Page 123 - SAMENA Trends - Jan-Mar 2024

REGULATORY & POLICY UPDATES SAMENA TRENDS

global trend towards adopting advanced Wi-Fi standards to meet Headquarters, F-5/1, Islamabad. The deadline for responding is
evolving connectivity needs. To ensure optimal utilization of the 6 8th February, 2024. The draft framework may contribute in further
GHz band, PTA is closely monitoring the commercial availability of growth of telecom sector of Pakistan by providing opportunities
Wi-Fi 6E-enabled devices. These devices include routers, laptops, of new investments. (January 22, 2024) www.pta.gov.pk
access points, and more. The authority is also conducting field
trials to ensure the co-existence of other services operating In line with its ongoing commitment to enhancing the
in the 6 GHz band, emphasizing the importance of harmonious technical capacity of Pakistan’s telecom industry, Pakistan
spectrum usage. PTA’s proactive efforts extend beyond Wi-Fi Telecommunication Authority (PTA) successfully organized a
6E, as the authority is contemplating the adoption of future Wi- two-day workshop on 'IPv6 Transition' and 'Routing Security' in
Fi generations, including Wi-Fi 7. These initiatives underscore collaboration with the Asia-Pacific Network Information Centre
PTA’s commitment to positioning Pakistan at the forefront of (APNIC), the Internet Society (ISOC), and the Pakistan Network
wireless connectivity. By embracing the latest Wi-Fi standards Operators Group (PKNOG). The workshop featured esteemed
and anticipating future technological developments, PTA aims foreign speakers and witnessed active participation from
to empower citizens and businesses to leverage the full potential professionals in the telecom industry, underscoring the collective
of cutting-edge wireless technologies in the evolving digital commitment to staying abreast of technological advancements.
landscape. (February 6, 2024) www.newsguru.pk Speaking on the occasion, Chairman PTA, Major General (R)
Hafeez Ur Rehman said that PTA is well aware of the importance of
Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) invites comments/ capacity building therefore it is working closely with international
feedback on draft framework for Mobile Virtual Network Operator stakeholders for the capacity building of the telecom industry.
(MVNO) services. The draft consultation framework is available The successful execution of this capacity-building workshop
at PTA website (https://www.pta.gov.pk/en/data-&-research/ signifies a significant step towards achieving PTA's broader goals
consultation-papers). Comments (through email or in print form) of fostering innovation, ensuring cybersecurity, and positioning
on the draft MVNO framework may be submitted at faheemahsan@ Pakistan's telecom industry as a leader on the global stage. (January
pta.gov.pk or Director General (Wireless Licensing), PTA 18, 2024) www.pta.gov.pk

Qatar

The Communications Regulatory Authority (CRA) has published monitoring their compliance with these obligations, and resolving
the resolution results of telecom consumers’ complaints received consumers’ complaints if not resolved by the service providers or
in 2023 to mark World Consumer Rights Day, observed annually on if consumers are not satisfied with the provided resolution.”
March 15. In 2023, CRA received 1,344 complaints and inquiries (March 18, 2024) www.gulf-times.com
from consumers about telecom services in Qatar. CRA evaluated
complaints based on a set of criteria to determine their validity In line with Qatar’s Internet Protocol Version 6 (IPv6)
to CRA’s complaint process; 535 were valid complaints and CRA Implementation Strategy and as an essential component of the
resolved around 98% of the total valid complaints received. Also, ongoing joint capacity-building efforts, the Communications
CRA is working with the telecom service providers Ooredoo Qatar Regulatory Authority in Qatar (CRA) in collaboration with the
and Vodafone Qatar to finalise the related investigation of the Réseaux IP Européens Network Coordination Centre (RIPE NCC),
remaining ones. The statistics indicate that 73% of all received conducted a three-day training course on IPv6 from February
complaints were related to mobile services and the highest 19 - 21, 2024. The training course was attended by attendees
percentage were related to postpaid billing, packages and representing Qatar’s IPv6 Taskforce Members from Aspire Zone,
service disconnection. As for fixed-line services, the statistics Qatar Energy, Ministry of Public Health, Hamad International
indicate that they were 27% of the total complaints, and the most Airport, Sidra Medicine, General Authority of Customs, Carnegie
received complaints were related to Internet, landline, and TV Mellon University-Qatar, Qatar University, Hamad Bin Khalifa
service interruptions and billing. Amel Salem al-Hanawi, director University, Qatar Foundation, Ministry of Education and Higher
of Consumer Affairs Department at CRA, said: “We mark World Education, Qatar Airways, and the University of Doha for Science
Consumer Rights Day by reaffirming our ongoing commitment and Technology. The training was thoroughly designed to equip
to ensuring that telecom consumers in the State of Qatar have participants with the essential knowledge and skills required
their rights protected. Also, in line with CRA’s keenness to for a seamless and successful transition from Internet Protocol
enhance transparency, we will continue publishing and sharing version 4 (IPv4) to IPv6. It provided an in-depth exploration of
the data related to consumers’ complaints. “CRA ensures critical aspects of transitioning to IPv6 such as configuration,
protecting consumers’ rights by developing necessary regulatory deployment, routing, and security. It addressed the significance
instruments to effectively regulate the telecommunications of IPv6 and its necessity for modern networks. The course offered
sector, granting the telecom service providers the necessary foundational knowledge on planning IPv6 deployment and
licenses, determining the necessary obligations on them, addressing strategies. Furthermore, it encompassed additional

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