In light of the growth of ‘gate-to-gate connectivity’ worldwide, The Communications Regulatory Authority (CRA) launched a public consultation with revisions to the Class License for the Provision of Public Telecommunication Services on-board aircraft. Interested stakeholders have until December 10, 2017 to comment on the proposed changes published on the CRA website.
The current class license, issued in March 2014, authorizes operators of aircraft registered in the State of Qatar to provide public Telecommunications Services; internet access, GSM mobile voice calls, SMS and mobile data accessed via satellite roaming services, but only when the Aircraft is flying at, at least, 3000 meters above sea level. This has successfully been operated without causing harmful interference to either aircraft operations or terrestrial commercial wireless networks for number of years.
The modifications to the Class License will enable authorized aircraft operators to provide connectivity Wi-Fi internet access below 3000 meters. Testing has shown that this can happen without causing harmful interference to either aircraft operations or terrestrial commercial wireless networks.
CRA published the consultation document to know the views of telecommunications service providers, key stakeholders and other interested parties about whether the amendments should be applied to the provision of on-board internet services below 3000 meters and whether they should also be extended to include GSM mobile voice and data services.
The proposed modifications to the Class License are available at this link and the instructions on how to respond can be found in section 2 of the document titled: “Instruction for responding to this consultation.”
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 and postal sectors, 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: https:/cra.gov.qa/en