The Supreme Council of Information and Communication Technology (ictQATAR) on April 23, 2007 launched the formal selection process for the award of a mobile telecommunications license to a new entrant in the State of Qatar. The new licensee will compete with Qatar Telecom QSC (Qtel).
The competitive selection process to own and operate a mobile telecommunications network and provide telecommunications services begins with a pre-qualification phase. During this phase, interested applicants will be required to satisfy specific criteria and procedures to qualify for selection. Those who pre-qualify may progress to the formal application phase. The 'Mobile Pre-qualification Requirements and Procedures' reference document is available at this link. The mobile pre-qualification period expires 27 May 2007.
ictQATAR Secretary General Dr. Hessa Al-Jaber said, 'We recently concluded an initial consultation period on the licensing process. We were delighted with the response from companies from around the world - numerous operators expressed interest in business opportunities here.'
Within the next few months, ictQATAR will launch a separate process to award a license to own and operate a fixed telecommunications network and provide public fixed telecommunications services in competition with Qtel. In parallel, ictQATAR will award fixed and mobile licenses to Qtel. All licenses are expected to be awarded by the end of 2007.
'In every step of the telecom liberalization process, ictQATAR will be committed to transparency and fairness', said Dr. Hessa. ictQATAR is today starting a public consultation on the proposed regulations and policies for opening Qatar's telecommunications sector. Interested parties are invited to express views and comment on the proposed policies by responding to the questions and views in the 'Consultation Document'. The deadline for submitting responses to the Consultation Document is 27 May 2007.
"The experience of nations throughout the world has shown that market forces lower rates, improve the quality of service, drive innovation, and spur investment," Dr. Hessa said. "We look forward to bringing these benefits home to Qatar."