Page 72 - SAMENA Trends - May 2025

REGULATORY & POLICY UPDATES SAMENA TRENDS

CRA Qatar releases a Position Paper on IoT and M2M

The Communications Regulatory Authority (CRA) has released
a Position Paper on the Internet of Things (IoT) and Machine-
to-Machine (M2M) technologies, aiming to foster innovation,
enhance security, and drive Qatar’s economic growth. Through this
Position Paper, CRA intends to develop a comprehensive regulatory
framework that ensures seamless connectivity, interoperability,
and a secure digital landscape. This will enable Service Providers
and businesses to operate under clear standards that support both
investment and innovation. Furthermore, the Paper addresses
existing regulatory gaps and meets evolving market needs by
implementing mechanisms that balance regulatory oversight with
necessary flexibility. This approach allows emerging technologies Position Paper on IoT
to scale efficiently while maintaining the highest levels of security
and compliance. The pillars of this Position Paper positively impact
and M2M in Qatar
various stakeholders. On one hand, consumers will experience
improved reliability and security in IoT services, leading to safer
and more efficient utilization of smart devices in their daily lives. On foundations that will stimulate an integrated digital economic
the other hand, Service Providers will benefit from clear regulatory environment, accelerate the transition towards aknowledge-based
guidelines, reducing uncertainty and facilitating smoother economy, and enhance the nation’s global competitiveness in

development and deployment of IoT and M2M technologies. the technology sector.” knowledge-based economy, and enhance
Additionally, this Paper opens new horizons for businesses and the nation’s global competitiveness in the technology sector.” He
investors by providing a regulatory environment that supports further stated, “By providing an integrated regulatory environment
investment and expansion in digital markets, further strengthening for the IoT that aligns with the highest international standards and
Qatar’s position as a leading hub for advanced technologies. In best practices, CRA reaffirms its commitment to developing an

this context, Mr. Ali Al-Suwaidi, Technical Affairs Department advanced digital market that supports innovation and sustainable

Director at CRA, emphasized the document’s importance, stating, growth. This strengthens Qatar’s position as a leading regional hub

“IoT and M2M technologies are rapidly evolving and have become in the digital technology sector, aligning with the Qatar National

key enablers of smart cities, industrial automation, healthcare Vision 2030, the Third National Development Strategy 2024-2030,

advancements, and environmental sustainability. Therefore, it has and the Digital Agenda 2030.” CRA’s IoT Position Paper serves

become essential to have a regulatory framework that keeps pace as a foundation for future regulatory policies that will drive the
with digital transformations and ensures a secure and transparent deployment and adoption of IoT technologies in Qatar. As the
environment that supports innovation.” He added, “The release country continues to embrace advanced digital solutions, the
of this Position Paper marks a significant milestone in Qatar’s regulatory framework will work to balance between technological
digital transformation journey, establishing advanced regulatory growth, consumer rights protection, and economic sustainability

AST SpaceMobile and AT&T Get FCC OK to Test Direct-to-Satellite Cellular on

FirstNet

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has granted AST the FCC, enabling it to begin testing its five low-earth orbit (LEO)
SpaceMobile permission to test direct-to-cellular connectivity on BlueBird satellites with unmodified devices in AT&T and Verizon’s
Band 14 spectrum, which is reserved for public safety — a request low band wireless spectrum. The announcement offered no details
made in coordination with AT&T. The tests will be conducted on the on the precise nature or time of the planned tests. The partnership
AST SpaceMobile fleet of BlueBird satellites. The company says it between AT&T and AST SpaceMobile is approaching its first an-
“envision(s)” that it will test on select FirstNet transponders later niversary. The two companies reached a long-term agreement in
this year. The press release said that the service could enhance late May of last year. The goal was set at creating satellite-to-cell
public safety by doing such things as helping in the thousands phone service that work with standard cellphones. In January,
of search and rescue missions it conducts annually in national AST SpaceMobile entered into a restructuring support agreement
parks. “It’s still too early to give a specific timeline,” the spokesper- with holders of approximately 88% of the funded indebtedness of
son said. “As we look ahead, we are excited to continue our work Ligado (formerly LightSquared). AST SpaceMobile was to receive
with the FirstNet Authority to explore how satellites will be used in long-term spectrum usage rights for more than 80 years to up to
public safety communications and bring new capabilities to first 40 MHz of L-Band MSS spectrum in the United States and Canada
responders on America’s public safety network.” In January, AST held by Ligado, plus access to an additional 5 MHz in the 1670-
SpaceMobile was granted Special Temporary Authority (STA) by 1675 MHz Band in the United States.
72 MAY 2025