Doha, December 15 (QNA) - Communications Regulatory Authority (CRA) President Ahmad Abdulla Al Muslemani said the CRA has proved over the past decade its capability of managing and monitoring of radio spectrum usage in the State of Qatar in full compliance with legal frameworks, affirming that CRA has successfully achieved an optimal balance between the growing demand for spectrum resources and their availability.

This is particularly evident across critical sectors such as telecommunications, security, as well as in the oil and gas, aviation, maritime navigation, and other essential industries, he said.

Speaking to Qatar News Agency (QNA), Al Muslemani underlined that CRA enhances its position as the responsible entity for this resource by issuing regulations and regulatory tools, granting licenses, permits, and approvals for the optimal use of the radio spectrum, emphasizing that it has worked tirelessly to monitor and oversee the use of the spectrum, ensuring its optimal utilization, thereby underscoring its crucial and central role in maintaining the sustainability and security of communications in the State of Qatar.

CRA has cemented its reputation with remarkable achievements in meeting the requirements of major local and international events hosted by the country, including the landmark event, the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022, in addition to playing a key role during these events, ensuring the frequency plans and management were in place to enable all stakeholders to use and operate various radio applications, equipment, and broadcasting systems as required, without interruption due to any radio interference, highlighted Al Muslemani.

He highlighted that in recent years, CRA has achieved significant milestones in fostering productive international cooperation in the area of spectrum management and monitoring, through the signing of strategic agreements with several prominent countries such as the Republic of Turkiye, the Kingdom of Morocco, the Republic of Gambia, the Republic of Somalia, the Republic of Korea, and Romania.

Al Muslemani pointed out that over the past ten years, CRA has played a pivotal role in ensuring the effectiveness and efficiency of telecommunications networks and services in the State of Qatar, particularly through the management of numbering, which is the cornerstone of building an advanced and flexible communications system that meets users' needs and supports economic growth.

He stated that CRA issued the national numbering plan, along with other relevant regulations, and worked on the allocation and distribution of numbers used in all telecommunications services or for any other numbering-related purposes, in addition to allocating approximately 11 million mobile phone numbers and around 2 million landline numbers to the telecommunications companies.

Additionally, it supported innovation and development in the telecommunications sector by allocating 300,000 numbers for Internet of Things (IoT) applications and machine-to-machine (M2M) applications.

Over the past decade, CRA has dedicated all its resources to advancing the digital community in the country and worked on expanding Qatar's digital presence on the global stage, strengthening the foundations of digital infrastructure, and cybersecurity levels, he highlighted, adding that this has been achieved through a series of well-planned strategic initiatives aimed at encouraging institutions and individuals to adopt the use of Qatari internet domain names, thereby emphasizing its role in supporting innovation and technological advancement in line with the CRA's aspirations, and contributing to the country's ambitions to lead globally in the field of information and communications technology (ICT).

He emphasized that over the past decade, CRA has made significant efforts to establish a solid balance between the obligations of service providers and the rights of consumers and issued a series of regulatory frameworks, including the Telecommunications Service Quality Regulatory Framework, which was issued in 2023 to raise the minimum key performance indicators (KPIs) for the quality of public telecommunications services in the State of Qatar.

Al Muslemani pointed out that CRA issued the policy and regulatory framework for the protection of telecommunications service consumers in 2024, which will supersede all previous regulatory tools related to consumers, setting a new standard for consumer rights and the obligations of service providers in the telecommunications sector in the country.

He highlighted that CRA has shown determination in implementing an annual audit of mobile telecommunications network quality through a comprehensive system outfitted with over 100 devices strategically placed across the country to collect data automatically and efficiently, emphasizing that this step reflects the CRA's commitment to evaluating the quality of telecommunications services provided to consumers.

The system measures multiple key performance indicators related to the services provided by telecommunications companies, to ensure that the quality of the services aligns with the standards and conditions of the licenses granted to them, as well as with the applicable regulatory framework, he said, adding that CRA conducted multiple survey studies to measure the level of satisfaction among individual and business consumers regarding services with complete transparency.

He explained that over the past ten years, CRA has proven its effective role in protecting the rights of telecommunications service consumers and worked on resolving their complaints by engaging with the telecommunications firms in accordance with the applicable regulatory frameworks, in addition to launching the Telecommunications Services Complaint Management System in 2019, which automated all related procedures, thereby improving and speeding up the response to these complaints.

CRA has ensured full freedom for consumers, whether individuals or businesses, to choose the telecommunications company that best meets their needs while retaining their original numbers.

This was achieved by guaranteeing that telecommunications companies provide two important services: mobile number portability and landline number portability, he said.

Al Muslemani highlighted that since its establishment, CRA has proven, with merit, to be instrumental in ensuring the provision of reliable, high-quality telecommunications services for all consumers in the State of Qatar through its efforts to ensure the advancement of both landline and mobile telecommunications networks and their infrastructure to meet the highest global standards.

He elucidated that CRA has worked on establishing the appropriate regulatory tools, granting the necessary licenses to telecommunications service providers, setting the required obligations for them, and monitoring their compliance with these obligations, highlighting that the State of Qatar possesses a sophisticated telecommunications and information technology sector, having ranked fourth globally in the ICT Development Index (IDI) for 2024, issued by the International Telecommunication Union.

Achieving this ranking is a clear testament to Qatar's leadership and distinction on the international stage, reflecting the prominent leadership role and significant impact of the Communications Regulatory Authority in driving progress and innovation in this vital sector, underlined Al Muslemani.

He noted that advanced network technology in the State of Qatar is among the best in the world, with the population enjoying nearly comprehensive coverage of 5G networks and a fiber-optic network that has achieved the strategic goal of universal coverage for all homes in Qatar.

At the end of 2018, CRA issued spectrum usage licenses for 5G technology, which enabled telecommunications companies in Qatar to lead the global deployment of 5G networks, he highlighted, affirming that in 2022, CRA continued to build on this milestone by providing additional spectrum for 5G networks, aimed at enhancing network capacity and improving the telecommunications service experience for consumers in terms of network speed.

These consistent efforts reflect the CRA's commitment to realizing Qatar's vision of being among the most technologically advanced states and underscore its essential role in guiding and regulating the telecommunications and information technology sector towards new horizons of growth and innovation.

He explained that with a strategic orientation and ambitious vision towards developing the telecommunications infrastructure in the State of Qatar, the CRA has issued its approval for many applications submitted for permits to build new mobile telecommunications sites, and requests for no-objection to open streets for fixed telecommunications infrastructure works, in coordination with the relevant authorities in the country.

He pointed out that the CRA's efforts were not limited to that, but extended to include processing and reviewing applications related to the design of government and private projects, and applications related to the use of telecommunications infrastructure in government projects.

In his remarks, he highlighted the role of the CRA in advancing the telecommunications infrastructure, particularly through the issuance of several regulatory frameworks.

These include the "Internal Installation Connection Standards" document, which aligns with globally recognized best practices and standards, facilitating the deployment of fiber optic networks (FTTx) and mobile telecommunications networks within buildings.

Additionally, the Authority introduced the regulatory framework for designing and constructing government infrastructure for telecommunications network channels, aimed at establishing and defining general standards and requirements that meet the infrastructure needs of government communication networks in Qatar.

In a strategic move aimed at enhancing the internet infrastructure and ensuring the availability of advanced, innovative, and reliable local internet services, Al Muslemani stated that the first local Internet Exchange Point (IXP) was launched in 2020.

This initiative was established to enable local networks to exchange information efficiently at a common point within the country, rather than relying on exchanging local data abroad. As a result, it ensures that internet users in Qatar can access digital content more securely and at higher speeds.

Al Muslemani said that in 2022, the Authority issued an individual license to Starlink Satellite Qatar LLC to provide public telecommunications networks and services via satellite, indicating that this achievement comes within the framework of the Authority’s commitment to keeping pace with international trends in the field and supporting the continuous development of the telecommunications sector.

He pointed out that granting this license contributes to encouraging more foreign investments in the State of Qatar, thus diversifying the local economy, which supports Qatar National Vision 2030.

He explained that in 2018, the Authority, in collaboration with Qatar University and Carnegie Mellon University in Qatar, issued a booklet containing guidelines and key steps for enabling the fourth and sixth versions of the Internet Protocol (IPv4 and IPv6) to work together on the same network. He added that this initiative represents an ambitious step reflecting the Authority's forward-looking vision and its relentless efforts to ensure Qatar's full readiness to embrace next-generation technologies, such as the Internet of Things (IoT) and internet-connected self-driving vehicles.

Regarding efforts to enhance digital transformation and create a tangible positive impact on consumers and telecom service providers, he noted that the Authority issued a framework for online customer registration through digital channels.

As a result, the telecom companies introduced a new digital service through their platforms, allowing users to apply for a new SIM card online, leveraging artificial intelligence and facial recognition technology.

In another development, Al Muslemani mentioned that in 2024, the CRA launched the Space Radio Monitoring Center, pioneering technology for monitoring satellites that are not stable relative to Earth. This step underscores Qatar's commitment to strengthening its satellite communications infrastructure and ensuring an interference-free radio spectrum.

He further added that with the launch of the center, the CRA became the first regulatory body in the world to have a system for identifying and tracking the geographic locations of very small aperture terminal (VSAT) mobile stations, solidifying Qatar's position in global satellite communications.

On the development of the ICT sector, he emphasized that based on an ambitious strategic vision, the CRA has worked over the past decade to advance the sector and ensure the availability of advanced, innovative, and reliable services.

The Authority has established robust regulatory foundations, issuing numerous policies, technical standards, and regulations to effectively manage the sector, while continuously updating these frameworks to align with the latest technologies and international standards.

Additionally, he explained that the Authority has consistently monitored service providers' compliance with these policies and regulations, taking necessary actions to ensure adherence.

The Authority’s efforts in this area have yielded results, as Qatar ranked 8th in the Digital Policy sub-pillar of the 2023 Future Readiness Economic Index (FREI).

He also highlighted that the Authority conducted a comprehensive research study on the sector, involving a wide range of experts, sector stakeholders, and representatives of other relevant entities in the broader ecosystem. Based on this study, the Authority issued the "2022 ICT Sector Overview Report for Qatar," which provided a comprehensive view of the sector and served as a guiding tool for industry players, supporting their business and investment decisions.

In another context, President of the CRA said that in 2023, the Authority issued the "Principles for Classification and Categories of the ICT Sector", which aims to create a structural framework to understand and classify the sector, which is essential for assessing its maturity and guiding related policies, adding that it provides a basis for companies to align their products and services and assess the position of their businesses in the value chain within this classification.

To drive the growth of the local IT industry and establish an environment conducive to local and foreign investments, Al Muslemani explained that the Authority issued the "Cloud Computing Policy Framework", which defines a comprehensive set of recommendations for stakeholders from the public and private sectors related to regulatory issues and related policies, which are in line with international laws and best practices followed globally in the field. In addition, it issued the "Cloud Computing Guide for Small and Medium Enterprises", thus confirming its effective leadership in developing the sector.

He spoke about the Authority's commitment to supporting technological development and enhancing an advanced digital infrastructure in the country, as the Authority issued the "National Blockchain Technology Framework", which it developed in cooperation with Hamad Bin Khalifa University and Qatar University.

He explained that the framework identified key opportunities that blockchain technology can bring to the private and government sectors, in addition to the necessities and incentives that each sector must provide to adopt this technology, which contributes to the prosperity of emerging companies and pioneering projects, which contributes to the development of the sector, supports local and foreign investment, and builds a more knowledge-based economy, which supports the achievement of the goals of Qatar National Vision 2030.

As for the ICT sector and the local economy, CRA President reiterated that the Authority is striving to develop an innovative and growing ICT sector that attracts more local and foreign investments, which benefits all stakeholders and supports the goals of Qatar National Vision 2030, one of which is to diversify the Qatari economy and ensure a stable and sustainable business climate.

In this context, he touched on the Authority’s keenness to encourage fair competition in the communications market, saying that in 2015 CRA issued the Competition Regulation Framework. He indicated that this approach resulted in achieving significant benefits for consumers and service providers alike.

He pointed out that competition has encouraged service providers to improve the their services and offer them at competitive prices. Competition has also played an influential role in driving investment in the communications infrastructure towards enhancing its efficiency and quality, which contributed to supporting the local economy and other sectors dependent on advanced communications services, he added.

Furthermore, Eng. Al Muslemani indicated that the ICT sector has seen a remarkable growth, which contributed to the overall increase in the non-oil GDP at current prices, which grew in 2022 by 36 percent compared to 2014.

He further mentioned that by 2022, the telecommunications sector in Qatar achieved revenues of QAR 11.6 billion, reflecting a remarkable 22 percent growth compared to 2014.

This surge underscores the sector's evolution, highlighted by a 26 percent increase in EBITDA (Earnings Before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation, and Amortization) during the same period. Additionally, strategic investments by Ooredoo Qatar Q.P.S.C. and Vodafone Qatar Q.P.S.C. totaled QAR 1.4 billion in 2022.

He also stated that Qatar is targeting a 50 percent growth in its information technology sector by 2024, driven by advancements in digital government services and smart city initiatives.

To support this ambition, CRA has conducted extensive surveys and benchmarking studies on data center connectivity, ensuring that Qatar's capabilities remain competitive and future-ready.

He pointed out that the country also attracted substantial investments from global tech giants such as Microsoft and Google, who have established major data centers within Qatar.

These investments strengthen the nation's digital infrastructure, attract further foreign investments, and reinforce Qatar's position as a key player on the global digital landscape.

In the postal sector, Eng. Al Muslemani highlighted that, following the enactment of Law No. (15) of 2023 regulating postal services, CRA has begun developing relevant regulatory frameworks and opened them for public consultation to finalize their implementation.

He stated that these initiatives aim to enhance the quality of postal services, foster competition within the sector, and contribute to the national economy in alignment with the CRA's strategy and Qatar National Vision 2030.

Al Muslemani emphasized that CRA is dedicated to adopting regulatory standards that align with the highest international benchmarks, ensuring effective governance of the telecommunications, IT, and postal sectors while delivering the best possible experience for consumers in Qatar.

He also pointed to the CRA's active participation in international organizations and forums, such as International Telecommunication Union (ITU) and Universal Postal Union (UPU), where Qatar plays a pivotal role in shaping global discussions and decisions that impact these sectors, while protecting its national interests.

Moreover, the CRA has hosted several high-profile events in collaboration with esteemed regional and international entities, reaffirming its leadership in driving the development of telecommunications, IT, and postal services.

Through these efforts, the CRA aims to keep pace with rapid global advancements in these vital sectors, while cementing Qatar's status as a regional and international hub for innovation and technological progress.

Eng. Ahmed Al Muslemani noted that in 2024, CRA organized several regional and international meetings and workshops. Notable among these were the 25th International Meeting for Satellite Communications Monitoring and a workshop on enhancing and measuring universal and meaningful connectivity for Arab countries, held in collaboration with the International Telecommunication Union's (ITU) Telecommunication Development Bureau.

He stated that the active collaboration between CRA and ITU has resulted in Qatar winning the bid to host the ITU Plenipotentiary Conference (PP-26), scheduled to take place from November 9 to 27, 2026, and securing the appointment of Qatar's nominee as president of the conference.

He explained that this achievement came with unanimous support from ITU member states during a vote held in Bucharest at the 2022 Plenipotentiary Conference.

He emphasized Qatar's global leadership in the postal sector, highlighted by its election to the Universal Postal Union's (UPU) governing council and co-chairmanship of Development Cooperation and Technical Assistance Committee alongside Belarus.

Al Muslemani also noted that Qatar, through CRA, hosts the UPU's regional office for the Arab region a testament to the country's steadfast commitment to advancing the postal sector both regionally and globally.

He added that as they mark a decade since the CRA's establishment, CRA takes pride in the significant achievements across Qatar's telecommunications, IT, and postal sectors.
He further explained that since its founding, CRA has worked tirelessly to regulate these vital sectors, ensuring the availability of advanced, reliable services that meet the needs of Qatar's residents. Over the past ten years, CRA has effectively managed national resources, achieving significant milestones in consumer protection and fostering transparency and trust in the telecommunications market.

Al Muslemani also pointed out that modernizing postal regulations and issuing new licenses, such as the one granted to Starlink Satellite Qatar LLC, demonstrate Qatar's commitment to embracing global advancements and attracting foreign investments.

He reiterated the CRA's ongoing dedication to regulating the telecommunications, IT, and postal sectors in line with its strategic goals and Qatar National Vision 2030. He also expressed pride in Qatar's upcoming role as host of the ITU Plenipotentiary Conference in 2026 and welcomed the opportunity to showcase Qatar's culture, heritage, and innovation to the conference delegates.

Al Muslemani underscored Qatar's capability to lead global discussions in telecommunications and IT, solidifying its position as a global pioneer in these fields.

President of CRA, Eng. Ahmad Abdulla Al Muslemani wrapped his remarks noting that CRA was established in 2014 under Amiri Decision No. (42) of 2014.

The authority oversees Qatar's telecommunications, IT, postal, and digital media access sectors, striving to ensure the provision of cutting-edge and reliable services nationwide while exercising all necessary powers to fulfill its mandate. (QNA)