Qatar opens its telecoms sector

The new law ends the current telecommunications monopoly. For the first time, people living and working in Qatar will have a choice in their telecommunications provider, resulting in improved customer service, better quality, a higher level of innovation, and lower prices.

The Supreme Council of Information Communications Technology (ictQATAR) - the national planning and coordinating and regulatory body for ICT programs - will oversee the liberalization process; granting competitive licenses for the provision of network and telecom services.

"We're happy to say that today the consumer - along with small and medium-sized businesses - are the clear winners," said Dr.Hessa Al-Jaber, Secretary General of ictQATAR in a press conference this afternnoon.

"All over the world, we have seen the benefits of competition. It is now time to bring those advantages to Qatar."

Under the new law, the Supreme Council is charged with promulgating regulations and procedures that will govern the licensing process, market and consumer protection rules, technical standards, and enforcement procedures. Within the coming months, the Supreme Council will issue provider licensing procedures. It is anticipated that final licensing decisions about new market entrants will be made several months from the procedures release. At that time, new market entrants will begin constructing their networks with a view to marketing services.

The legislation invests ictQATAR with power to safeguard consumers' rights and protect the market against unfair business practices. ictQATAR's role will be that of a fair and transparent regulator as well as protector of consumer' rights. Dr. Hessa said that opening the market will spearhead economic and social development in Qatar.

"This is just the beginning. We can look forward to investment from an array of new industries, brand new jobs across our economy, and innovative ways of doing business in the public and private sectors," the Secretary General said.

"Importantly, competition in the telecoms market will spur ICT services to save time and money, and enrich the lives of all our citizens."

Q-Tel will be a licensed provider of telecommunications services and networks in Qatar. Dr. Hessa said that competition will strengthen the company by focusing on improved levels of efficiency and quality of service.