Page 130 - SAMENA Trends - May-June 2022

REGULATORY & POLICY UPDATES SAMENA TRENDS

Ooredoo Telecom, the first to introduce innovative digital services proud of this achievement, which represents a milestone in the
in Kuwait, announced that it is the first Telecom in Kuwait to obtain history of Ooredoo Kuwait’s Data Center since its launch in 2017,
the Cloud Service Provider license from the Communication and which was designed with the highest standards and is the first
IT Regulatory Authority (CITRA). The “Cloud Service Provider” commercial center to obtain Tier 3 certification in Kuwait, being the
license, which is new in Kuwait, was issued to Ooredoo following only one of its kind nationwide. We are also very keen on managing
an extensive review of the company’s technical capabilities, cloud all the data in our data center with accuracy and efficiency by a
infrastructure robustness, security policies and safeguards, data team of specialized professionals”. Al-Babtain added, “Ooredoo
handling and storage procedures, as well as technical and security Kuwait’s data center was built with the highest levels of security
certifications. CITRA’s review process ensures that Ooredoo, is and the latest technologies to provide cloud and cyber security
in strict compliance with Kuwait’s data sovereignty and security services. The data center provides a suite of managed hosting
requirements, and is following international data protection best services tailor-made to fit corporate and business needs. These
practices. In a statement regarding the license, Abdulaziz Yaqoub services are ideal for corporates and businesses looking to better
Al-Babtain, Chief Executive Officer at Ooredoo Kuwait said, “We are manage their data, platforms and applications”. (May 23, 2022) zawya.co

Morocco

The Digital Cooperation Organization (DCO), dedicated to the a platform for Morocco to be a global leader in the new digital
pursuit of digital prosperity for all, announced the accession economy. We are delighted to join the DCO, and our membership
of the Kingdom of Morocco as its ninth member state, helping builds on Morocco’s significant investment in developing our local
it strengthen and expand initiatives to empower more women, digital infrastructure.” Commenting on the newest of its valuable
youth and entrepreneurs to realize the potential of the digital members, Secretary-General Deemah AlYahya said: “Morocco has
economy. Morocco, with nearly 37 million people and a GDP of made significant progress in expanding network coverage and
USD114 billion, joins the DCO alongside Bahrain, Jordan, Kuwait, using digital technologies to make government information and
Nigeria, Oman, Pakistan, Rwanda and Saudi Arabia. The country’s services more accessible to citizens. Having a country that has
accession increases the DCO’s collective GDP to more than USD 2 so clearly prioritized digital transformation coupled with a thriving
trillion and with a population of well over half a billion people with start-up and innovation ecosystem as a member state of the DCO
more than 70 percent aged under 35. Morocco is a major regional will undoubtedly strengthen our collective strength and impact in
digital hub with rapidly expanding technological infrastructure creating a more inclusive global digital economy. “Digital inclusion
and successful startups in the digital industry. The country’s is a critical global socioeconomic challenge of our time – and at
efforts to further expand and strengthen its internet network the DCO, it is our fundamental belief that true digital prosperity is
and grant citizens and residents digital access to government a result of collaborative, multilateral efforts among governments
services have been recognized by international entities, including and between the private and public sectors. We look forward to
the World Bank and the European Investment Bank. Morocco’s working with leaders and digital economy ecosystem pillars across
Minister Delegate of Digital Transition and Administration Reform, Morocco as well as the impact driven women empowerment
H.E. Dr. Ghita Mezzour, welcomed the announcement, stating: initiatives as part of our continued commitment to strengthening
“The DCO’s mission of enabling digital prosperity aligns with digital opportunities around the world.” (April 27, 2022) zawya.com
Morocco’s digital transformation agenda, and the DCO provides

Nepal

The Nepal Telecommunications Authority (NTA) has introduced and set-up times. After studying worldwide industry best practice,
minimum signal level standards for mobile coverage in a bid to the NTA has now introduced Rx level standards to ensure uniform
improve services across the country, reports Nepalitelecom.com. performance on all mobile networks, setting the minimum signal
The move follows a series of tests by the watchdog that found level for outdoor coverage at -82 dBm for 2G networks, -87 dBm for
the country’s mobile network operators (MNOs) – Nepal Telecom, 3G and -95 dBm for 4G. The NTA will determine a threshold for 5G
Ncell and Smart Telecom – were failing to meet agreed minimum networks once fifth-generation services have been deployed. (April
Quality of Service (QoS) criteria regarding call success, drop rates 26, 2022) commsupdate.com

130 MAY-JUNE 2022