Four countries in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region took steps to advance 5G developments. These were among the most important telecoms regulatory developments in the MENA region during the last three months.

Kuwait and Saudi Arabia awarded spectrum to mobile operators for 5G. Kuwait awarded 290 MHz of additional spectrum in the 2.3 GHz and 2.6 GHz spectrum bands for mobile operators to upgrade their 5G networks and required them to switch-off their 3G networks by June 2025.

In another development from Saudi Arabia, the telecoms regulator CST adopted a spectrum light-licensing regime which will apply to several spectrum bands, such as the 6 and 4 GHz bands.

Egypt awarded additional 5G licences, allowing mobile operators to use their existing spectrum to provide 5G services. In Tunisia, the three existing mobile operators applied for 5G licences, which will include spectrum in the 700 MHz and 3.5 GHz bands, and with the right to obtain additional spectrum in the future.

Egypt introduced a platform to facilitate cooperation between NTRA and the CPA to simplify the processing of consumer complaints. Tunisia updated rules on targeting tariffs to give operators more flexibility. CRA Qatar updated its consumer protection regulation and adopted guidelines for network-neutrality.

Four companies are competing to buy a minority share in the state-owned Kuwaiti fixed network. Tunisia adopted new rules to manage the shortage in mobile numbers.

Cullen International’s latest MENA Telecoms Update details the most significant regulatory developments taking place in the region between 15 August and 5 November 2024.

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