The Communications Regulatory Authority (CRA) issued the Class License for the use of Radio Local Area Network (RLAN) devices over the lower part (5925 – 6425 MHz) of the 6 GHz band (5925 – 7125 MHz), which is commercially known as Wireless Local Area Network (Wi-Fi 6E). Additionally, CRA published on its website the related Policy Statement.
The License enables any person to possess, use, operate, install, and use Wireless Devices without having to apply for this Class License, also the Licensee is authorized to import and operate Wireless Devices within the State of Qatar and use the frequency(s) or the frequency band(s) assigned in the License. Nevertheless, the Licensee shall comply with the terms and conditions of this Class License and its annexures, the provisions of the Telecommunications Law, relevant legislation, and any regulations decisions, orders, rules, instructions, and notices issued by CRA.
Wi-Fi 6E is one of the world’s new and cutting-edge technologies, helping to address internet data traffic congestion issues caused by the connectivity of multiple devices to the same Wi-Fi hub. Thus, this technology will enable consumers in Qatar to connect more devices to Wi-Fi with high-speed and high-quality internet connectivity, which includes laptops, tablets, mobile phones, and smart TV. Also, Wi-Fi 6E will enable different Internet of Things (IoT) applications and support innovative applications such as Augmented Reality (AR), Virtual Reality (VR), and Ultra High Definition video (Ultra HD).
CRA is the responsible authority for regulating and managing all the affairs related to the use of the radio spectrum and establishing an effective approval regime for telecommunications equipment. CRA is always keen to encourage the introduction of advanced technologies to Qatar and keep its relevant regulatory instruments up to date to cover the new technologies and radiocommunications applications, which will contribute to achieving economic development and the objectives of Qatar National Vision 2030. The introduction of this technology will help support many sectors in Qatar and will also support the mobile telecom market as a complementary technology to the (5G) Networks. The License and CRA’s regulatory instruments will empower stakeholders to effectively arrange their radio spectrum requirements related to the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™.
It is worth mentioning that the CRA published earlier a public consultation related to CRA’s proposed policy for assigning the full frequency of the 6 GHz band (5925 – 7125 MHz) to Wi-Fi 6E with an aim of receiving the views and comments from the local and international stakeholders and interested parties about CRA’s proposed decision. According to the Policy Statement, CRA supports the allocation of the entire band for license exempt use, but the allocation of the entire band will be pending the outcomes of the World Radiocommunication Conference 2023 (WRC-23) organized by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), where WRC-23 will include a discussion about the upper part (6425 – 7125 MHz) of the 6 GHz band. Thus, the CRA will issue its final decision after evaluating the WRC-23 results.
