were 4.25 million social media users in Kuwait
innovative communications solutions and services while in January 2021 and it increased by 99,000 between 2020 and
continuously advancing towards its mission of supporting the 2021. The number of social media users in Kuwait was equivalent
digital transformation process in the Kingdom. Shatara added to 98.8 per cent of the total population in January 2021.
that Umniah, the fastest growing telecommunications operator in (February 27, 2021) menafn.com

Kuwait

The Communication and Information Technology Regulatory subscriptions in Kuwait. The maximum annual tariff is as for
Authority (CITRA) has announced that it has awarded the country’s annual subscription is as follows: The annual subscription for 1
first MVNO license to a consortium comprising Virgin Mobile MB is of 20 dinars; for 2 megabytes 33 dinars, 3 MB 43 dinars, 4
Middle East and Africa (VMMEA) and STC Kuwait. In awarding the MB 52 dinars, 5 megabytes 58 dinars, 6 MB 60 dinars, 7 MB 70
concession, the watchdog says that it hopes the introduction of dinars, 8 megabytes 76 dinars, 10 MB 78 dinars, 12 MB 83 dinars,
a new player ‘will lead to increased competition, lower prices, and 14 MB 79 dinars, 16 MB 113 dinars, 18 MB 128 dinars, 20 MB 139
the provision of modern services. (March 22, 2021) commsupdate.com dinars, 22 MB 155 dinars, 24 MB 172 dinars, 30 MB 185 dinars, 40
MB 212 dinars, 50 MB 239 dinars, 60 MB 263 dinars, 70 MB 285
The Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Public Authority dinars, 80 MB 304 dinars, 90 MB 314 dinars, 100 MB 322 dinars. In
for Communications and Information Technology (PACIT) Eng. its second article, the decision states that home internet service
Salem Muthaib Al-Athaina, has issued a decision listing the rates providers are prohibited from exceeding the maximum value for
for home internet subscriptions for individuals in Kuwait, reports home subscriptions stipulated above, and in the third article of
Al-Anba daily. The decision No. 36 of 2021, a copy of which the decision says it is not permissible to impose a fair use policy
has been obtained by the daily, will be published in the Official in providing home internet services. Subscription prices will be
Gazette (Kuwait Alyoum) states that it has decided to reduce reviewed periodically every 6 months and whenever necessary.
the subscription fees for home fixed, lined and wireless internet (March 20, 2021) arabtimesonline.com

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