Page 91 - SAMENA Trends - February 2022

REGULATORY & POLICY UPDATES SAMENA TRENDS

A- Examine the performance of important elements in the “Millions of people use Speedtest to measure their internet
telecommunication network at least once a year, such as switches, performance every day,” said Ookla co-founder and CEO Doug
main transmission links, and basic databases, in order to ensure Suttles. “With our consumer-initiated methodology, powerful
the readiness of measures for these elements, alternate links, cross-platform testing engine and global network of high-
redirection of telecom traffic, and measure the effectiveness of throughput servers, Ookla is a definitive source for 5G network
emergency plans, provided that the authority shall be notified in intelligence and measurement. Ookla works with many regulators
advance of the scope of these examinations, and a detailed report in the GCC states and beyond to provide actionable insights into
shall be provided to it upon completion. Executing and developing the performance of national 5G networks as they evolve. We are
procedures and systems for managing the telecommunications thrilled to assist and support the TRA as they seek to drive the
network, and applying the technical and organizational measures development of the telecommunications sector in Oman.” Given
approved by the Authority. the complexity of today’s telecoms networks, operators and
Article (4) regulators face significant challenges in understanding end-
In the event of a planned service interruption in the main network user network experience and in optimizing network performance.
elements or those that affect a wide geographical area as a result Simply identifying areas with inadequate connectivity can be a
of the process of upgrading the network software or upgrading struggle. Ookla’s high-caliber network intelligence solutions will
a large number of network elements, the licensee shall abide by give the TRA an insightful view of network performance in Oman,
the following: Implementation of the planned outage during the and allow it to benchmark against its regional peers. This effort
period of reduced traffic on the network. (February 28, 2022) omanobserver.om further aligns with the goals of the Oman 2040 vision of preparing
for the impacts of technology and the digital transformation
The Telecommunications Regulatory Authority of the Sultanate of taking place in the Sultanate. “Ookla’s unique data insights will
Oman (TRA) and Ookla®, an internationally recognized leader in help TRA identify weak spots and consequently guide network
network testing and intelligence, are engaging in a collaborative operators to improve their networks, in turn creating a better
arrangement as part of TRA’s aim to leverage the latest experience for the Omani people,” said TRA Executive Manager
technologies and up-to-date insights for understanding mobile Strategic Planning Unit Engr. Ahmed Hassan Al Haddabi. “We look
and fixed broadband performance across Oman. This comes at forward to leveraging Ookla’s data to assist us in making informed
a time when 5G rollout in the country is gaining momentum, and decisions for advancing Oman’s ranking internationally in support
Ookla’s enterprise solutions and first-party data is set to empower of the government’s Oman 2040 vision.” Over the course of their
TRA in assessing the adoption of 5G networks in the Sultanate. engagement, both companies will work together to analyze mobile
This collaboration should help drive network improvements in and fixed broadband performance in order to drive improvement
Oman, delivering significant new value to local mobile operators in the network performance landscape in Oman.
who build the networks and the consumers who rely on them. (February 9, 2022) businesswire.com

Pakistan

Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has implemented Iftikhar remarked while talking to The Express Tribune. Until now,
a rationalization plan for 1,800 MHz spectrum to increase the the cellular operators of Pakistan had small fragmented chunks
efficiency of telecom sector. “PTA conducted a spectrum auction of spectrum scattered here and there within the 1,800 MHz band,
in September 2021 in accordance with the policy directive of the he said. This has now been rectified by PTA. Within the 1,800
government of Pakistan issued on August 4, 2021,” said a PTA MHz band, each mobile company would have one consolidated
statement. Accordingly, a rationalization plan in the 1,800 MHz chunk of the spectrum, he added. This will allow the most optimal
spectrum band was issued by the authority in consultation use of the spectrum, resulting in improved services. SI Global
with the Frequency Allocation Board (FAB) for the contiguity of CEO Noman Ahmed Said explained that radio spectrum typically
spectrum by all cellular mobile operators (CMOs) for efficient referred to the full frequency range from 3 kHz to 300 GHz that
spectrum utilization, it said. PTA stated that Jazz, CMPak, Telenor may be used for wireless communication. “Increase in demand for
and Ufone implemented the rationalization strategy under the cellular services such as mobile phones and many others called
supervision and guidance of PTA and FAB in a coordinated activity for changes in the philosophy of spectrum management,” he
for approximately three months. PTA underlined that technical added. The CEO said that demand for wireless broadband soared
teams of all stakeholders worked round the clock without causing due to technological innovation, such as 3G and 4G services,
any disturbance in services to the nation. “This will ensure and rapid expansion of wireless internet services. He explained
efficient utilization of contiguous spectrum holdings and better that the spectrum rationalization plan was aimed at reusing the
user experience,” PTA said. “Furthermore, it will be beneficial for spectrum and efficiently distributing it for a more holistic use. The
the launch of future technologies in Pakistan.” “It is a great step,” existing spectrum facilitates prevailing networks and functions
information and communication technology (ICT) expert Parvez between the assigned spectrums of frequency under FAB, said the

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