Middle East Update

This note summarises recent announcements from the telecommunications regulators and other telecommunications news outlets in Bahrain, Qatar, the and . Where appropriate, content from the relevant announcements has been incorporated into the text below.

1. General

International Regulations Renegotiated in Dubai

In December 2012, thousands of delegates re-negotiated the International Telecommunication Regulations at the Dubai World Trade Centre. This treaty is binding on 178 countries around the world and sets out principles for ensuring the free flow of information around the world. The conference was convened by the International Telecommunication Union, the United Nations specialised agency for information and communication technologies, and the revisions agreed include increased transparency in international mobile roaming charges and a greater focus on assisting developing countries and promoting accessibility to persons with disabilities.

See http://www.itu.int/net/pressoffice/press_releases/2012/92.aspx.

Telecoms Revenues in the Middle East and North Africa are Predicted to Rise

The consulting firm Analysys Mason has issued a report predicting that telecoms revenues in the Middle East and North Africa are set to grow by 27% between 2012 and 2017 at a compound annual growth rate of 5%. Mobile data services are predicted to be the fastest growth area, and 3G is expected to be the dominant network technology despite an increase in connections.

See http://www.fiercetelecom.com/press-releases/telecoms-revenue-middle-east-and-north- africa-will-grow-27-usd964-billion-n.

2. Bahrain

Regulator Prepares to License High-speed Telecommunications Networks in Bahrain

In December 2012 the Telecommunications Regulatory Authority in Bahrain (TRA-B) announced the timeline for auctioning high-speed frequency bands for the delivery of mobile telecoms services. The invitation to tender for operating licences is due to be issued on 24 January 2013, and the 4G awards are expected to be finalised in the first quarter of 2013.

See http://www.telegeography.com/products/commsupdate/articles/2013/01/14/4g-tender- deadlines-approaching/index.html.

3. Qatar

Regulator to Introduce Mobile Number Portability by the End of January 2013

Qatar’s telecoms regulator ictQatar is expected to introduce mobile number portability by the end of January 2013 in a move that is expected to liberalise the telecommunications sector and increase competition.

See http://www.reuters.com/article/2013/01/10/qatar-telecoms-mobile- idUSL5E9CA9K020130110.

Update on Qatar’s State-funded IT and Communications Infrastructure

The Qatari English-language newspaper The Peninsula has published an update on Qatar’s IT and communications infrastructure, further to the aim of achieving nationwide high-speed broadband by 2015. A communications satellite is due to be launched in 2013, and alongside other projects this will be used to expand the range of coverage across the country.

See http://thepeninsulaqatar.com/latest-news/218055-qatar-national-day-strong-infrastructure-for- information-technology-and-communications.html.

4. United Arab Emirates

New Royalty Rates for Telecoms Operators Introduced in the United Arab Emirates

The UAE government has set new royalty rates for telecoms operators under their licence agreements with the government that may see them face higher tax bills. This is thought to have been introduced in response to a slump in profits at telecoms companies and as a method of protecting state revenues.

See http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/12/10/emirates-telecoms-royalties- idUSL5E8NA1U420121210.

5. Saudi Arabia

Mobily Awards 3G and 4G Contracts Totalling US$256 Million

Saudi Arabia’s telecoms operator Mobily has awarded contracts totalling US$256 million to execute and upgrade its 3G and 4G networks, including to the operators Ericsson and Huawei.

See http://www.ameinfo.com/mobily-agrees-ericsson-huawei-upgrade-network-325506.

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