Page 123 - SAMENA Trends - June-August 2021

REGULATORY & POLICY UPDATES SAMENA TRENDS

full cooperation and also offered regulatory knowledge and held annually, is one of the biggest telecom events in the world.
experience, whenever required by the Afghan counterparts. A The Pakistan delegation participation in the event was effectively
meeting was also held with President Huawei Middle East Region, used to display vast opportunities offered by Pakistan telecom
Charles Yang to discuss the role of tech vendors in bringing latest sector. (July 5, 2021) pta.gov.pk
telecom and ICT solutions for Pakistan. Mobile World Congress,

Qatar

The Communications Regulatory Authority (CRA) recently and communications technology services are provided across
published on its website the fourth version of the Class License Qatar. The additional frequencies to these applications and the
for Short Range Devices (SRDs) that replaces the third version review of the authorized maximum allowed output power for
that was in place. The fourth version was designed to keep pace some applications will allow using and selling a greater variety
with rapid technological advancements in radio-communications of SRDs in the country, which in turn will benefit consumers
equipment and applications and according to the resolutions and and other stakeholders,” said His Excellency Mohammed Ali Al-
recommendations of World Radiocommunication Conference 2019 Mannai, President of CRA. It is worth mentioning that the CRA
(WRC-19). The Class License specifies the harmonized standards is the responsible authority for regulating and managing all the
to be used for SRDs and the fourth version includes updates to affairs related to the use of the radio spectrum in Qatar, as well as
the rules, international standards and technical specifications establishing an effective approval regime for telecommunications
for the SRDs intended to be imported to Qatar as well as the equipment. Accordingly, CRA has the powers and authorities
corresponding authorized maximum allowed output power. In of granting, amending, renewing, suspending, and revoking
addition to updates related to the addition of new frequency bands Class Licenses, Radio Spectrum Licenses and Authorizations
and applications for SRDs including Wireless Access Systems and determining the terms and procedures necessary for
(WAS) applications like Radio Local Area Networks (RLANs) their issuance. Also, CRA sets and manages the plan for Radio
applications onboard land vehicles which include wagons, cars, Spectrum and ensures the optimal use of it, where no person
trucks, and buses. “The introduction of the additional frequency shall operate any radio-communications equipment or make any
ranges was in response to the rapid increase in the uses of radio- use of radio frequencies, without a Radio Spectrum License or
communications equipment and applications and the numerous a Radio Frequency Authorization from the CRA. Moreover, CRA
recent related advancements. In addition to CRA’s keenness to monitors compliance by licensees with the terms and conditions
ensure that there is enough radio spectrum to keep pace with of their licenses and may take any measures and procedures in
the rapidly evolving technological environment and therefore this regard.
ensuring that advanced, innovative, and reliable information (June 7, 2021) m.gulf-times.com

Saudi Arabia

The Communications and Information Technology Commission to facilitate using the spectrum on a shared basis among various
(CITC) published a consultation on “Spectrum Light Licensing”. users and services. This will promote competition and enable
The purpose of this public consultation is to provide interested innovation, by allowing flexible licensing methods to meet the
parties with an opportunity to submit their views on the spectrum needs of the market through pioneering methods of
introduction of the light licensing regime and its various aspects. spectrum management. (August 22, 2021) citc.gov.sa
As part of CITC’s mission to ensure reliable communications
services and innovative digital technologies in the Kingdom, CITC The Saudi Minister of Communications and Information
previously launched its ‘Spectrum Outlook for Commercial and Technologies, Abdullah bin Amer Al-Sawaha, met the Minister
Innovative Use 2021-2023’, which includes the commission’s of Economic Development and Innovation of the Italian Republic,
first step towards improving access to spectrum through a light Giancarlo Giorgetti. Al-Swaha also held a meeting with the
licensing regime. Today’s consultation document outlines CITC’s Federal Minister for Economic Affairs and Energy of the Federal
plans to improve access to more than 13 GHz of spectrum, Republic of Germany, Peter Altmaier, and the meeting discussed
through light licensing regimes that cater for specific usage the Kingdom’s efforts to accelerate the digital transformation
categories. The publication also includes an implementation plan process, stimulate the entrepreneurship and support research,
for the introduction of the licensing process which commences development and innovation system. They also looked at the
in early 2022. The main objective of this ambitious approach is investment opportunities available in the Saudi market for German

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