Page 110 - SAMENA Trends - May-June 2024

REGULATORY & POLICY UPDATES SAMENA TRENDS

Qatar

Qatar has once again been lauded for its outstanding performance Authority (CRA), and Romania, represented by the National
by consistently ranking first in the world on Ookla’s Speedtest Authority for Management and Regulation in Communications
Global Index for mobile broadband speeds in February, March and (ANCOM), signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to
April. On the nation’s networks, Samsung S24 models attained cooperate in the field of electronic communications. The MoU
the highest speeds globally at an impressive 971 Mbps. The was signed in Bucharest, Romania, by Eng Ahmad Abdulla
Ookla’s Speedtest Global Index highlights Qatar’s leading position AlMuslemani, President of CRA, and Valeriu Ștefan ZGONEA,
in mobile internet speeds, with the country achieving a historic President of ANCOM, in the presence of HE Prime Minister of
milestone as the first nation to surpass the 300Mbps threshold, Romania, Marcel Ciolacu. The MoU reflects the two parties’
reaching an unparalleled 315Mbps. In addition, Al Rayyan was recognition of the significance of cooperation in the field of
recognized as the fastest mobile city in the world every month electronic communications, and their desire for a fruitful, solid
from January to April 2024, underscoring Qatar’s unwavering partnership in respect of the electronic communications policy.
commitment to excellence and innovation in telecommunications. As outlined in the MoU, both parties will cooperate in areas
Sheikh Ali bin Jabor bin Mohamed al-Thani, Ooredoo Qatar CEO, of common interest, which include satellite regulation policy,
said: “We are immensely proud of this result published by Ookla, including monitoring satellite frequencies and other regulatory
which not only celebrates the exceptional performance of the local aspects of electronic communications. This collaboration will
networks but also reinforces Qatar’s position as a global leader in take place through several means, including meetings, seminars,
mobile internet speeds. “Our commitment to embracing cutting- training courses and workshops. Additionally, it involves sharing
edge technologies and delivering seamless connectivity is integral expertise, best practices and relevant technical information; as
to our mission of consistently upgrading our customers’ worlds well as exchanging views, as appropriate, coordinating common
and driving digital transformation in Qatar and the wider region.” positions and procedures within international organizations; along
Ooredoo’s continuous investment in network infrastructures with other forms of cooperation that may suit both parties. In
and innovative solutions has contributed to achieving these this regard, Eng. Ahmad Abdulla AlMuslemani, President of CRA,
world-class results. Qatar was also named the country with the emphasized that signing this MoU reflects Qatar's commitment
fastest mobile internet speeds in June and November 2022, to enhancing international cooperation and developing the
demonstrating consistent progress and leadership in the global telecommunications sector to achieve sustainable development
telecommunications industry. By achieving the highest mobile and technological advancement. He added: "We believe in the
speed in the world and designating Al Rayyan as the fastest importance of effective international cooperation for exchanging
mobile city, Qatar exemplifies the impact of strategic investments experiences and knowledge, as demonstrated in this MoU, which
and advanced technologies on national and international scales. strengthens our relations with Romania and opens new avenues
These accomplishments drive network superiority and play a for cooperation in the field." He noted that signing this MoU is part
pivotal role in empowering customers to thrive in the digital era, of the CRA’s efforts to support Qatar National Vision 2030 and its
contributing significantly to the realization of Qatar’s National goals, highlighting the importance of creating a balance between
Vision 2030. (June 3, 2024) www.gulf-times.com an oil-based and a knowledge-based economy, helping diversify
the country’s economy and guaranteeing a stable and sustainable
The State of Qatar, represented by the Communications Regulatory business environment. (May 20, 2024) www.cra.gov.qa

Saudi Arabia

The Communications, Space & Technology Commission (CST) to achieve the Kingdom's leadership in providing specialized
has announced the qualification of Global Digital Integrated broadband communications services. CST Board of Director
Solutions Company (Aramco Digital) to obtain a Specialized issued its decision of qualifying the company to obtain the license,
Radio Network License in the 450 MHz band, after completing that will advance the digital transformation within Industrial,
the regulatory procedures for the license. The license aims to Energy, Transportation, Healthcare and other national sectors, in
serve the industrial and business sectors through establishing a addition to enabling the 4th industrial revolution applications and
dedicated network, independent from mobile networks, operating industrial internet of things (IIoT). It is worth mentioning that CST
on the latest global wireless technologies. This network will aim has previously announced a public competition in March 2024, for
to cater to the specialized needs of various sectors and aims this type of licenses. (June 6, 2024) www.cst.gov.

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