Page 117 - SAMENA Trends - July-August 2022

ARTICLE SAMENA TRENDS

with specific authorization to provide The NRA of Saudi Arabia suggested a new In UAE, the NRA decides on a case-by-
internet of things over virtual network licensing regime for IoT networks. The IoT case basis if the provision of IoT-specific
operator and/or using license-exempt connectivity provider would have separate connectivity requires a licence or not.
frequencies. A facility-based operator can obligations from IoT solution providers. Licensed telecoms operators can use
provide IoT connectivity without the need For the latter, no licensing nor registration their networks to provide IoT connectivity
for additional licence and to use licence- would be required. without the need for an additional licence.
exempted frequency bands.

Country IoT service provision requirements by NRAs

Algeria
• The provision of geolocation services by radio or satellite requires an
authorisation.
• Providers of other IoT services over existing telecoms networks must notify
the NRA.
Egypt
• Providers of paid IoT services over IoT networks established by others
shall obtain a licence.

Jordan
• Operation of an IoT system requires an approval from the NRA.
• IoT system can be used within a private telecoms network. An IoT System
can be connected to a telecoms network to only serve the private use of
the system but not to provide a public service.
Morocco
• Providers of IoT services over licensed telecoms networks must notify the
NRA about the IoT service they provide.
• The NRA is considering an authorisation approach for IoT services.

Oman
• Providing services through an IoT platform requires an authorisation from
TRA. However, geolocation and tracking services are exempted from
authorisation requirement but must be notified to the NRA and comply
with geolocation and tracking regulation.
Saudi Arabia
• Provision of IoT service requires a general class licence.
• However, a holder of a facility-based unified licence, such as mobile
network operators, do not need to acquire an additional licence to provide
IoT services.
UAE
• Provision of IoT service requires a registration certificate.
• This is applicable to all IoT services provided inside UAE, whether the
provider is located within UAE or abroad, and also to telecoms licensees.
• The holder of a class authorisation (equipment approval) is not eligible to
provide any regulated service in UAE. Such authorisation only allows the
operation of wireless devices within a registered IoT service.
Provision of IoT service itself (e.g. a smart meter or a connected car provider) is subject to requirements by national regulatory authorities (NRA) in seven
MENA countries (Cullen International)

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