The Communications Regulatory Authority (CRA) hosted a session to introduce the ‘Duct Management System’ yesterday at its headquarters as part of ongoing efforts to foster sustainable competition in the telecommunications sector.
Through the new system, CRA will manage the service providers’ requirement to utilise and access the new underground passive civil telecom infrastructure, which is managed by CRA and currently under construction.
The session was attended by representatives from Public Works Authority (Ashghal), Centre for Geographic Information System - Ministry of Municipality and Environment, Lusail City, Msheireb Properties, and United Development Company.
“We are very pleased to introduce this new system to our stakeholders, which will allow all service providers to access the new underground passive civil telecom infrastructure managed by CRA in an organised and transparent way. 
“It is a crucial step towards ensuring sustainable competition in Qatar’s telecommunications market, which will ultimately benefit consumers and service provider’s alike,” said CRA official spokesperson Faisal al-Shuaibi.
Earlier this year, the CRA conducted a series of high-level workshops attended by relevant stakeholders and highlighted the importance of effective competition in the telecommunications sector in Qatar. 
The CRA is the communications regulator in the state of Qatar established by virtue of Emiri Decree (42) in 2014. The CRA regulates the communications and information technology and postal sectors, and access to digital media. 
It uses its regulatory powers mandated by Emiri decree to protect consumer rights, ensure competition, manage the resolution of disputes, and manage the electromagnetic spectrum.