Page 137 - SAMENA Trends - June-July 2020

REGULATORY & POLICY UPDATES SAMENA TRENDS

Pakistan

The Consultation Committee on Citizens Protection (Against licensing and tax are central to this for unlocking the huge
Online Harm) Rules 2020 held a meeting with Facebook via video growth potential, investment and societal benefits associated
conference on 29th of June, 2020 on continuation of the ongoing with a better connected, modern Pakistan that ensures no one is
consultation process over Citizens Protection (Against Online left behind,” the publication stated. It discusses the importance
Harm) Rules, 2020. During the meeting, detailed discussions were to achieve “Pakistan’s Digital Vision” of a prosperous and
held with Facebook representatives on their perspective on the innovative digital economy and outlines the role of the mobile
provisions of the Rules. The Committee apprised that formulation sector in realizing that. The report notes that with decelerating
of Rules is a statutory requirement under Section 37 of Prevention GDP growth, compounded by a rising population, jobs, taxes and
of Electronic Crimes Act, 2016 (PECA). It was emphasized that productivity gains generated by the digital ecosystem will be
citizens in Pakistan enjoy complete freedom of expression over pivotal to supporting the health of Pakistan’s economy moving
internet as enshrined in the Constitution. The Committee also forward. (June 9, 2020) dawn.com
stressed on sustained communication, better understanding
of local context and societal values, greater transparency with Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has further
respect to community standards and content moderation policies extended the deadline for blocking of mobile device IMEIs till July
and mechanisms by FB to protect citizens against online harm. 3, for all GSMA valid IMEIs seen on mobile networks but currently
The Committee and FB representatives agreed on the need for not registered with PTA. The extension has been given to provide
continued engagement and complete transparency. relief and facilitation to public and ensure social distancing
(July 2, 2020) pta.gov.pk during this difficult time. The blocking of such mobile devices
will start from July, 4 2020 and will be communicated via SMS
Mobile phones are the dominant form of digital connectivity in well in time, said a news release. As per regulations, all mobile
Pakistan, with 89 million unique subscribers as of the end of devices being connected to local networks using local SIM are
2019, according to the GSMA — an industry body representing subject to registration within 60 days from first use of device on
mobile networks. In a report ‘Pakistan Progressing towards a local mobile networks in Pakistan. However, due to extraordinary
fully-fledged digital economy’ launched on Monday, it suggested circumstances, non-registered device IMEIs which were to be
that to achieve digital ambitions and unleash the potential blocked between March, 18 to July, 3 2020 will now start getting
of the mobile economy, the country must facilitate access to blocked from 4 July 2020. PTA launched Device Identification
high-quality mobile broadband networks, affordable services Registration and Blocking System (DIRBS).
and smartphones. “Fair and predictable regimes for spectrum (June 7, 2020) urdupoint.com

Saudi Arabia

The open access agreement between the Kingdom's six telecom aiming to encourage competition, attract investment, and
service providers has entered into force, the Communications and increase broadband subscriptions by improving service quality
Information Technology Commission (CITC) said. CITC clarified in and consumer choice. (July 1, 2020) argaam.com
its statement that the agreement will provide fiber-to-the-home
(FTTH) broadband services through any subscriber-selected About 65 percent homes in different villages and hamlets across
service provider, independent of infrastructure ownership. The the Kingdom gained access to the wireless broadband 4G
end-user will have more options and high-quality services, coverage by the end of April, the Ministry of Communications
it noted. The agreement enables the six telecom operators, and Information Technology (MCIT) has said. The expanded
Saudi Telecom Co. (STC), Etihad Etisalat Co. (Mobily), Mobile coverage area was beyond expectations and is an "achievement"
Telecommunication Co. Saudi Arabia (Zain Saudi), Etihad Atheeb within the Kingdom's Vision 2030, Saudi Press Agency (SPA)
Telecommunication Co. (GO), Integrated Telecom Co., and quoted the Ministry as saying. The Ministry is also continuing
Dawiyat Telecom, to open the field between each other and allow its efforts to enhance the digital infrastructure by deploying 5G
utilization of the fiber-optic infrastructure of various companies networks via the construction of about 7,500 new towers so far,
and serve users. CITC highlighted that the agreement targets to include 11 regions of the Kingdom. This comes within the
over 3.5 million FTTH across the kingdom. According to data efforts to raise the standard of telecommunications and internet
compiled by Argaam, CITC launched in Feb. 2020 open access services in the Kingdom’s various regions. The ministry said its
agreements between the Kingdom's six telecom operators, efforts to expand the coverage area of wireless broadband 4G to

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