Qatar's Communications Regulatory Authority has published the fifth version of the short range device class licence after reviewing feedback from stakeholders and interested parties on the public consultation document published on the CRA website in the second quarter of this year.

Purpose and content

The new version demonstrates the Authority's commitment to keeping pace with the rapid development of radiocommunication equipment and its applications, and to ensuring that the technical applications and frequency bands of short range devices imported and used in Qatar comply with the rules, international standards and technical specifications for such devices.

The fifth version adds the latest frequency bands in line with the most recent developments in radiocommunication equipment and its applications, and introduces greater flexibility in permitted transmit power values. These additional frequencies will allow a wider and more diverse range of short range devices and applications to be used and sold throughout Qatar, serving all sectors of the economy and consumers. The new version supports Qatar National Vision 2030 and the Third National Development Strategy 2024-2030, which prioritise improving residents' quality of life and delivering services that meet international standards. The CRA had previously published a draft class licence for public consultation, containing several important proposals to update the fourth version and allowing stakeholders and interested parties to submit comments and feedback.

That process helped the CRA understand the needs of this important sector and take them into account in an orderly and transparent way. The CRA has therefore published the fifth version, replacing the fourth version issued in June 2021.