ictQATAR releases telecommunications consumer protection policy

The Ministry of Information and Communications Technology (ictQATAR) released its Telecommunications Consumer Protection Policy, ictQATAR said in a statement posted on its website. The Policy brings together the existing obligations on service providers in one document, and also imposes a set of new obligations on operators to ensure that they compete fairly. The Policy includes a strengthened system for monitoring and enforcing compliance with the rules, and provision for a dispute resolution process that is independent of operators. “This Consumer Protection Policy will now form the basis for our consumer protection work in telecommunications markets in Qatar,” said Dr. Eiman Al-Ansari, Consumer and Government Affairs Manager, Regulatory Authority, ictQATAR. “We are delighted to have put in place these important rules after a long period of development.” “ictQATAR already operates an independent complaints service, which consumers can contact if they are dissatisfied with the way their telecommunications operator has treated their complaint,” added Dr. Eiman. “But the improvements made through the draft Policy will make it more effective and better able to ensure that operators are acting in the interests of consumers.” The Policy was developed following a public consultation with the major users of telecommunications services in Qatar, and the draft Telecommunication Consumer Protection Policy was published for Public Consultation in September 2013. The Policy fully takes into account existing international and regional recognized standards for Telecommunication Consumer rights. The terms of the Policy require it to be reviewed not less than every two years.