Page 147 - SAMENA Trends - July-August 2022

REGULATORY & POLICY UPDATES SAMENA TRENDS

communication networks taking into account the continuous liability, apart from the fact that all data is vulnerable to hacking
increase in the use of mobile broadband services. and misuse of the service for fraud and hacking. TRA clarified that,
Role of the authority: The authority will review the reports submitted however, the safety of using the devices has not been confirmed.
by the licensee, audit its records and systems, and the authority Meanwhile, many Internet subscribers reacted to the warning by
may seek the assistance of a consultant or auditor to review the saying that one of the main reasons is the high price involved with
details submitted by the licensee at t the expense of the licensee. the subscription of services.” “People resort to sharing services to
The authority measures the quality of telecommunications reduce costs as the Internet is an essential utility and service and
services as follows: Conducting field surveys directly or through a an absolute necessity at all times.”
third party to measure service quality provided, whether for mobile (July 20, 2022) omanobserver.om
or fixed telecommunications services, and preparing comparative
reports for the quality of the service of each licensee. It will use The Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (TRA), has issued
data measured from a third party, through the collection of random Decision No. 107 setting out regulations for the management of
samples from users to obtain information related to the quality of emergency cases. The guide deals with the obligations of Segment
telecommunications services, which will reflect the experiences 1 and Segment 2 personnel tasked with handling contingencies. It
of the beneficiaries of the quality of the service provided by the helps achieve quick response and maintain the sustainability of
various licensees. (August1, 2022) www.omanobserver.om basic communications in emergency conditions. It also provides
for integration among the departments concerned to realize the
The Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (TRA) has warned unification of efforts and the restoration of services in the shortest
there are several risks when creating wireless networks for the possible time. The guide also deals with the supply of necessary
purpose of sharing Internet services with neighbors. In a statement equipment and human resources at emergency operation centers.
issued on Tuesday, the TRA said that such activities can cause During emergency cases, the Telecommunications Sector
technical glitches. “There is a possibility of interference in wireless joins hands with the National Committee for Management of
networks and the impact on the speed and quality of service for the Emergencies—a standard measure to tackle any probable negative
rest of the subscribers in the same area.” It warned that creating impacts. (July 13, 2022) timesofoman.com
Internet services without a license can make the user liable to legal

Pakistan

Pakistan Telecommunication Authority organized Consumer The number of 3G and 4G users in Pakistan increased by 1.86
Conference 2022 with the theme “Consumers First” on Friday. Head million from 113.89 million by end-May 2022 to 115.75 million
of the Prime Minister’s Strategic Reforms, Mr. Salman Sufi was the by the end of June 2022, says the Pakistan Telecommunication
chief guest on this occasion. CEO USF Pakistan, representatives Authority (PTA). The number of cellular subscribers in Pakistan
of IT & telecom industry, consumer rights groups and the public increased by 1.32 million to 194.58 million by end-June 2022
also attended the event. Joining the event virtually, Head of PM compared to 193.29 million by end-May 2022. The teledensity
Strategic Reforms said this conference provides an excellent for cellular mobile increased from 87.8 percent by end May to
opportunity to directly obtain consumer feedback especially on 88.34 percent by end June. The total teledensity increased from
the issues the public is facing. He also mentioned the recent 88.94 percent by end May to 89.53 percent by end June 2022.
measures undertaken by PTA such as opt out/ unsubscribing The Monthly Next Generation Mobile Service (NGMS) penetration
mechanism for unsolicited/telemarketing messages. He also increased from 51.73 percent by end-May 2022 to 52.55 percent
mentioned that the Government is working with stakeholders in in June 2022. Jazz’s total count for 3G users declined from 6.068
the light of Prime Minister’s vision of digital economy to ensure million by end May to 5.947 million by end June, registering a
convenience of the people. Citizen data privacy law will also be decrease of 0.121 million. Jazz 4G user numbers jumped from
enacted in the near future which will ensure unprecedented data 37.168 million by end May to 38.039 million by end June. Zong
protection of citizens and businesses. Addressing the conference, 3G subscribers decreased from 3.272 million by end May to 3.197
Chairman PTA, Maj. General Amir Azeem Bajwa (R) said that PTA million by end June, while the number of 4G users increased
is cognizant of telecom consumers’ needs and is taking every step from 28.317 million by end May to 28.906 million by end June.
to facilitate them in resolving their issues. He said that organizing Telenor 3G subscribers decreased from 3.613 million by end
this consumer conference is yet another serious effort by PTA May to 3.542 million by end June, while the number of 4G users
to take consumer feedback directly from the public. Moreover, of Telenor increased from 21.496 million by end May to 21.831
PTA is working on improving consumer satisfaction level against million by end June. Ufone 3G users stood at 3.509 million by end
the resolution of their problems. Speaking at the occasion, June compared to 3.576 million by end May. The number of 4G
Member (Compliance & Enforcement) PTA, Dr. Khawar Sidique users of Ufone increased from 9.052 million by end May to 9.419
Khokhar highlighted that PTA, being a progressive regulator with million by end June, registering 0.367 million increase during the
reconciliatory approach, has improved consumer experience and period under review. The PTA received 20,191 complaints from
facilitated industry progress. (August 29, 2022) https://pakobserver.net telecom consumers against different telecom operators, including
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