Page 108 - SAMENA Trends - Jan-Mar 2024

REGULATORY & POLICY UPDATES SAMENA TRENDS

Qatar Achieves Third Highest Score Globally in ICT Development Index 2023

The State of Qatar achieved the third-
highest score globally in the Information
and Communication Technology (ICT)
Development Index (IDI) for 2023, released
by the International Telecommunication
Union (ITU) in late December 2023. The
ITU IDI 2023 covers 169 economies and is
a comprehensive assessment of internet
connectivity among them, reflecting their
digital development. It consists of 10
indicators, divided into two main pillars:
Universal Connectivity and Meaningful
Connectivity, measuring respectively how
many are connected to telecommunication
services and the quality of the connectivity.
These indicators are evaluated on a scale
from 0 to 100 points, where a total score of
100 points indicates that an 'ideal state' of
connectivity has been achieved. According
to the ITU IDI 2023, the State of Qatar
secured the third position with a total score
of 97.3, slightly behind the State of Kuwait,
which topped the score with a total score
of 98.2. The Republic of Singapore secured
the second position with a total score of
97.4. President of the Communications
Regulatory Authority (CRA) Eng. Ahmad field of telecommunications, ensuring that one of the best in the world, contributing
Abdulla AlMuslemani reflected on the ITU consumers have access to high-quality significantly to its high score. The report
IDI 2023 results, stating, "Our outstanding telecom services, while constantly pursuing states that 100% of the population in Qatar
score in the ITU Index highlights our innovative solutions." He added, "Qatar's are covered by at least a 3G mobile network
dedicated efforts at CRA, in partnership top score highlights the strong correlation and 99.8% are covered by at least a 4G/
with the Ministry of Communications between digital development and economic LTE mobile network. Moreover, the report
and Information Technology and the growth. This achievement seamlessly highlights that 99.6% of individuals in Qatar
telecom Service Providers, towards the aligns with Qatar National Vision 2030 own a mobile phone. Individuals using the
development of the ICT sector. This and one of its goals, to diversify the Qatari internet in Qatar stand at 99.7%, with 95%
performance demonstrates our steadfast economy and secure a stable, sustainable of households having internet access at
commitment to enhance the stature of business environment." Qatar’s advanced home.
the State of Qatar as a frontrunner in the network technology is recognized as

FCC Adopts Rules to Improve Routing of Emergency Calls, Texts

The Federal Communications Commission the communication, but in some instances be routed based on the actual location of
(FCC) approved rules to precisely route the nearest tower may be in a neighboring the call instead of that of the mobile tower
wireless emergency phone calls and real- area instead of the caller’s location. The which typically handles it. The FCC stated
time texts, a move which now requires FCC noted in such cases, calls need to be the end result is millions more wireless
mobile operators and cable MVNOs redirected to the correct center, which can callers will connect with emergency
to implement location-based routing delay response times and waste resources responders without the need for transfers
nationwide to connect to emergency call during emergencies. Under the new rules, or delays. Chair Jessica Rosenworcel
centers. In a statement, the US regulator all wireless service provides are required to said some of the largest operators in the
explained wireless emergency calls on use location-based routing nationwide for US started using location-based routing
IP-based networks have historically been wireless calls and real-time messaging to technology in their networks “so we know
routed to emergency call centers based on the call centers. With this approach, the FCC it works”. “Now we look forward to having it
the location of the mobile tower handling argued emergency voice calls and texts will work everywhere,” she noted.

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