Doha: ictQATAR has finalised the new radio spectrum licensing framework following a public consultation process in August 2013.
It includes general terms and conditions for radio spectrum licensing and radio spectrum license templates along with specific terms and conditions applicable to the particular type of spectrum use and associated technical schedules. The new spectrum licensing framework was developed to have more flexibility in using licensing tools for regulating the spectrum use, for ensuring efficient use of radio spectrum, to reduce the administrative burden, to increase transparency regarding the regulatory framework and to ensure easy accessibility to necessary information for spectrum users.
The framework is intended to be in place by 1st July 2014. The current spectrum licences will be cancelled and will no longer remain effective from the cut-off date of June 30. They will be replaced with new licenses in accordance with the new spectrum licensing framework. The new spectrum licensing framework is an amendment of the existing licensing scheme, therefore, the replacement of spectrum licenses is considered as a consequential process following the amendments.
The mapping of most of the current Radio Station Licences to the newly developed respective Radio Spectrum Licenses will be carried out by default with additional terms and conditions applicable as per the new spectrum licensing framework. There may be changes in the spectrum fees for which Spectrum Affairs Department should be consulted. However, there are a few exceptions where licensees will have more than one licensing option to choose from.
The Peninsula
