This report looks back at the main developments in the MENA region between October 13 and December 31, 2017.

Five MENA countries cut their FTRs/MTRs with three of them implementing future glide paths for additional reduction. In Bahrain, the adopted sector-specific consumer protection regulation is including rules on advertisements and net neutrality while in UAE the first universal service policy is now including a broadband with at least 10 Mbps and favouring FTTH deployment. In UAE also, the 5G priority bands are identified to encourage the deployment in 2018.

The international centre for settlement of investment disputes decided in favour of the Jordanian government on the goodwill tax imposed on the sale of Umniah, while in Egypt two operators have settled their interconnection disputes. In Qatar, the national broadband network roll out coverage obligations are redefined.

In Saudi Arabia, universal service providers are subject to ex ante regulations in their respective markets. An online infrastructure register will be implemented in Turkey to enhance infrastructure sharing. 

Content:

• Algeria: Lower mobile termination rates

• Bahrain: Consumer protection regulation

• Egypt: Telecom Egypt and Orange Egypt settled the interconnection disputes

• Jordan: New MTR and FTR glide paths +++ the government wins dispute over tax on sale of Umniah

• Oman: Termination rates cut after being stable for nine years +++ Omantel acquires additional shares in Zain group

• Qatar: CRA amends QNBN coverage obligations

• Saudi Arabia: More markets subject to ex ante regulations +++ CITC cut mobile and fixed termination rates

• Tunisia: Glide path for mobile and fixed termination rates

• Turkey: Online infrastructure registry system to enhance infrastructure sharing

• UAE: Priority bands for 5G deployment +++ universal services policy adopted