Page 154 - SAMENA Trends - September-October 2022

REGULATORY & POLICY UPDATESATORY & POLICY UPDATES
REGUL SAMENA TRENDS

A SNAPSHOT OF REGULATORY ACTIVITIES

IN THE SAMENA REGION

Algeria

Algeria’s government presented a new General Policy declaration recent achievements in connectivity projects, noting that work
to parliament, placing the improvement of the quality of was underway to increase international bandwidth capacity to
connectivity and universal access to high speed internet among 3.8Tbps by the end of 2022 (compared to 2.8Tbps in 2021 and
its priorities. As reported by Algerie Presse Service, Prime Minister 1.4Tbps in 2019) via optimization of existing infrastructure, while
Aimene Benaberrahmane declared: ‘Improving the quality of plans are afoot to join a new submarine cable project earmarked
connectivity for the benefit of citizens, economic operators and for commissioning in 2025 to strengthen the resilience of the
public establishments and the generalization of access to high international transmission network and gradually replace legacy
and very high speed internet in a ubiquitous manner, are among cables. (October 6, 2022) www.commsupdate.com
the priorities of the action of the government.’ The PM highlighted

Bahrain

In an effort to encourage innovation and simplify the TRA Bahrain host the Telecommunications and Media Forum
testing of emerging technologies in the kingdom, Bahrain’s (TMF), where telecom and media regulators from across the
Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (TRA) has launched a Middle East and Africa will meet to discuss the industry’s
new Innovation License. Developing an environment where digital priorities and best practices. The TMF, is being organized with the
technologies can thrive underpins the kingdom’s position as one International Institute of Communications (IIC). Speakers from
of the world’s most advanced telecommunications markets. The Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, Jordan, the UK, the USA, Germany, and
Innovation License enables live testing of new technologies and many other countries will provide a regional view on topics such as
services through a light-touch regulatory environment known digital transformation, innovation and competition, infrastructure
as a Regulatory Sandbox. In addition, the TRA aims to provide and connectivity, digital media and on-demand services, and
stakeholders with clarity and confidence by enabling a flexible privacy, safety and security. Members of civil society and
environment. TRA General Director Philip Marnick said: “The TRA policymakers will also attend the forum. Philip Marnick, General
believes that innovation is the key to maintaining leadership in the Director of TRA, said: “The telecoms industry in the MENA region
digital space. Accordingly, we encourage companies, universities is rapidly changing with the development of new technologies
and other stakeholders to test and trial new wireless technologies and services. Regulators must adapt to this evolving landscape
and services in Bahrain. We are confident that this initiative will to ensure innovation flourishes and new services are delivered.
further strengthen Bahrain’s position as a technology and regulatory We need to ensure consumers get access to the services and
innovator. It will also allow the TRA to continue supporting and features they need while being protected on-line. Bahrain, one of
collaborating with organizations across the telecommunications the most connected and advanced telecommunications markets
industry.” Holders of an Innovation License will be able to carry in the world is proud to host the Telecommunications and Media
out live trials of emerging technologies with consumers to gain Forum. The forum will allow participants to learn from each other
insight into how the new products and services may work in the and discuss effective approaches to the market challenges we all
market in addition to having quick access to the radio spectrum face. We look forward to presenting Bahrain’s experience as one of
for wireless tests. In an effort towards facilitating and attracting the world’s most advanced and competitive markets – with world-
investment in emerging technologies, the Innovation License fees leading 5G coverage and extensive fiber availability and playing
will be affordably priced. (October 11, 2022) www.tradearabia.com a leading role in shaping the future of the telecommunications
industry.” (September 15, 2022) www.satelliteprome.com

154 SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 2022