ictQATAR proposals hint at new entrants

Qatari telecoms regulator ictQATAR has issued a new regulatory strategy for public comment, which indicates that it hopes to introduce new telecoms service providers at either infrastructure or service (virtual operator/reseller) level. As reported by the Gulf Times, the strategy is aimed at developing the ICT market, improving competition, protecting consumers and supporting Qatar in a transition to a connected digital economy. There is no firm schedule for issuing licences for competitors to Qatar Telecom (Ooredoo) and Vodafone, although the watchdog stated that ‘there is a lack of effective competition in some areas of the market which has meant consumers have faced higher prices and poorer quality of service.’