Page 140 - SAMENA Trends - June-July 2025

REGULATORY & POLICY UPDATES SAMENA TRENDS

Oman

Oman’s Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (TRA) has via fibre optic cables to ensure fast, efficient data transmission.
announced the successful completion of network readiness Proper internal wiring supports Oman’s digital transformation
preparations in Dhofar Governorate ahead of the Khareef by enabling robust communications infrastructure, essential for
Dhofar Season 2025. This upgrade ensures enhanced smart home integration and the growing demand for advanced
telecommunications quality and uninterrupted connectivity during telecommunications and digital services. Failure to comply with
one of the country’s peak tourist seasons. The Khareef season these standards risks poor service coverage and diminished user
attracts large numbers of visitors to the region, placing increased experience. (July 17, 2025) www.meatechwatch.com
demand on communication networks. TRA’s proactive measures
aim to provide reliable service for residents and tourists alike, The Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (TRA) of Oman
supporting the digital experience throughout this busy period. has carried out a series of coordinated field inspections targeting
(July 23, 2025) www.meatechwatch.com unauthorized wireless networks that redistribute internet services
without official licenses. These actions form part of ongoing efforts
The Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (TRA) of Oman to protect the security and stability of Oman’s telecommunications
has launched a media campaign to raise awareness about infrastructure and to preserve service quality for users. According
the critical role of proper internal wiring in ensuring high- to a TRA statement, the inspections were prompted by the
quality telecommunications services within residential and detection of multiple violations that threaten information security
commercial buildings. Poor internal wiring is a leading cause of and compromise the integrity of communication networks.
complaints from subscribers across Oman’s governorates. The Unauthorized networks reportedly cause technical interference,
TRA emphasizes adherence to its technical guidelines, which degrade service speed and quality in nearby areas, and expose
vary by building type—single-storey residences, multi-storey users’ personal data to risks such as misuse and hacking. The
buildings, commercial properties, and residential complexes—to authority emphasized that it is taking strict measures against
guarantee reliable internal network infrastructure. The guidelines violators, including the removal of unauthorized equipment and
recommend the use of Category 6 (CAT-6) or higher copper cables, the initiation of legal proceedings in partnership with other relevant
dedicated wiring for Wi-Fi access points, and RJ45 connections agencies. TRA also urged individuals and institutions to adhere
for smart home devices in single-storey buildings. For multi-storey to telecommunications regulations and avoid setting up or using
and large buildings, the TRA advises installing main and floor unlicensed communication networks. The authority reaffirmed its
distribution boxes or communication rooms to support extensive commitment to ongoing inspection campaigns to ensure a safe,
connectivity needs. Commercial and residential complexes secure, and reliable telecommunications environment throughout
must incorporate dedicated communication rooms connected the sultanate. (July 9, 2025) www.meatechwatch.com

Pakistan

The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) is intensifying security provisions prompted by recent regional tensions. The
efforts to improve the country’s telecommunications landscape collaboration with Opensignal will support continuous monitoring
by implementing key policies focused on service quality and and improvements of telecom Quality of Service (QoS) and Quality
regulatory oversight. A major component of this initiative is a of Experience (QoE) nationwide. The licensing framework has
partnership with Opensignal, a global network analytics firm, caused delays in the deployment of satellite internet services like
which will supply real-time, crowdsourced data on critical Starlink but is expected to facilitate the entry of multiple providers
network performance indicators such as 4G/5G speeds, latency, by year-end, advancing Pakistan’s digital connectivity within a
coverage gaps, and user experience. This approach aligns with secure, well-regulated environment. (July 17, 2025) www.meatechwatch.com
International Telecommunication Union (ITU) standards and
global best practices to ensure reliable, high-speed connectivity Pakistan’s Federal Minister for IT and Telecommunication, Shaza
for Pakistani consumers. In addition, PTA has introduced updated Fatima Khawaja, met with a high-level delegation from Meta led
Satellite Communications Regulations developed by the Pakistan by Sarim Aziz, Director of South and Central Asia Public Policy,
Space Activities Regulatory Board (PSARB). These new rules to explore opportunities for advancing digitalisation and artificial
require all foreign satellite internet providers to submit formal intelligence (AI) in the public sector. The discussions focused on
applications and obtain operational licenses from PTA before promoting AI-driven governance, service delivery, and capacity
launching services. The regulations also include enhanced building aligned with the government’s Digital Pakistan vision.

140 JUNE-JULY 2025