A sweep of routine inspections by the Communications
Regulatory Authority (CRA) found a total of 31 violations within shops selling
radio and telecommunication equipment.
The violations were issued for using or
selling equipment lacking legitimate licenses.
Sixty stores were audited by CRA’s
inspection team over a 14-day period. The most commonly visited areas included
mall, commercial centers, and neighborhood grocery stores selling communication
equipment.
Of the 31 violations documented, the CRA
issued the most violations to shops selling mobile phones without the necessary
license. The notice mandates the retail shop to get the correct license or to
regularize their current license. If the shop owner fails to gain the proper
license, the CRA reserves the right to take legal action against the owner.
Qatar’s radio spectrum is governed by the
CRA, which ensures all businesses are in compliance with the Telecommunications
Law. The CRA must authorize all importation and sale of radio and
telecommunication equipment. All equipment must meet certain technical and
safety standards. Within the realm of radio and telecommunication equipment
falls short range devices (SRD), wireless local area networks (WLAN) and mobile
phones.
An earlier series of inspections completed
in April led to 48 violations. Business owners have corrected more than half of
those violations, but legal action will be taken again those who have not
corrected their defilement.
Qatar residents are permitted to request a
CRA inspection of any business throughout the country they suspect may be
violation ting the Telecommunications Law. Those wishing to make an inspection
request or apply for import authorization must complete a customs and clearance
certificate and contact CRA via email at spectrumaffairs@cra.gov.qa
or through the CRA hotline phone number of 103.
