The Supreme Council of Information and Communication Technology (ictQATAR) issued Qatar’s first comprehensive Radio Spectrum Policy, which is aimed at managing the country’s valuable spectrum resources, while encouraging innovative uses of spectrum for economic and societal benefits.
The policy balances the allocation of spectrum between the public and private sectors, and includes radio spectrum allocation and national frequency allocation.
“Radio spectrum is one of Qatar’s most valuable resources. It makes possible the many forms of communication we enjoy today and management of spectrum is essential for new and emerging technologies. ictQATAR has worked with stakeholders in both the public and private sector to ensure the country is well-positioned to utilize its spectrum for critical communications needs, such as air-traffic control and emergency services, but also allows for innovative new uses of spectrum, including advanced mobile services such as 4G and beyond,” said Christa Maria Cramer, ictQATAR Assistant Secretary General, Regulatory Authority.
Beyond the radio spectrum and frequency allocation component, the Radio Spectrum Policy also details radio spectrum licensing requirements, spectrum fees and billing, and monitoring and policy enforcement stipulations. To assist with managing the allocation of spectrum, the policy also proposes the creation of a Qatar National Spectrum Coordination Committee to allow for regular feedback from current and potential spectrum users.
“This policy creates a framework for us to manage spectrum in an efficient and transparent manner. One of the most important issues the policy will allow us to address is how to reallocate unused spectrum for new uses. One example included in the policy is the 800 MHz band, which is currently used for analogue television. With the world moving rapidly towards digital television, we will need to reallocate the 800 MHz band for new forms of communications, such as mobile telephony,” said Saleh Al-Kuwari, ictQATAR Technical Manager, Regulatory Authority.
ictQATAR is mandated to regulate and manage Qatar’s spectrum under Decree Law 34 of 2006 and the Telecommunications Law. The Policy was developed following consultation with the major users of spectrum in Qatar, and the draft Radio Spectrum Policy was published for Public Consultation on October 5, 2010. The Policy fully takes into account existing international regulatory frameworks for the management of spectrum.
The Radio Spectrum Policy and consultation documents are available online at this link.
