Page 105 - SAMENA Trends - May-June 2024

REGUL SAMENA TRENDS
REGULATORY & POLICY UPDATESATORY & POLICY UPDATES

A SNAPSHOT OF REGULATORY ACTIVITIES

IN THE SAMENA REGION

Afghanistan

Afghanistan Wireless Communication Company (AWCC) for the Najibullah Azizi called the 4G internet service by AWCC an
first time inaugurated 4G internet services in Afghanistan. The 4G effective step for the growth of economic. “We once again took an
internet services activated with high speed and lower cost in Kabul important step in terms of infrastructural development and service
city and the service will be expanded to all across the country in the development with the activation of 4G internet services.” In short,
near future. Managing Director of AWCC, Amin Ramin said, “the 4G 4G is the name given to the fourth generation of mobile networks,
internet services activated with the ability to 300 MB in seconds just as the previous generation is called 3G. AWCC with 4G offers
in Kabul city and will be expanded to all provinces in the nearest users faster, more reliable mobile broadband internet for devices
time.” Afghanistan Minister of Communication and Technology, like smartphones, tablets and laptops. (June 21, 2024) www.ariananews.af

Bahrain

The mobile phone market in Bahrain has witnessed remarkable Conference 2027. TRA Director of Spectrum, Engineer Hasan
growth during the first quarter of 2024 compared to the same Mohamed Hasan stated, “The World Radiocommunication
period in 2023, with telecom companies attracting approximately Conferences are highly anticipated events as they play a crucial
34,000 new mobile phone subscriptions. The number of mobile role in shaping the future of radiocommunications. These
phone subscribers in the Kingdom jumped by 13.8%, reaching conferences focus on managing frequency spectrum resources,
2.44 million subscribers in Q1 2024, compared to 2.15 million satellite orbits, and the advancements in technology, such as
subscribers in the same period last year. Consequently, the mobile smart cities, the Internet of Things, and international mobile
phone penetration rate rose from 136% to 155%. This growth is communications.” He added, “These regional preparatory
attributed to the continued widespread use of smartphones, meetings are vital to the success of global conferences. The 2027
which have become an essential tool for communication, World Radiocommunication Conference is expected to be a key
accessing information, and entertainment. Prepaid mobile phone event in strengthening international cooperation and developing
subscriptions grew by 7.7%, reaching 1.55 million subscriptions in new strategies to advance this critical sector.” (June 3, 2024) www.tra.org.bh
Q1 2024. (June 4, 2024) www.newsofbahrain.com
The Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (TRA) has
The Kingdom of Bahrain, represented by the Telecommunications reaffirmed its commitment to positioning Bahrain as a global leader
Regulatory Authority (TRA), chaired the first meeting of the GCC in connectivity by announcing deployment targets for Bahrain
working group responsible for the preparations of the World Network (BNET). In line with Bahrain's strategic vision of universal
Radiocommunication Conference 2027. The meeting was fiber coverage, TRA has outlined key criteria for BNET’s efficient
held in Bahrain from May 28 to 30, 2024, and was attended by and timely deployment of fiber services. To ensure consistent
representatives from all GCC countries. During the meeting, the service provision, BNET is required to make fiber services available
group’s structure and work mechanism were approved. Five to all residential properties capable of being occupied, within 10
working groups were formed based on the recommendations of working days of a consumer’s request. This applies to all areas of
the World Radiocommunication Conference 2027 preparatory Bahrain with the exception of Amwaj, as it is currently not part of
meeting report and the Permanent Arab Spectrum Group. Each Bnet Network. The TRA is working to extend the BNET Network to
GCC country will chair one of these working groups to organize and Amwaj. As for businesses, the target is 30 calendar days from the
monitor the conference agenda items until 2027. The meeting also request date. These targets apply specifically to the deployment
reviewed working papers submitted by the GCC administrations of fiber to a specific area. TRA General Director Philip Marnick
and discussed the future agenda of the conference. The aim was to said: “Broadband has become essential. We believe everyone in
evaluate progress and ensure that all procedures and preparations Bahrain, regardless of their location, should be able to access
for the conference agenda items are implemented on time. The fiber services. These coverage requirements will ensure that BNET
working groups have also agreed upon a work plan for the current expands its network to make fiber available to everyone.”
session, which aims to prepare for the World Radiocommunication (May 29, 2024) TradeArabia News Service

105 MAY-JUNE 2024