Guidelines soon for quality of communication services

A policy comprising clear guidelines for regulating the quality of communication services provided to the public in Qatar is to be implemented soon.
The Communications Regulatory Authority (CRA) is finalising the Quality of Service (QoS) policy to outline the objectives and approach to the regulation of the standard of communication services provided to the public in Qatar, it was announced on Monday.
Once finalised, the policy will become a key part of CRA’s mandate to set performance standards for quality of service and to monitor compliance with these standards by service providers, a statement issued by the authority said.
The policy includes clearly-defined parameters, targets, reporting procedures, compliance requirements and enforcements procedures. CRA regulates communications and postal sectors, as well as access to digital media and advanced, innovative, and reliable communication services provided by operators in these sectors.
“The main objective of QoS policy is to introduce greater clarity, transparency, predictability, equality and certainty with respect to QoS regulation for the benefit of both the customers and the providers,” said Amel Salam al-Hanawi, CRA's Consumer Affairs Department manager.
"The policy is based on a forward-looking approach. For example, it states that the key performance indicators (KPIs) should be resilient to address both present and future customer needs and at the same time enable competition,” she added.
Service providers will be required to measure their quality of services against the KPIs set in the QoS regulation and report to CRA. CRA shall also conduct its independent measurement surveys ensure compliance. Full details of the policy will be made available to the public through the CRA website.
The Consumer Affairs Department within CRA is responsible for monitoring quality of communications services in Qatar in addition to receiving and investigating telecom consumer complaints.
Consumers can contact CRA, using a variety of communication channels: the 24/7 hotline number 103, e-mail at [email protected] , using the CRA’s online complaint form, by tweeting directly to @CRAqatar, or by visiting CRA’s headquarters at Al Nasr Tower B, Corniche.
The CRA, established by virtue of Emiri Decree (42) in 2014, uses its regulatory powers to protect consumer rights, ensure competition, manage the resolution of disputes and manage the electromagnetic spectrum. In all its activities, the CRA seeks to ensure the provision of advanced, innovative and reliable ICT and postal services across Qatar.