VSAT Licensing Procedures

• VSAT Pre-Qualification Document - ICTRA 1009 ( WORD format - PDF format )

Procedures for Award of Second Mobile License

• Amended License for the provision of Public Mobile Telecommunications Networks and Services - Vodafone Qatar QSC - ICTRA 03/09
• Mobile License Application Procedures
• Procedures for Award of Second Mobile License
• Summary of Expected Mobile Licensing Process
• Communications with ictQATAR

In 2008, the State of Qatar's Supreme Council of Information and Communication Technology ("ictQATAR") announced plans to award two new licenses to own and operate a fixed telecommunications network and a mobile telecommunications network, and to provide telecommunications services to the public in competition with the incumbent provider, Qatar Telecom Q.S.C. (Qtel).

The licenses are to be granted as part of the process of liberalizing the telecommunications sector pursuant to Law No. (34) of 2006 promulgating the Telecommunications Law, as decreed by the Emir of the State of Qatar, His Highness Sheikh Hamad Bin Khalifa Al-Thani. Licenses will also be issued to Qtel in conformity with the Telecommunications Law.

Following a preliminary, informal consultation with interested owner-operators of telecommunications enterprises, ictQATAR is now formally launching a competitive selection process (the "Mobile Licensing Process") for the award of a license to operate a public, land-based, mobile telecommunications network and provide mobile telecommunications services in competition with Qtel, along with corresponding spectrum licenses (collectively, the "Second Mobile License")[1].

Parties interested in participating in the Mobile Licensing Process are invited to review and respond to the document entitled Pre-Qualification Requirements and Procedures for Parties Interested in Applying for a License to Provide Mobile Networks and Services("MPQ"), in accordance with the terms and conditions set forth therein.

Interested parties should note the registration requirement which is a pre-requisite for participating in the Mobile Licensing Process and for pre-qualifying. Registration is also required to participate in the Question and Answer (Q&A) process regarding interpretation of the the MPQ document.

Interested parties are also invited to participate in a related consultation proceeding that is being launched simultaneously with the Mobile Licensing Process. See Consultation on Liberalization of the Telecommunications Sector in the State of Qatar ("Consultation Document"). The Consultation Document seeks comments on important policy proposals and licensing requirements that are under consideration.

Parties considering participation in the Mobile Licensing Process are also encouraged to review as background information the document entitled Overview of the Economy and the Telecommunications Sector of the State of Qatar ("Sector Overview")


Summary of Expected Mobile Licensing Process

The process for awarding the Second Mobile License will consist of two principal phases:

1. Pre-Qualification Phase - Persons wishing to apply for the Second Mobile License must satisfy the pre-qualification criteria and the other requirements, instructions, timetable and procedures set out in the MPQ, including registration as a candidate to be considered for award; and

2. Application Phase - Pre-qualified candidates selected by ictQATAR will be eligible to proceed to the Application Phase. The current expectation is that qualified candidates who proceed to the Application Phase will participate in a single-bid auction process, with the highest bidder being awarded the license.

Further details concerning the Mobile Licensing Process are set out in the MPQ.

Interested parties are encouraged to view all of the suggested documents on ictQATAR's official website. All queries on any aspect of the Mobile Licensing Process should be submitted in accordance with the procedures set forth in the MPQ and the Consultation Document.

ictQATAR reserves the right, in its sole discretion, to take any action, including amending аny documents issued or to be issued by ictQATAR in connection with the Mobile Licensing Process, or to suspend, cancel or terminate the Mobile Licensing Process at any time.

[1] A separate process for the award of a Second Fixed License - in addition to Qtel's -- to operate a fixed telecommunications network and provide public fixed telecommunications services, along with corresponding spectrum licenses, is expected to be launched separately within the next several weeks.

For more information, please contact clarification@ict.gov.qa and consultation@ict.gov.qa