Page 109 - SAMENA Trends - July-August 2023

REGULATORY & POLICY UPDATES SAMENA TRENDS

towards IPv6 deployment. "The RIPE NCC remains steadfast in its security and manageability and addressing the growing demand for
commitment to supporting the Internet landscape in Jordan and Internet access. The discussions particularly emphasized the era
the Arab region. We are dedicated to fostering an environment of mass connectivity marked by the deployment of 5G, the rise of
of knowledge sharing and collaborative learning,” Chaya said. mobile phone users, the Internet of Things (IoT), and Smart Cities.
The morning session of the National IPv6 Day gave insights into The accelerating pace of digital technology and the escalating
coming Jordan's comprehensive IPv6 strategy and roadmap. It was demand for Internet services worldwide are critical drivers for
marked by vibrant panel discussions led by Engineer Jad Elcham, economic growth and entrepreneurship. The events like National
Regional Program Manager at the RIPE NCC, which saw the active IPv6 Day, and the vital collaboration between TRC and the RIPE
participation of the CEOs and decision-makers from various mobile NCC play a pivotal role in promoting sustainable development and
operators and ISPs. The exchange was centered on best practices, driving economic growth and the internet ecosystem. By sharing
shared experiences, challenges, opportunities, and strategic experiences with network operators, the RIPE NCC empowers
measures to keep pace with the IPv6 deployment at local and global them to navigate rapid technological shifts and prepare for future
levels. In the afternoon’s General Meeting, Jordan ISPs, mobile requirements, effectively contributing to developing a resilient,
operators, technical communities, and related stakeholders delved globally connected digital Jordan.
into critical topics like defining the fundamentals of IPv6, network (July 10, 2023) www.zawya.com

Lebanon

Lebanon’s Council of Ministers has ratified a decree ordering bandwidth, imports of spare parts and licenses to support
fixed internet and fixed telephony tariffs to be raised by 7% for contracts – are paid in US dollars, causing major problems due to
residential services and 5.6% in the corporate services sector. The Lebanon’s devalued currency. Furthermore, an anonymous source
state-owned fixed line incumbent Ogero’s services will be charged in the Ministry of Telecommunications told Al Arabiya that the
at higher rates including one-off connection fees, fixed voice call latest price rises will be insufficient to cover all of Ogero’s operating
packages and all types of fixed internet access tariffs (including deficits. Previous telecoms service fee increases made in July
xDSL, fiber, dedicated lines and others). It is expected that the 2022 were defended by Mr. Corm as a vital measure to return the
tariff rises will take effect before the end of the year, with Ogero sector to profitability and prevent networks from shutting down.
in dire need of extra funds to cover operating costs. More than (August 7, 2023) Al Arabiya
70% of Ogero’s purchasing requirements – including international

Nepal

The government has extended the time to register mobile phones reasons can now be registered within this extended period. The
in the Mobile Device Management System (MDMS) till mid-August. government has implemented this system to integrate the mobile
According to the Ministry of Finance, it has been decided to extend phones brought to Nepal from abroad as gifts or brought by
the deadline set by the Finance Act 2080 BS to mid-August. Nepal individuals without paying custom duties. Mobile phones will not
Telecommunication Authority has implemented such a system. operate unless they are registered within this system.
It is mentioned in the notice of the ministry that cellular mobiles (August 8, 2023) www.myrepublica.nagariknetwork.com
which could not be registered in this system due to various

Oman

The Telecommunications Regulations Authority (TRA) will conduct of all 3G services in the country by the third quarter of the year
a limited trial to stop the third-generation services as part of the 2024. As part of the efforts to upgrade the telecom services to
plans to identify the challenges ahead of the gradual suspension meet the needs of the future, TRA had earlier announced that it

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