The Communications Regulatory Authority (CRA) announced on Tuesday a public consultation on Qatar Spectrum Outlook, with the aim of providing an opportunity for interested parties and stakeholders to send their views and comments on the draft document "Qatar Spectrum Outlook 2022" by February 20.
The purpose of Qatar Spectrum Outlook 2022 is to provide stakeholders with an overview of CRA's overall approach and planned activities related to meeting the expected spectrum demand for commercial mobile services, satellite services, broadcasting service, and programme-making and special events applications over the next three years. CRA presents in the document its spectrum management priorities through its three-year spectrum outlook for the period 2020-2022. This outlook is expected to cover the prioritisation of spectrum work in the short-term and to be updated and published after the approval from competent authorities and reflecting consideration of submissions from interested parties and stakeholders.
The document outlines CRA's plans to address issues related to access to spectrum and enabling new technologies, and to make resources available to support telecommunications services and applications that are expected to require new or additional spectrum in the coming years, especially during the hosting of the 2022 FIFA World Cup. Furthermore, it provides stakeholders and interested parties with an overview of spectrum management activities and projects, including the national frequency allocation plan, the spectrum usage fees, a mechanism for Quality of Service mobile networks audit as well as highlights the strategic spectrum projects that are expected to be completed before 2022.
"It is a true pleasure to share the three-years spectrum outlook of CRA with the stakeholders and interested parties in Qatar. This document will provide a transparent and predictable approach to spectrum management in the short term. The document will open the way for all partners to understand the future plans and programs of the CRA in relation to the spectrum, especially that the World Cup 2022 is very close," said President of CRA Mohamed Ali al-Mannai.
Al-Mannai invited the stakeholders and interested parties in Qatar and all partners outside Qatar to review the document and provide the CRA with the comments that assist and ensure the best and most efficient use of radio spectrum in accordance with international best practice and provide CRA with the suggestions that contribute promoting the public policy objectives of Qatar.
It is worth to mention that CRA ensures to appropriately and pragmatically meets the spectrum needs of a diverse range of actual and potential spectrum users. In this regard, CRA balances the numerous considerations to establish a prioritised work plan commensurate with its resources. A wide range of factors that influence the demand for and the supply of radio spectrum including: end-user demand, technology changes or advancements, the international harmonisation of radio spectrum, and relevant national or international policies. CRA has taken these factors together with the outcomes of the World Radiocommunication Conference 2019 and the FIFA World Cup 2022 and included it in its programmes to be done during the coming three years.
