Page 110 - SAMENA Trends - July-August 2023

REGULATORY & POLICY UPDATES SAMENA TRENDS

will stop providing third-generation (3G) mobile services gradually, by 2,600 stations. According to GSMA Intelligence. by 2025, there
starting in the third quarter of 2024. With this move, mobile will be around 50 million 5G connections, with around 20 million in
devices limited to 3G and 2G capabilities will have to be phased the GCC States. The report added that 5G will also add pressure
out, and their users will be forced to upgrade their gadgets in line to phase out previous generation networks in markets where 5G
with the needs of telecommunication services. Speaking to the network rollout has been quick. The timeline for such phasing out
Observer, a top TRA official had said that there is a program in 2G or 3G will depend on various spectrum factors as well as the
place to close 3G networks so that service providers can use 3G number of devices used on 2G/3G networks.
spectrum capacities for new technologies such as 4G and 5G. The (August 16, 2023) www.omanobserver.om
suspension of 3G services will take place gradually starting with
the least populated areas. The Telecommunications Regulatory By the end of May 2023, active mobile broadband Internet
Authority (TRA) said that it will stop approving and importing subscriptions in Oman increased 9% to 5,851,173 compared to
communication devices that do not support the minimum of a 4G the same period last year. The total number of Internet protocol-
network. TRA said that (VoLTE) or Voice over 4G LTE network must connected fixed line telephone subscriptions also grew – rising
be enabled in all mobile devices. The decision also reflects the 6.1% to 275,607 subscriptions – according to National Centre for
rapid development of the telecommunications sector in the world, Statistics and Information’s latest data. The figures highlight an
which necessitates investment in modern technologies, which upsurge in mobile phone subscriptions. By the end of May 2023,
results in shutting down the least effective networks to allow the figure stood at 6,953,100, up 12.4%. Within mobile phone
the use of more effective networks, allowing subscribers better subscriptions, the prepaid category emerged as the most populous
quality services and enhancing the experience of using the latest – 5,229,350, a growth of 9.5%. But there was a noticeable drop –
and most advanced networks. With efforts made to speed up the 13.1% – in the number of analogue fixed line subscriptions.
Internet in the country with the number of 5G stations going up (July 16, 2023) www.muscatdaily.com

Qatar

Qatar, represented by the Ministry of Communications and Ooredoo, Qatar’s telecommunications service provider, has
Information Technology (MCIT), participated in the 51st meeting registered solid results in the recent Consumer Satisfaction Survey
of the Permanent Arab Committee for Communications and 2022 conducted by the Communications Regulatory Authority
Information Technology, which was held in Oman over a period of (CRA), demonstrating the company’s strong performance in levels
three days. The delegation of Qatar was headed by Adviser to the of customer satisfaction. The survey, which included feedback
Minister of Communications and Information Technology Hassan from over 2,500 individuals across various segments of Qatar’s
Jassim Al Sayed. The meeting brought together representatives population, evaluated customer satisfaction with telecom services
of Arab countries and delegates of regional organizations with the provided in the country. Recognizing the invaluable role played by
goal of fostering joint collaboration and discussing advancements CRA, Ooredoo praised the regulator’s unwavering commitment
in the telecommunications and information sector within the to ensuring customer satisfaction, resolving complaints, and
Arab region. The meeting revolved around multiple subjects, fostering sustainable and fair competition. The findings of the
which encompassed the Arab strategy for communications survey demonstrate Ooredoo’s accomplishment across various
and information, Arab collaboration with regional groups and customer experience parameters, notably in network voice
organizations, satellite communications technology, and the Arab services and customer service. Customers highly appreciate
initiative for internet governance and cybersecurity. The agenda Ooredoo’s commitment to delivering reliable network coverage
also included matters aimed at advancing mutual Arab interests in and exceptional customer support. Ooredoo Qatar has scored
the realm of communications and information. In a speech on this 81% in the overall satisfaction with telecommunications services.
occasion, Hassan Jassim Al Sayed emphasized that this meeting Furthermore, the importance of Ooredoo’s mobile voice services
presents an opportunity for collective efforts in addressing the was highlighted by 72% of respondents, while 70% recognized
challenges faced by the telecommunications and information the significance of its mobile internet services. The survey also
technology sector in the Arab region. He highlighted the significance revealed that customers expressed satisfaction with Ooredoo’s
of embracing and implementing modern digital advancements services, including mobile voice, fixed voice, internet speed, and
across various sectors and institutions. He underscored Qatar’s billing accuracy. Sheikh Ali added: “We are immensely proud of
commitment to sharing its digital vision and experiences while our standing in CRA’s Consumer Satisfaction Survey results. In
also learning from the experiences of other nations. This exchange increasingly competitive markets, our aim is to create outstanding
of knowledge aims to yield positive outcomes that will profoundly customer experiences and inspiring moments for our customers.
impact the communications and information landscape in the (July 30, 2023) www.thepeninsulaqatar.com
Arab region. (August 6, 2023) www.thepeninsulaqatar.com

110 JULY-AUGUST 2023