Opening the Market to Class Licenses


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Licensing big Consulation on Class Licenses

For an aspiring entrepreneur, entering the telecom service field often seemed an expensive, time-consuming and overly complicated task. Soon, simply by filling out one form and notifying ictQATAR of one's intent to do business, entrepreneurs and can enter the telecom service re-sale market and offer their products or services to the public.

ictQATAR recently issued a proposed telecoms licensing framework, which is currently available online for consumer comments at www.ictQATAR.qa, recommends the creation of class licenses for the resale of specific telecommunications services and for private network services. Innovation in the sector has been followed by demand for a higher level of services in Qatar, and the new proposal comes at a time when there is a need to model Qatar's telecoms licensing framework after international best practices, while ensuring consumer benefits and protection, a priority for ictQATAR.

""The proposed resale class license aims to open the Qatari telecom market to more and more competition and innovation,"" said Lisa Leidig, ictQATAR's Regulatory Policy and Economic Affairs Manager. ""Persons who would like to provide Internet services using the facilities of licensed service providers (currently Qtel and Vodafone), prepaid calling card services and public call offices can now avail of such an opportunity, in a process that was once somewhat difficult and lengthy.""

Class licenses are generally unlimited meaning the number of the people who can provide the services is not restricted. The proposed private network class license would automatically grant a license to anyone who deploys, owns or operates a private network, including universities, large corporations and banks. Referring back to ictQATAR for the license grant would no longer be requiredyet notifying ictQATAR would still be a pre-requisite for starting the re-sale services under the proposed framework.

An integral part of ictQATAR's new licensing guidelines is interactivity with the public. Out of its desire to engage the public in what will be reflected on the quality and abundance of telecom services offered to them, ictQATAR has sought public comments on the framework. Similar steps have been taken, in the process of granting Vodafone the second mobile and fixed license, and developing billing guidelines for telecoms service providers.

""We hope that the public looks closely at our proposed licensing framework and provides input on what they believe would best serve Qatar. Our proposal recognizes the great potential for growth in the telecoms sector and suggests a framework that encourages new businesses and promotes the development of new products and services,"" said Leidig explained.

Leidig explains that ictQATAR will continue monitoring class licensing practices and ensure that adherence to terms and conditions is fully achieved.

- By: Zakaria Fawzi







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