Tuesday, Apr 12, 2016

Abu Dhabi: The UAE telecoms regulator was criticised on Tuesday, with members of the Federal National Council voicing concern over lack of competition between telecoms providers, subscribers’ lack of freedom of choice, high price of services and weak Emiratisation rates.

Jasem Al Naqbi, a member of the House from Sharjah, said telecom providers in the UAE are just bidding on unique telephone numbers and not competing to deliver quality services or competitive rates to subscribers.

Saeed Saleh Al Rumaithi, a member from Abu Dhabi, complained that the regulator and rules in the UAE prevent subscribers from using certain apps and services such as VoIP and other applications.

Hamad Obaid Al Mansouri, director-general of the Telecommunications Regulatory Authority, said VoIP services are still a prerogative of the licensed providers who reserve the right to provide such services through their networks. Companies wishing to offer such services must co-ordinate with the licensed telecom providers in the UAE as these providers are paying royalties to the government.

Marwan Bin Galita, first deputy speaker of the House, said any report of the telecoms regulator lacks indicators on the quality of services, which were poor.

The House recently passed a draft law that seeks primarily to strengthen competition in the electronic communications sector, stimulate investment, foster freedom of choice for consumers and enable them to benefit from innovative services, quality and lower rates.

The UAE telecoms regulator has increased its oversight of the handling of customer complaints by operators, according to Al Mansouri.

The law establishes an information technology and telecoms policy council, which will be tasked with supervising telecoms and the information technology sector and regulating competition in the sector.

Customer service is high on the agenda of the UAE’s telecoms regulator amid further liberalisation of the sector.

Members of the House said the new watchdog was meant to meet the country’s massive transformation to provide smart services through mobile devices, requiring the introduction of continuous improvement of the telecommunications sector’s infrastructure.

They emphasised the need for vigorous efforts to provide quality services for customers, with the adoption of all advanced solutions to enhance communication so they can benefit from these services at any time.

The plan to improve the coordination between providers of telecoms services comes with competition expected to toughen between du and etisalat with greater sharing of infrastructure.

by Samir Salama Associate Editor

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