Page 124 - SAMENA Trends - March-April 2022

REGULATORY & POLICY UPDATES SAMENA TRENDS

not happy with the prices of mobile Internet services in general. Eng. Omar Hamdan al-Ismaili, CEO of Telecommunications
The results showed that 50 per cent Omanis and 90 per cent of Regulatory Authority (TRA) visited Al-Mazunah Free Zone (MFZ) to
expatriates agree that the service quality in general is excellent. explore challenges of telecom services facing the investors in the
The governorates of North Sharqiyah had the highest percentage free zone. During the visit, al-Ismaili was accompanied by officials
of dissatisfaction with the prices of mobile Internet services at from TRA and representatives of telecom service providers in the
62 per cent, followed by 50 per cent each in the governorates of Sultanate. The delegation was briefed on the MFZ, the ongoing
Dhofar and Dhahirah. TRA stated that the two surveys aimed to and upcoming projects and the status of telecom services in the
provide statistical indicators about the satisfaction of users of free zone, which are provided by the service providers including
fixed and mobile telecommunication services which contributes Omantel, Ooredoo, and Oman Broadband.
to the formulation of legislative and regulatory frameworks. (March 14, 2022) omannews.gov.om
(April 10, 2022) muscatdaily.com

Pakistan

In pursuance to the Policy Directive issued by Federal Government, Suhaimi Abdul Malek; both sides discussed the challenges
Pakistan Mobile Communications Limited (Jazz) has signed associated with regulation of the Over-the-top (OTT) platforms
renewed license with Pakistan Telecommunication Authority in their respective countries. Moreover, a cooperation agreement
(PTA). The license is renewed for a fee of USD 486.2 Million for was signed by Chairman PTA and Executive Director, A4AI Ms.
15 years, out of which 50% of the amount i.e. Rs. 44.54 Billion Sonia Jorge. Under this collaboration, PTA will be working
(equivalent to USD 243.1 million) has been deposited by Jazz and towards bridging the digital divide in Pakistan by making use of
the remaining amount will be paid in 5 equal annual installments A4AI’s policy and regulatory good practices and resources. PTA
along with applicable markup. Renewed license has enhanced and A4AI will conduct a series of gender-responsive workshops
terms and conditions for coverage and Quality of Service. The in Pakistan to promote awareness around gender mainstreaming
license renewal ceremony, held at PTA today, was attended by in ICTs and enhance the understanding of key stakeholders to
Federal Secretary for IT & Telecommunication, Dr. Muhammad tackle the digital gender divide in Pakistan. This agreement will
Sohail Rajput; Chairman PTA, Maj. General Amir Azeem Bajwa (R); further strengthen PTA’s commitment to make women an integral
Member Compliance & Enforcement (PTA), Dr. Khawar Siddique part of the digital transformation process in Pakistan.
Khokhar and senior management of PMCL (Jazz), PTA, MOIT & (March 4, 2022) pta.gov.pk
FAB. (April 12, 2022) pta.gov.pk
According to the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority, the
To curb pornographic/indecent content as defined in Prevention number of 3G and 4G user in Pakistan increased by 1.52 million
of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA 2016) Section 37, Pakistan from 107.68 million in December 2021 to 109.72 million in
Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has implemented Central January 2022. (PTA). Pakistan’s 3G and 4G user base climbed
Domain Name System (C-DNS) policy enforcement mechanism by 1.8 million to 190.51 million at the end of January 2022, up
to ensure the automated effective and seamless blocking of from 188.71 million at the end of December 2021. The cellular
unlawful content in real-time. The Authority inaugurated the mobile teledensity grew from 85.94 percent in December 2021 to
mechanism at PTA Headquarters, Islamabad. The C-DNS 86.71 percent in January 2022. By the end of January, the overall
mechanism was developed with months of joint efforts and close teledensity had risen from 87.08 percent to 87.85 percent. By the
coordination with the telecom industry and other stakeholders. end of January, the monthly penetration of Next Generation Mobile
(April 12, 2022) pta.gov.pk Services (NGMS) was 49.94 percent, up from 49.04 percent at the
end of December. Jazz’s overall count for 3G customers remained
Chairman PTA, Maj. Gen. (R) Amir Azeem Bajwa held meetings at 6.712 million by end January compared to 6.809 million by end
with Director of ITU Telecommunication Development Bureau December, marking a fall of 0.097 million. The number of Jazz
(BDT) and Chairman of the Malaysian Communications and 4G users increased from 34.750 million at the end of December
Multimedia Commission (MCMC) at the GSMA Mobile World to 35.324 million at the end of January. Zong’s 3G customers
Congress 2022 in Barcelona. The Chairman also signed a fell from 3.650 million at the end of December to 3.561 million at
cooperation agreement with Alliance for Affordable Internet the end of January, while 4G users increased from 26.389 million
(A4AI), World Wide Web Foundation to address digital gender gap at the end of December to 26.953 million at the end of January.
in Pakistan. The Chairman briefed the ITU Director, Ms. Doreen Telenor’s 3G users fell from 4.090 million at the end of December
Bogdan-Martin and Chairman (MCMC) about PTA’s efforts on to 3.994 million at the end of January. By the end of January, the
digital inclusion of women and girls in ICTs through series of number of 4G customers had risen from 19.824 million to 20.385
agreements with national and international stakeholders. During million. By the end of January, there were 3.877 million Ufone 3G
Chairman PTA’s discussion with Chairman (MCMC) Dr. Fadhlullah users, up from 3.871 million at the end of December. Ufone’s 4G

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