CRA serves notice to 48 shops selling illegal telecom, radio equipment

The Communications Regulatory Authority (CRA) has served notices to 48 shops for using or selling radio and telecommunication equipment without valid licences in violation of Telecommunications Law.

The violations were detected during a routine inspection. CRA's inspection team visited 135 popular locations selling communication equipment, including malls, souks, commercial areas and neighbourhood grocery stores.

CRA issued 48 notices for a range of violations, the most common being shops selling mobile phones without a valid licence.

The notice entails the non-compliant shops to regularise their licence or to obtain the right licence if they do not have one. If the appropriate licences have not been obtained, CRA is empowered to take legal action against the defaulters.

The CRA manages Qatar's radio spectrum, and conducts routine inspections to ensure compliance with the Telecommunications Law.

Under the law, the import and sale of radio and telecommunication equipment requires an authorisation from CRA.

Approvals are necessary to ensure the equipment meets certain safety and technical standards. Radio and telecommunication equipment includes mobile phones, wireless local area networks (WLAN), and short-range devices (SRD).

"CRA's Spectrum Management Department has a dedicated team to conduct regular inspections of businesses involved in telecommunication dealings. We take strong action against those found selling illegal equipment or selling equipment without a valid licence issued by the CRA. If you know of a company or individual selling such equipment without a licence, please contact us at our hotline 103 and we’ll conduct an inspection immediately," said Faisal Al Shuaibi, CRA's spokesperson.

In addition to routine inspections, citizens can request a CRA inspection if they suspect unauthorised sale or use of radio and telecommunication equipment at any location in Qatar.

Courtesy: Qatar-tribune.com