The Communications Regulatory Authority (CRA) has launched a public consultation on the current phase of the Market Definition and Dominance Designation (MDDD) review. This initiative forms part of CRA’s broader review and update of the Information and Communications Technology (ICT) Competition Framework for the period 2024–2026.
The ICT Competition Framework review includes both the ex-ante element, addressed through the MDDD review, and the ex-post element, addressed through the Competition Policy update. Together, these components reflect CRA’s commitment to maintaining a fair, transparent, and forward-looking regulatory environment that promotes competition, protects consumers, and supports sustainable digital growth.
The current consultation focuses on updating the methodology for market definition and assessing the list of Candidate and Relevant Markets where regulatory intervention may be necessary. The revised methodology incorporates forward-looking assessments, non-price quality factors, and evolving technological trends. It also responds to global shifts such as market convergence, digital service integration, and next-generation connectivity, reinforcing CRA’s role in adapting regulatory practices to international best practice and standards, while advancing Qatar’s strategic digital goals.
The MDDD review comes in response to global market trends and technological advancements and aligns with CRA’s commitment to enhancing transparency and accountability, ensuring a fair regulatory environment that supports innovation and drives sustainable growth in the ICT sector. It is consistent CRA’s strategy, objectives of Qatar National Vision 2030, and the National Digital Agenda 2030.
In the next phase of the MDDD review, scheduled for 2026, CRA will conduct a follow-up consultation focusing on dominance designation and the imposition of remedies in the relevant markets identified through this process. This phased approach ensures that regulatory decisions remain evidence-based and responsive to technological evolution and market characteristics.
CRA invites all stakeholders to share their insights to submit comments and feedback via email to raconsultation@cra.gov.qa, by Sunday, December 7, 2025.
