Chapter
13
Operators using 2.6 GHz and 3.5 GHz spectrum have continued to face significant cross border interference from neighboring countries.
The recent amendment to the Telecom Law has changed the annual license fee cap from 1% to 2%. The TRA issued a public consultation to change the effective rate in the Schedule of Fees regulation. The TRA has issued the final report on the consultation document confirming the 2% annual license fee. Schedule of Fees regulation has been amended accordingly from 1st Jan 2024.
All mobile network operators (MNOs) sent a letter to the Ministry of Transportation and Telecommunications to push back the Annual Fee increase. Another letter is being drafted including other local operators to be sent to the TRA. Zain is studying the actions to be taken after the confirmation of the 2% annual license as it will increase significantly 2024 OPEX.
In 700 MHz, 1400 MHz, 2300 MHz, 2500 MHz and 3800 MHz bands.
Zain is lobbying for a managed assignment of the spectrum process and the TRA has sent a survey about frequency efficiency and future use of bands.
Compliance is an important aspect of any organization’s activities, irrespective of the industry as it ensures the organization can avoid penalties or reputational damage.
Communication & Media Commission (CMC) has issued a penalty notice to Zain Iraq for purportedly failing to meet LTE QoS targets.
The penalty is not justified because:
The high spectrum fees have historically been a topic of concern for telecommunication operators in Iraq due to their substantial impact on operational costs.
Zain reported the interference during the process of shifting the 900 MHz band MHz refarming.
Compliance is an important aspect of any organization’s activities, irrespective of the industry as it ensures that the organization can avoid penalties or reputational damage.
Licence issued (3700-3800 MHz) but previously used by the army.
The TRC and the Ministry of Industry and Trade claim that Orange and Zain colluded to raise their prices.
Compliance is an important aspect of any organization’s activities, irrespective of the industry as it ensures that the organization can avoid penalties or reputational damage.
Zain is taking steps to introduce its Regulatory Compliance Program in 2024 in Jordan to ensure compliance with laws, regulations, and other instruments issued by the national regulatory authority.
Decisions from several government authorities (Ministry of Finance, Public Authority for Industry, and the Communication and Information Technology Regulatory Authority (CITRA)) to significantly increase the rental fees for towers.
Ministry of Communications (MOC) is seeking a reputable international telecommunications operator to partner with it to manage and extend the fixed communications network.
The tender to recruit the partner has been launched.
Compliance is an important aspect of any organization’s activities, irrespective of the industry as it ensures the organization can avoid penalties or reputational damage.
Communications, Space & Technology Commission (CST) postponed the auction supposed to take place on 16 October 2023.
Zain to participate in the committee that will include CST, MCIT and operators to discuss the obligations further. Committee still not formed.
Operators using 2.6 GHz and 3.5 GHz spectrum have continued to face significant cross-border interference from neighboring countries.
CST issued new regulations and KPI’s regarding coverage and speed commitments for service providers in Saudi Arabia.
In 2023, Zain, STC, and Mobily lost the court case against CST’s KPI’s for network coverage and speed. Currently awaiting a Supreme Court decision.
Compliance is an important aspect of any organization’s activities, irrespective of the industry as it ensures that the organization can avoid penalties or reputational damage.
Zain is taking steps to introduce its Regulatory Compliance Program in in 2024 in Saudi Arabia to ensure compliance with laws, regulations and other instruments issued by the national regulatory authority.
Telecommunication and Post Regulatory Authority (TPRA) allocated 20 MHz in 700 MHz band for trial.
Final approval and agreement sign-off pending for environmental survey and other minor approvals (localities and power authorities).
TPRA is requesting 1.3% of gross revenue. (Current fee is 2.5% net profit as per the license agreement).
Compliance is an important aspect of any organization’s activities, irrespective of the industry as it ensures the organization can avoid penalties or reputational damage.
Zain network has reached its capacity. National Communication Authority (NCA) offered Zain the opportunity to acquire 800 MHz spectrum.
NCA requested MNOs feedback regarding the implementation of the ONA via a questionnaire.
NCA exchange rate is at SSP 618.75 : USD 1, market exchange rate is now at SSP 1150 : USD 1.
Compliance is an important aspect of any organization’s activities, irrespective of the industry as it ensures that the organization can avoid penalties or reputational damage.
Zain is taking steps to introduce its Regulatory Compliance Program in in 2024 in South Sudan to ensure compliance with laws, regulations, and other instruments issued by the national regulatory authority.