The Communications Regulatory Authority (CRA) conducted a series of intensive workshops highlighting the importance of effective competition in the telecommunications sector in Qatar, and how open competition in this sector is an essential factor underpinning the achievement of the objectives of Qatar's National Vision 2030.
The workshops, conducted from January 15 to 19, form a key part of the implementation and enforcement measures of the Competition Framework, issued by CRA in 2015 to encourage competition and to combat anti-competitive practices in Qatar’s telecommunications sector. The Competition Framework includes a Competition Policy, Market assessment methodology, and a Complaints process.
“As the communications sector evolves and looks to support Qatar’s National Vision 2030, open and fair competition has increasingly become important to encourage sustainable growth and success. Engaging government officials, service providers and key members of the CRA to discuss frameworks developed to tackle anti-competitive behavior is a solid step towards sustainable competition in Qatar’s telecommunications market to ultimately benefit consumers and service providers equally,” said CRA’s Official Spokesperson.
CRA adopted an innovative approach to the workshops by discussing the key concepts of the Competition Framework, such as anti-competitive practices, abuses of dominance and investigations, with the aid of an interactive simulated activity in which participants assumed the role of "enforcers" to investigate a number of scenarios. Customized software for the activities was used effectively during the workshop sessions as an educational tool, encouraging collaboration and team-building.
The workshops were attended by representatives from the Ministry of Transport and Communications (MoTC), service providers and CRA. Moving ahead, CRA also intends to conduct similar workshop for the Government sector.
CRA regulates the communications & information technology and postal sectors, and access to digital media. CRA uses its regulatory powers 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.
