Middle East Telecommunications Update
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Middle East Telecommunications Update This note summarises recent announcements from the telecommunications regulators and other telecommunications news outlets in Bahrain, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia. Where appropriate, content from the relevant announcements has been incorporated into the text below. 1. General International Telecommunication 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 4G 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. Disclaimer: Middle East & Africa Technology, IP and Sourcing Focus is made available by Latham & Watkins for educational purposes only as well as to give you general information and a general understanding of the law, not to provide specific legal advice. Your receipt of this communication alone creates no attorney client relationship between you and Latham & Watkins. Middle East & Africa Technology, IP and Sourcing Focus should not be used as a substitute for competent legal advice from a licensed professional attorney in your jurisdiction. CONTACT Justin Cornish Alice Marsden Brian Meenagh +971.4.704.6461 +971.2.813.4831 +971.2.813.4844 [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] www.lw.com .