The Communications Regulatory Authority (CRA) issued an Order approving the Reference Infrastructure Access Offer (RIAO) of Ooredoo on November 25, 2015. This decision will enable all existing and future licensed service providers a fair and non-discriminatory access to Ooredoo’s telecommunication ducts, and with the objective of enhancing availability of additional networks for people in Qatar. The Order requires Ooredoo to publish the approved RIAO in its official website within 14 days of the date of the Order. Qualified service providers may then initiate access requests with Ooredoo and negotiate agreements based on conditions stated in RIAO.
“The provision of access to the incumbent operator’s ducts brings CRA at par with its regional and international counterparts. This RIAO, together with the previous reference offers for interconnection and transmission, form a critical part of CRA strategy to foster competition in the market,” said Mohammed Ali Al-Mannai, President of CRA. “We are pleased to see the support from the service providers on this matter and CRA now looks forward to bring the same level of synergies in broadband access and advanced leased lines,” Al-Mannai added.
Earlier this year, CRA issued Reference Interconnection Offers for Ooredoo and Vodafone and Reference Transmission Offer for Ooredoo.
- Reference Interconnection Offers for Ooredoo and Vodafone allow customers of one service provider to talk with customers of other service providers, and
- Reference Transmission Links Offer for Ooredoo facilitates voice calls using other service providers’ networks.
The Order approving the RIAO is available in CRA website at this link http://www.cra.gov.qa/en/document/cra%E2%80%99s-order-approve-reference-infrastructure-access-offer-riao-ooredoo .
The Communications Regulatory Authority (CRA) is the communications regulator in the state of Qatar established by virtue of Emiri Decree (42) in 2014. CRA regulates the communications & information technology sector, postal services, and access to digital media. CRA uses its regulatory powers mandated by the Emiri decree to protect consumer rights, ensure competition, manage the resolution of disputes, and manage the electromagnetic spectrum. In all its activities, the CRA seeks to ensure the provision of advanced, innovative and reliable ICT and postal services across the State of Qatar. For more information please visit: http://cra.gov.qa/en.
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