Page 93 - SAMENA Trends - January 2021

REGULATORY & POLICY UPDATES SAMENA TRENDS

to appropriately and practically meets the radio spectrum needs international policies. It is worth mentioning that the CRA adopted
of a diverse range of actual and potential radio spectrum users. Qatar Spectrum Outlook after taking into account the views
During the development of the document, the CRA ensured to and comments received earlier and related to the CRA's public
take into consideration a wide range of factors that influence the consultation conducted in this regard. The views and comments
demand for and the supply of radio spectrum, including: end-user were submitted by stakeholders, concerned and interested parties
demand, technology changes or advancements, the international from the local and international Information and Communications
harmonization of the radio spectrum, and relevant national or Technology industry. (January 17, 2021) cra.gov.qa

Saudi Arabia

The Communications and Information Technology Commission Aramco and Google, saying: "Flexibility, the implementation and
(CITC) published a follow up public consultation on its “Spectrum speed have returned today with the largest technical investments
Outlook for Commercial and Innovative Use 2021-2023”, along in the Middle East and North Africa region, with more than SR1
with responses received to the previous public consultation, billion between Saudi Aramco and Google". According to Al-
which took place in July 2020, on “Spectrum for IMT-2020 and Swaha, the Kingdom pumped billions into digital investments
beyond: Fostering Commercial and Innovative Use of Radio in the before and during the coronavirus pandemic, which resulted in
Kingdom of Saudi Arabia”. The consultation proposes a plan to widening the scope of Internet coverage, expanding the coverage
release more than 20 GHz of additional radio spectrum, with the of 4G and 5G networks to advanced levels, as well as in creating
aim of promoting further innovation and investment in multiple opportunities for companies and Saudi youth in various fields of
wireless technologies within the Kingdom’s commercial sector. digitization. “There might be many fluctuations, ambiguity and
This progressive spectrum policy aims to enable Saudi Arabia’s complexity in future, and hence the future would be for those who
transformation into a leading digital society, in line with Vision have resilience, flexibility and resistance. The current and future
2030 and CITC's National Spectrum Strategy (NSS). CITC is inviting generation will not forgive us if we do not invest in digitization, as
all interested parties, both local and international, to provide these investments have had a special importance in preserving
comments on the updated spectrum outlook. CITC welcomes the environment, in caring for human health, and in securing
the participation of telecom and technology providers, industrial alternatives during the pandemic,” he said while stressing the
stakeholders, public entities, members of the public as well as need for investment and innovation in the field of digitization.
consumers of telecom and digital services. Submissions can be On “THE LINE” project in NEOM, the minister said that it would
made until 28 February 2021. CITC is leading a global initiative to exceed 150 years of the Industrial Revolution as for individuals,
“foster commercial and innovative use of spectrum”, to capitalize stressing that this special model for renewable energy without
on this finite resource. This initiative seeks to enable the digital emissions is 100 percent, in addition to innovations in the field
transformation of the Kingdom and the world, and comes as a of gas and oil through the use of data to improve the quality and
part of CITC’s transition to become a digital regulator. This latest reduce costs. (January 28, 2021) saudigazette.com.sa
publication presents a draft spectrum outlook, reflecting the
stakeholder’s comments following the July consultation. The In a recent report, the International Telecommunications Union
initial consultation received comments and submissions from 65 (ITU) hailed the impressive and rapid development of the
organizations, spanning 20 different countries, which were also Communications and Information Technology sector, in Saudi
published along with CITC’s responses. CITC thanks all those Arabia, pointing to the role of the Saudi Communications and
who responded to the initial consultation. Interested parties will Information Technology Commission (CITC) as the regulator of
now have a second opportunity to review and comment on the the sector. The Saudi model is a pioneer in transforming regulating
response document and the updated 5-year spectrum outlook, the communications and information technology sector, notably
prior to its finalization and adoption. (January 30, 2021) zawya.com among the most mature category (5G), the report stated. The ITU
report pointed out that Saudi Arabia is continuing to prioritize the
The Minister of Communications and Information Technology rapid growth of its ICT sector and pursue sustainable economic
Abdullah Al-Swaha said that Saudi Arabia has ranked seventh diversification as part of its Vision 2030. “A new strategy bringing
in the world in the quality and speed of Internet and the quality government agencies and the private sector together as well
of the coverage of the fifth generation. Addressing the Future looking into new and emerging technologies have been critical
Investment Initiative (FII) conference here on Thursday, the elements of the Saudi Arabian regulator’s journey,” the report
minister said that the Kingdom has succeeded, during pandemic, added. The report said that the CITC is stepping up to meet
in responding to digital challenges, especially in the early days the 5th-generation regulation challenge with an ambitious
when the Cabinet decided to impose a total lockdown. Al-Swaha new digital transformation strategy with a guiding vision of a
noted that the Kingdom has the largest information technology “connected nation for a thriving digital economy.” “Their vision
investments in the Middle East region through the partnership of also emphasizes safeguarding the public, providing reliable

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