Page 89 - SAMENA Trends - January 2022

REGULATORY & POLICY UPDATES SAMENA TRENDS

Jordan

Ali Al-Mestarihi, a specialist in data science and cybersecurity, optimal user journey, adding that the application serves as an all-
said that Jordan ranks first in the number of social network users in-one government service hub accessible anywhere, anytime.
in relation to internet users. Mestarihi told Roya’s Akbar Al Sabe’a A key component of Sanad is the user's digital ID, which allows
that 65 percent of Jordanians use the internet. He pointed to real-time access to personal documents and records, including
the need to find ways to enhance and protect data in Jordan. He personal ID, birth certificate, driver license, academic certificates
also advised internet users to be extra cautious while using the as well as the coronavirus vaccination certificate. Users can
internet and preserve their online privacy. also pay their bills and other service fees using the application.
(January 31, 2022) royanews.tv However, the activation of the digital ID requires a one-time visit
to any Sanad station located in public and private institutions
The Ministry of Digital Economy and Entrepreneurship has across the Kingdom. Non-Jordanians can also sign in to Sanad in
launched an updated version of the e-government service Sanad a 'guest mode' to access some government services. The ministry
application. In a statement the Ministry said that the application said it will continue to collect feedback before introducing more
is available for download for smart phones and other gadgets than 400 services to Sanad throughout 2022, in addition to the
running iOS, Android and Huawei platforms, adding that current e-signature feature. According to the Ministry, the application
users can update their old versions. The Ministry indicated that has been downloaded about 2.5 million times since its launch in
the new version supports several new features designed for an August 2021. (January 24, 2022) menafn.com

Kuwait

The telecom regulator CITRA is planning over the past year to three market players, with established market dynamics. The
increase the competitiveness of the Kuwaiti mobile market and power struggle is expected to affect the 5G state of play as well,
make mobile services more affordable. As such, in March 2021, as coverage has already reached 97% of the population and the
CITRA issued the first MVNO license in the country. The license uptake has reached 5% of total mobile subscriptions in 2020. The
was awarded to Virgin Media Kuwait, which is a joint venture three established MNOs offer mobile 5G plans on both postpaid
between STC (which owns 10%) and Virgin Mobile Middle East and data-only plans and handsets plans. The telcos are monetizing
Africa. This new entrant will help CITRA in promoting competition 5G through postpaid plans which have notably higher ARPUs
and more affordable mobile plans. As of January 2022, Virgin than in prepaid plans. Another layer of pressure for new entrant
Media Kuwait has yet to launch. GlobalData expects the launch will be high mobile penetration of the population in the country. It
in March 2022, with the MVNO offering mobile handset plans reached circa 151.4% of the population in 2021 with a high level
and data-only plans. The MVNO will enter a relatively developed of multi-SIM ownership in the country.
market, where it will face stiff competition from the existing (January 31, 2022) verdict.co.uk

Nepal

The Nepal Telecommunications Authority (NTA) is preparing liabilities in instalments over twelve months. This deadline was
to revoke the license of mobile network operator (MNO) Smart subsequently extended to July 2021 and, most recently, January
Telecom after the telco failed to clear arrears totaling around 2022. Smart Telecom is Nepal’s third largest MNO with 2.36
NPR5.5 billion (USD45.8 million) by the extended deadline of million subscriptions and a 5.9% share of the mobile market as of
mid-January, reports Khabarhub. With the telco having shown mid-September 2021. (January 17, 2022) commsupdate.com
no intention of making the payment, NTA Chairman Purushottam
Khanal said he was left with no option but to execute the The total fiber internet user base in Nepal has surpassed 1.6
government’s threat to cancel Smart’s permit. The NTA previously million with major ISPs adding more customers. As per NTA’s
announced plans to revoke Smart’s license in August 2019, latest data, Nepal’s fiber broadband now connects 16 lakh, 29
only for the government to overrule the decision and grant the thousand, 7 hundred, and 68 subscribers. This total number of
telco permission to pay its renewal fees and other outstanding customers is shared among 51 service providers with three

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