Page 119 - SAMENA Trends - October-December 2024

REGULATORY & POLICY UPDATES SAMENA TRENDS

The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) is poised to broadband options are often limited or slow. In addition to
enhance internet connectivity in the country by preparing to grant the license, Starlink will be required to enter a commercial
a license to Starlink, the satellite internet venture led by Elon agreement with Pakistan's Space and Upper Atmosphere
Musk. PTA officials report that the decision to issue the license Research Commission (Suparco). This agreement will also need
has been finalized, pending only security clearance. “Starlink's PTA approval. If all goes according to plan, Starlink is expected
license is ready; we are just awaiting security approval,” confirmed to launch its services in Pakistan within the next year, providing
PTA representatives. The rollout of Starlink's high-speed satellite residents nationwide with access to reliable and fast satellite
internet service is expected to significantly improve connectivity, internet.
particularly in rural and remote regions where conventional (October 3, 2024) www.dunyanews.tv

Qatar

Ahmad Abdulla al-Muslemani, President of the Communications emphasizes CRA's commitment to keeping pace with the rapid
Regulatory Authority (CRA), emphasized the CRA’s decade-long technological developments in radiocommunication devices
success in managing and overseeing radio spectrum usage and their applications, and to ensure alignment of technological
in Qatar, fully aligning with legal frameworks. His statements applications and frequency bands for short-range devices
showcase the authority’s pivotal role in critical sectors such intended for import and use in the State of Qatar with rules,
as telecommunications, security, oil and gas, aviation, and international standards and technical specifications for such
maritime navigation. Speaking to the Qatar News Agency (QNA), devices. The fifth version of the Class License for Short-Range
al-Muslemani noted that the CRA’s continuous efforts to issue Devices includes additional frequency bands with new values
regulations and grant licenses, permits, and approvals ensure the and greater flexibility related to permitted transmit power values
optimal utilization of the radio spectrum. This work has solidified in response to recent developments in radiocommunication
the CRA’s central position in maintaining Qatar’s communication devices and their applications. These additional frequencies
security and sustainability. He highlighted the CRA’s instrumental will allow the use and sale of a wider and more diverse range of
role in supporting major local and international events, including short-range devices and their applications throughout the State
the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022, ensuring seamless radio frequency of Qatar. These devices and applications serve various sectors
management for various stakeholders. Through these efforts, and a broad segment of consumers in the country. This update
the CRA ensured uninterrupted communications and prevented supports Qatar National Vision 2030 and the Third National
radio interference during the event. The CRA has also achieved Development Strategy 2024-2030, which prioritizes improving
significant international milestones, such as forging cooperation residents” quality of life and delivering services that meet global
agreements with countries including Turkey, Morocco, the standards. The draft of the Class License previously published by
Gambia, Somalia, South Korea, and Romania, strengthening CRA for public consultation included several important proposals
global partnerships in spectrum management. Over the past ten aimed at updating the fourth version (previous version), allowing
years, the CRA has worked on ensuring the efficiency of Qatar’s stakeholders and interested parties to submit their views and
telecommunications networks. A key focus has been managing feedback to CRA. This process helped CRA to understand the
the national numbering system, including the allocation of 11 needs of this important sector and consider them in an organized
million mobile numbers and 2 million landline numbers to telecom and transparent manner. Consequently, CRA has published the
companies. Furthermore, the CRA has supported the growth of fifth version, which replaces the fourth version issued in June
the Internet of Things (IoT) and machine-to-machine (M2M) 2021. (November 10, 2024) www.cra.gov.qa
applications by allocating 300,000 numbers for these uses. Al-
Muslemani also noted the CRA’s contributions to advancing The Communications Regulatory Authority (CRA) of the State
Qatar’s digital landscape. This included expanding the nation’s of Qatar has issued the Communications Consumer Protection
digital presence globally and improving its digital infrastructure Policy and Regulation, setting a new standard for consumer rights
and cybersecurity. The CRA has encouraged the adoption of Qatari and Service Provider obligations in Qatar’s telecommunications
Internet domain names and supported technological innovation, sector. This decisive action is fully aligned with Qatar’s
aligning with the country’s ambition to become a global leader in telecommunications law and regulatory framework, ensuring
information and communications technology (ICT). that consumers are protected under a comprehensive and legally
(December 16, 2024) www.meatechwatch.com grounded structure that demands higher levels of transparency
and responsibility from Service Providers. The Policy outlines
The Communications Regulatory Authority (CRA) has issued the the key objectives and principles that will govern consumer
fifth version of the Class License for Short-Range Devices after protection efforts in Qatar. This policy establishes the foundation
reviewing feedback received from stakeholders and interested for ensuring that consumers” rights are not only recognized but
parties on the public consultation document published on actively safeguarded in an era of rapid technological change. The
CRA's website in the second quarter of this year. This step Regulation is a detailed set of rules and procedures that Service

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