Page 114 - SAMENA Trends - January-February 2025

REGULATORY & POLICY UPDATES SAMENA TRENDS

and fixed internet subscriptions grew by 2%, totaling 574,730. other relevant authorities. ICANN meetings are an essential
Meanwhile, fixed-line subscriptions fell significantly by 24.8% to element of multistakeholder model and provide a venue to
435,596, with traditional analogue subscriptions dropping by 20.9% progress policy work, conduct outreach and business, exchange
to 66,834. In contrast, fixed-line IP technology subscriptions rose best practices, and interact with other members of the ICANN
by 7.4%, reaching 318,478. Despite the shift toward broadband and community. Founded in 1998 and headquartered in Los Angeles,
postpaid services, subscriptions to digital network channels for USA, ICANN is a non-profit organization responsible for managing
integrated services declined slightly by 0.2%, and public telephone DNS and distributing Internet addresses (IP) globally. ICANN plays
subscriptions saw a dramatic 98.1% drop. The data indicates a crucial role in maintaining the stability, security and resilience of
evolving consumer preferences in Oman’s telecom landscape, with the Internet, making it one of the foundational entities in the global
a growing demand for mobile broadband and postpaid services. Internet ecosystem. (January 7, 2025) www.muscatdaily.com
(February 13, 2025) www.meatechwatch.com
The Ministry of Transport, Communications, and Information
Technology (MTCIT) has launched the ‘Digital Transformation:
Oman will host the largest annual meeting of the Internet A New Reality’ campaign as part of its Government Digital
Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) in Transformation Program, Tahawul. The campaign highlights the
October 2025.An official from Telecommunications Regulatory wide range of digital services provided by government entities,
Authority (TRA) stated that the annual general meeting is the focusing on how these services improve efficiency, enhance
most significant of ICANN’s three annual gatherings. It will public services, and elevate the quality of life for both citizens
bring together a distinguished group of stakeholders, including and residents. Running for a month and a half, the initiative aims
government representatives, private sector leaders, civil society to deepen public understanding of digital transformation and
members and technical experts, to discuss critical issues related build trust by showcasing key achievements and successes. The
to Internet governance, policy development and the management primary goal of the campaign is to demonstrate the convenience
of the global Domain Name System (DNS). The official added that and efficiency of digital solutions while encouraging their adoption
the conference aims to shape global policies for DNS, improve as the preferred method for accessing government services. It
transparency and accountability in ICANN’s operations, promote also aims to improve user satisfaction by simplifying government
capacity building through workshops, and foster consensus on procedures and enhancing productivity. For businesses, the
decisions that will enhance Internet governance and keep pace transition to digital offers multiple advantages, including increased
with technological advancements. “Oman’s role as a regional agility, better planning, and cost savings by reducing reliance on
technology and communications hub will be further cemented paper-based processes. The campaign emphasizes the time-
by hosting this prestigious event. It will provide an opportunity to saving benefits of remote transactions, eliminating the need for
boost the sultanate’s presence in the global Internet governance physical visits.
arena.” The event will be organized by TRA in collaboration with (December 24, 2024) www.meatechwatch.com

Pakistan

A high-level meeting, chaired by Minister for Planning, Development in executing the project, with the government set to develop
& Special Initiatives Ahsan Iqbal, discussed the establishment of a formal plan to launch Pakistan’s first Data Park, reinforcing
Pakistan’s first-ever Data Park to promote data-driven learning and its commitment to digital education and knowledge-based
informed decision-making among the youth. The meeting was policymaking. (February 25, 2025) www.profit.pakistantoday.com.pk
attended by Pakistan Bureau of Statistics (PBS) Chief Statistician
Dr. Naeem Uz Zafar and Member Muhammad Sarwar Gondal, who Pakistan is poised to roll out 5G services as early as June 2025,
expressed support for the initiative. The Data Park aims to provide according to a comprehensive timeline presented by the Ministry
students, researchers, and policymakers with real-time socio- of IT and Telecom to the country’s parliament. The schedule
economic data through interactive screens, storytelling galleries, outlines key milestones leading up to the much-anticipated launch,
and digital dashboards. The minister emphasized the need for marking a significant step in the country’s telecommunication
evidence-based policymaking and highlighted the importance transformation. The implementation process will begin in February
of engaging universities in data-driven research and analysis. 2025 when recommendations from the appointed consultant will
He directed PBS to develop an interactive digital environment be submitted to the Spectrum Advisory Committee. By March
that enables students to explore Pakistan’s economic and social 2025, the committee will finalize policy reforms, covering areas
trends. Inspired by the World Bank’s digital learning initiatives, the like spectrum pricing, trading conditions, and taxation. In April
Data Park will be established in public and recreational spaces to 2025, the federal government is expected to approve the policy
maximize accessibility. The initiative seeks to foster data literacy, directive for 5G deployment. A crucial step will be the auction
policy research, and innovation, equipping young professionals of key spectrum bands—3500MHz, 2600MHz, 2300MHz, and
with critical thinking skills. PBS officials assured full cooperation 700MHz—scheduled for May 2025. Following this, telecom

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