Page 124 - SAMENA Trends - Jan-Mar 2024

REGULATORY & POLICY UPDATES SAMENA TRENDS

relevant topics on IPv6 that are crucial for telecom network such as internet usage (99.7 percent of the population in Qatar),
infrastructure. (February 25, 2924) www.cra.gov.qa households with internet access (95 percent), and mobile network
coverage (100 percent for 3G and 99.8 percent for 4G/LTE). Mobile
In a recent report by the International Telecommunication Union phone ownership in Qatar stands at an impressive 99.6 percent.
(ITU), Qatar has solidified its position as a global leader in The report emphasizes the significance of digital connectivity for
information and communication technology (ICT) development. inclusive and sustainable development, praising Qatar’s robust
The “Measuring digital development: The ICT Development Index digital infrastructure. Dr. Cosmas Luckyson Zavazava, Director
2023 (IDI)” report, assessing progress in 169 countries, revealed of ITU’s Telecommunication Development Bureau, stressed the
Qatar’s outstanding performance in key indicators, placing it third importance of prioritizing digital connectivity to ensure universal
worldwide. The IDI, introduced by ITU in 2009 and serving as a and meaningful connectivity. Globally, the report highlighted
crucial tool for policymakers, has resumed publication after a six- that 5.4 billion people, equivalent to 67 percent of the world’s
year hiatus, employing a new methodology developed through an population, used the internet in the assessed year. Disparities
inclusive and iterative process. Qatar’s ICT Development Index of were noted, with higher internet usage in regions like Europe,
98.7 percent places it just behind the UAE (100 percent) and the the Commonwealth of Independent States, and the Americas
United States (99.1 percent). The assessment includes indicators compared to lower usage in Africa. (January 2, 2024) www.edgemiddleeast.com

Saudi Arabia

The Digital Regulatory Academy (DRA) held a training program on in the performance of download speeds of online games across
forming and implementing public policies and digital regulations, popular gaming platforms in Saudi Arabia, where it revealed that
provided by international experts, aiming to qualify leaders in “STC”, “Mobily” and “Salam” shared the leading position in the
policy making and digital regulations, obtain the necessary skills performance of download speeds on STEAM by achieving 100%.
to apply international best practices and achieve excellence The report stated that “Mobily” and “Salam” companies were
and regulatory maturity to keep pace with rapid changes. The leading on PlayStation by 100%, while “Mobily” also topped the
4-day training program was attended by beneficiaries from 13 list in XBOX by 100%. In addition, the report demonstrated that
governmental entities and the ICT service providers in Saudi "STC" and "Mobily" showed the highest performance of the
Arabia. During the program, participants were introduced to the average response time in 8 games, namely Call of Duty, EA Sports
policy-making process, its main stages, as well as institutions FC, Apex Legends, VALORANT, Rainbow Six Siege, PUBG MOBILE,
responsible for its formulation, implementation and analysis. Among Us and Battlefield. While "STC", "Mobily" and “Salam" were
In addition to learning about its main concepts and theories, leading in Rocket League. However, "STC" was the top in 5 games:
and developing the trainees’ research skills, as the program Fortnite, Counter Strike, Dota2, World of Warcraft and League of
contributes to providing them with the necessary skills in Legends, while “Mobily” took the lead in PUBG and Halo Infinite.
policy research, collecting and screening data, and analyzing The report also included a series of guidelines for improving the
stakeholders. Along with developing their critical thinking and quality of Internet connection for online games, as well as home
communication skills to discuss its issues. The program is part of network setup and network devices efficiency guidelines. It also
the Digital Regulatory Academy initiatives that seeks to develop highlighted the steps to participate in achieving the objectives of
national capabilities, expand leaders' expertise in the field of “GameMode” initiative, by registering for a "Meqyas fixed internet"
digital regulations and public policy, and ensure a collaborative device, which allows the user to know the internet performance
coordination between regulators and international institutes of the most popular apps and online games. The report keeps up
through strategic partnerships to leverage from the best expertise with the latest games and includes performance indicators in its
and enhance the quality of services. (March 20, 2024) www.cst.gov.sa periodic editions, which is published quarterly. The “GameMode”
initiative increases competitiveness among telecom service
The Communications, Space and Technology Commission providers to provide the best experience for players while raising
(CST) issued "GameMode" report of Q4 2023, which compares the level of transparency in the market by publishing data and
the quality of telecom service providers performance in Saudi indicators’ results, along with enabling investors and interested
Arabia for the most popular online games, which revealed parties to view market performance indicators in Saudi Arabia.
an improvement in the performance of online games by 39% (March 15, 2024) www.cst.gov.sa
compared to Q4 of 2022. The report also showed an increase

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