The Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (TRA) of Oman has launched a comprehensive public consultation on 11 Annexes of the Regulation Organizing the Registration and Utilization of Frequencies and Radio Equipment, including pricing considerations. These reviewed annexes have been carefully crafted to align with international recommendations and cater to the evolving needs of Oman’s dynamic telecommunications market. Interested stakeholders are encouraged to participate and provide feedback by August 10th, 2023.
The strategic objectives underpinning this regulatory framework encompass efficient resource management, fostering a flexible regulatory environment to attract investment, promoting innovative technologies and services, and encouraging research and development initiatives within the telecommunications sector.
Feedback on the reviewed annexes can be submitted via an online questionnaire or through traditional mail to the Telecommunications Regulatory Authority. The consultation documents for the 11 Annexes are readily available for download to facilitate informed participation.
The 11 Annexes open for public consultation cover a diverse range of topics, including:
1. Fee and license-exempted radio services and equipment
2. Short-range devices, frequency ranges, and power limitations
3. Technical specifications of short-range radar (SRR)
4. Technical specifications for wideband and broadband data transmission systems
5. Technical specifications of mobile communications onboard aircraft (MCA)
6. List of safety services systems and associated frequencies/frequency bands
7. Technical specifications to operate PMR 446
8. Terms and conditions of special event licenses
9. Technical specifications and regulation requirements for drones
10. Use of aircraft earth stations (AES) communicating with geostationary-orbit space stations
11. Use of frequency bands 17.7-20.2 GHz and 27.5-30.5 GHz by earth stations in motion (ESIM) communicating with geostationary space stations in the fixed-satellite service.
While this consultation does not directly impact type approval processes or imports, it significantly influences spectrum management in various frequency ranges, particularly in the context of emerging software-defined radio (SDR) and short-range radar (SRR) technologies. Moreover, the regulatory changes may affect a wide array of products, including network infrastructure devices, data networking equipment, cellphones, terminal equipment, multimedia equipment, video and audio conferencing equipment, and consumer electronics.
By engaging stakeholders in this consultative process, Oman’s TRA aims to foster a collaborative and inclusive regulatory environment that supports the growth and innovation of the telecommunications sector while ensuring efficient and effective utilization of spectrum resources.