Latest news with #TelecommunicationsRegulatoryLaw
Muscat Daily
08-07-2025
- Muscat Daily
Illegal Internet sales can lead to RO50,000 fine and/or jail: TRA
Muscat – Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (TRA) has warned against the growing practice of individuals illegally distributing and selling Internet services, stating that it poses serious risks to network stability and undermines investment in the telecommunications sector. Speaking to a local radio station, Al Muatasim al Ghazali, Director of Frequencies Monitoring and Inspection Department at TRA, said such practices are a clear violation of the Telecommunications Regulatory Law. He explained that some individuals subscribe to Internet services from licensed operators and then redistribute them to neighbours, relatives or nearby shops without obtaining legal permission. 'This results in unauthorised networks that cause radio interference, which in turn weakens Internet quality and speed.' Ghazali noted that these illegal activities not only affect the quality of services provided but also cause direct financial loss to licensed operators, impacting their ability to maintain a stable and reliable digital infrastructure across the sultanate. Violators could face imprisonment of up to two years and/or a fine of up to RO50,000. Ghazali added that TRA has developed advanced monitoring systems in cooperation with licensed service providers to detect and trace unauthorised networks. He called on the public to report such violations, stressing the importance of compliance with the law to safeguard service quality, protect national investments, and ensure a secure and equitable technological environment for all.
Muscat Daily
27-04-2025
- Business
- Muscat Daily
TRA issues new billing regulation to enhance telecom services
Muscat – Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (TRA) has issued a new regulation aimed at enhancing accuracy, transparency and fairness of billing practices in the telecom sector. Under Decision No 1152/2/ 30/2025-8, TRA has introduced a comprehensive framework governing how licensed telecom operators manage their billing systems covering system design, customer invoicing, error reporting, risk management and performance auditing. The regulation, divided into five chapters, addresses definitions and general provisions; licensees' obligations; tariffs, cost and payment rates; auditing and performance measurement; and administrative penalties. Among its key provisions, the regulation mandates that operators establish precise billing procedures, maintain detailed usage records for a minimum of two years, and create a register identifying the main risks to billing systems. Technical and information security controls must also be implemented in line with international best practices. Licensed operators are required to regularly test their billing systems, document results and correct any errors identified. They must also conduct independent audits according to specific guidelines to ensure compliance and reliability. The new regulation further stipulates that billing systems and major updates require prior approval from the authority. Operators must maintain accurate tariff records, provide itemised statements on request and offer instalment payment options to customers. Any discrepancy between actual billing systems and approved tariffs must be corrected immediately, with licensees required to notify TRA within 24 hours of detecting errors that could affect consumers. TRA emphasised the fact that the new regulation is designed to protect consumer rights, promote fair competition, enhance service quality and ensure alignment with international standards. In case of violations, TRA may issue warnings or impose financial penalties in accordance with the Telecommunications Regulatory Law.
Arab Times
18-03-2025
- Arab Times
From WhatsApp to Court: Expat Accused of Insulting Kuwaiti Woman
KUWAIT CITY, March 18: A female Kuwaiti citizen filed a complaint at the Hawally police station, alleging that she had been insulted by an expatriate. During the investigation, the accused admitted to sending the voice messages in question but claimed she did not believe her words constituted insult or slander. According to a security source, a lawyer representing the female citizen and her four siblings lodged a formal complaint at one of the Hawalli police stations, accusing an expatriate of insulting his client and her siblings. The source stated that the accused was contacted and voluntarily attended the investigation. When presented with the charges and the audio recording as evidence, she acknowledged the authenticity of the recording and confirmed that she had sent the voice messages via WhatsApp. She attributed the incident to financial disputes between the parties involved. It is important to note that Kuwait's Penal Code criminalizes digital insult and slander, imposing penalties for such offenses committed on social media platforms. Article 1 of the Cybercrime Law stipulates that ' anyone who intentionally misuses social media sites via a phone or computer by using obscene or indecent language shall be punished by imprisonment for up to two years and a fine of 2,000 dinars, or by either of these two penalties. Additionally, more severe penalties may apply, and the devices used in committing the crime may be confiscated.' Furthermore, Article 70 of Kuwait's Telecommunications Regulatory Law states that ' anyone who sends insulting messages violating public morals through social media sites shall be punished by imprisonment for up to two years and a fine of 5,000 dinars, or by either of these two penalties.' Article 83 of the same law adds that ' in addition to penalties imposed on individual offenders, a legal entity (such as a company) shall face criminal liability with double the prescribed fine if the crime of defamation or slander is committed on social media in its name, on its behalf, or using its devices or network, whether through action, negligence, or consent. Penalties will be doubled in cases of repeat offenses.'
