Page 64 - SAMENA Trends - June-July 2025

ARTICLE SAMENA TRENDS

Strategic Priorities for MSS Harmonization As regional stakeholders prepare for WRC-27, the
in the GCC
The GCC can translate global models into importance of collaboration around MSS, both as a policy
a regionally tailored harmonization effort. challenge and an opportunity is growing. The GCC must
Regulatory convergence based on ITU-R arrive at WRC-27 with a harmonized, technically sound,
studies and WRC-27 preparatory work
is essential. National authorities should and politically endorsed position to ensure its spectrum
jointly adopt a GCC MSS band plan aligned needs are secured.
with global norms but adapted to regional
priorities.
technically sound, and politically endorsed approaches, investment incentives, and
Technical harmonization requires position to ensure its spectrum needs are ecosystem-building strategies that can
coordinated studies on coexistence with secured. accelerate the integration of MSS into
adjacent IMT systems, including simulation national broadband agendas.
of time-division duplexing (TDD) or SAMENA Telecommunications Council,
geographic zoning. as a regional policy and industry platform, As this effort progresses, it is essential
is uniquely positioned to convene and that all relevant stakeholders actively
One potential point for consideration coordinate harmonization efforts. Its contribute to shaping the regional agenda.
is the possibility of adopting dynamic credibility and experience in multi- These include (but are not limited to)
coordination frameworks. MSS bands stakeholder engagement enable it to align mobile network operators, satellite service
often face coexistence challenges between regulatory bodies, industry players, and providers, spectrum regulators, defense
terrestrial 4G/5G, ATG, and satellite-based technology developers toward a shared and space agencies, NGOs, civil aviation
D2D/IoT services. A cloud-based Spectrum vision for spectrum utilization. and public safety authorities, terminal and
Access System (SAS)-like mechanism chipset manufacturers, standardization
could dynamically allocate spectrum bodies, consultants, academic researchers,
based on real-time usage and interference Omantel, with its and regional development organizations.
risk. This could serve as a long-term target operational MSS Each actor brings critical insights and
to be endorsed by regulators and would capabilities that can enrich the process and
support a harmonized search for such a experience and regional ensure realistic, implementable outcomes.
solution across the region. MSS should footprint, offers technical Ultimately, MSS is no longer just a technical
also be integrated into broader economic solution, it is a policy lever, an innovation
strategies, including rural broadband, leadership and institutional catalyst, and a critical component of digital
critical communications infrastructure, momentum. Together, sovereignty strategies across the region.
and digital industrial policy. Governments they are developing a
can incentivize local industry participation We therefore extend an open invitation
and foster innovation through targeted whitepaper to catalyze to these stakeholders to participate in
regulation and public-private partnerships. stakeholder alignment, consultations, contribute to technical and
Finally, a governance structure, such regulatory discussions, and co-create a
as a GCC MSS Whitepaper Taskforce a model inspired by unified regional voice for MSS ahead of
facilitated by SAMENA, oversees timelines, successful initiatives in WRC-27. Now is the time to align, to act,
engagement, and implementation. and to speak as one region with one vision.
Europe and North America.

Enabling Mechanisms: The Roles of Conclusion
SAMENA and Omantel Omantel, with its operational MSS The harmonization of MSS spectrum
WRC-27, guided by ITU-R Resolution 253, experience and regional footprint, offers across the GCC is an essential strategic
will finalize global rules governing MSS technical leadership and institutional undertaking. It enables economic resilience,
bands. These decisions will shape licensing momentum. Together, they are developing digital inclusion, and technological
rights, service compatibility, and equipment a whitepaper to catalyze stakeholder leadership. With WRC-27 fast approaching,
standardization for the next decade. As alignment, a model inspired by successful there is a clear mandate for coordination
regional stakeholders prepare for WRC-27, initiatives in Europe and North America. and action. With leadership from regional
the importance of collaboration around stakeholders, and support from various
MSS, both as a policy challenge and an This initiative will convene regulators, institutions, the GCC can assert itself as a
opportunity is growing. The GCC must operators, satellite providers, and unified and forward-looking voice in global
arrive at WRC-27 with a harmonized, technology partners to examine regulatory spectrum policy.

64 JUNE-JULY 2025