The TRA invited the public to attend the hearing on the Consumer Consultation on 26 February

This is the first public hearing organised by the TRA in relation to consumer protection issues. The purpose of the hearing is to provide the public, and especially consumers, with the opportunity to voice their concerns and views on the topics of the consumer consultation to the TRA in an open forum. The public hearing is open for any member of the public and the industry to attend.

During the public hearing, the TRA will highlight the main questions raised in the consultation and seek input from the attendees on these questions. The public will also have the opportunity to raise any other issues related to the consultation topics during the public hearing. The TRA will take into consideration all the feedback received during the public hearing, as well as the written comments received on the consultation in the usual manner from respondents.

The consultation in question was issued in January 2006 and sought public feedback on consumer protection issues related to bulk SMS, prepaid services and disconnection of services due to non-payment. The TRA is also issuing a simplified version of the consultation prior to the public hearing, which is designed to explain the issues in a less complicated manner.

At the same time, the TRA is extending the comments period for the consultation to 15 March 2006, in order to obtain as much public feedback as possible on these three issues. The TRA hopes that with the publication of the simplified document and the holding of the public hearing, consumers will take the initiative to provide their feedback to the TRA on this consultation.

The consultation document is available on the TRA's website in Arabic and English. In addition, the TRA will be happy to provide hard copies of the consultation document for interested parties who do not have access to the Internet. The TRA is also happy to provide copies in Braille or large print upon request and free of charge.