Three regulators in the MENA region took action to control telemarketing calls. Egypt and Kuwait required commercial organisations to register their details and list the numbers used for telemarketing. Both countries also took technical measures to ensure that this information would be displayed on the handset of called parties. In the United Arab Emirates, the cabinet adopted a resolution requiring companies to obtain prior approval from the relevant authority before engaging in telemarketing.

Other developments in the region included Bahrain setting out targets for the time taken to supply fibre connections to end users, while Bahrain Network (BNet) and the telecoms regulator plan to grant some licensed operators an exclusive right to use specific fibre connections over Bnet’s network.

Türkiye extended the validity of its market analysis results for wholesale central and local access, and for wholesale call origination markets. Kuwait regulated the SMS termination rate.

The Moroccan court of appeal confirmed that Maroc Telecom must pay Inwi $636m for anti-competitive practices.

Jordan introduced new categories of class licence, while Saudi Arabia amended its internet of things (IoT) regulation to simplify some authorisation requirements for the provision of IoT, and to enhance IoT security.

Cullen Internationals MENA Telecoms Update details the most significant regulatory developments taking place in the region between 15 May and 12 August 2024.

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