Public Consultation on Licensing Guidelines
The Supreme Council for Information and Communication technology, ictQATAR, is holding a public consultation on its proposed licensing framework for the telecommunications sector in Qatar. This framework aims to increase the transparency of certain aspects of the licensing process, reduce barriers to entry through streamlined processes, promote technology neutrality, and align licensing processes with the Telecommunications Law no. (34) of 2006.
“The rapid pace of technological innovation in the telecommunications sector and the demand for advanced communications services in Qatar led us to review the current licensing framework. Our new proposal aims to model Qatar’s telecoms licensing framework after international best practices,” said Dr. Hessa Al-Jaber, Secretary General at ictQATAR.
The proposed licensing framework is available for review online at www.ictQATAR.qa and the public is asked to submit feedback on the documents by February 15, 2009.
Responses can be sent by email to [email protected] or by courier or post to:
Regulatory Authority
The Supreme Council of Information and Communication Technology (ictQATAR)
Al Mirqab Tower, 4th Floor
Corniche Road
P.O.Box: 23264
Doha, Qatar
All comments received by ictQATAR will be taken into account while developing the final framework, however ictQATAR reserves the right to make the final decisions on policy.
“We hope that the public looks closely at our proposed licensing framework and provides input on what they believe would best serve Qatar. Our proposal recognizes the great potential for growth in the telecoms sector and suggests a framework that encourages new businesses and promotes the development of new products and services,” said Lisa Leidig, Regulatory Policy and Economic Affairs Manager at ictQATAR.
As part of the proposed framework, ictQATAR recommends creating new class licenses for the resale of specific telecommunications services and for private network services. Class licenses allow a person to provide telecommunications services without having to apply for a license as long as they follow related terms and conditions, regulations, and other legal requirements applicable in the State of Qatar. Class licenses are also generally unlimited meaning the number of the people who can provide the services is not restricted. The proposed resale class license would open the market to persons who would like to provide Internet Services using the facilities of licensed service providers (currently Qtel and Vodafone), prepaid calling card services and public call offices. The proposed private network class license would automatically grant a license to anyone who deploys, owns or operates a private network, including universities, large corporations and banks.
“Under the proposed licensing framework, for many potential licensees an in-person visit to ictQATAR for a license will no longer be necessary in the future. We intend to automate the system which will cut down on unnecessary bureaucracy speeding the delivery of products and services to market,” said Leidig.
The proposed licensing framework also includes a proposal for an online registry of all licensed service providers that would be posted on the ictQATAR website. Once the comments are reviewed, ictQATAR will post the final licensing policy online.
