The Communications Regulatory Authority (CRA) has marked World Radio Day and granted spectrum for ‘Radio in Times of Emergency & Disaster.’
CRA is the first telecommunications regulator in the region to assign radio spectrum frequencies for Public Protection and Disaster Relief (PPDR) applications.
World Radio Day marks the anniversary of the first broadcast by the United Nations Radio in 1946, when it transmitted its first call sign: “This is the United Nations calling the peoples of the world.”
Celebrated globally, World Radio Day seeks to raise awareness about the importance of radio, facilitate access to information through radio, and enhance networking among broadcasters.
Radio plays a vital role in emergency situations where it is used by emergency and security services to communicate in times when immediate assistance is required. Radio is also an effective low-cost medium to broadcast emergency news and updates, available everywhere and suitable to reach remote communities and vulnerable people such as the illiterate.
The Unesco theme for Word Radio Day this year is “Radio in Times of Emergency and Disaster,” as radio has a strong and specific role in emergency communication and disaster relief.
At the International Telecommunications Union’s (ITU’s) World Radiocommunication Conference (WRC) in Geneva last year, the importance of bringing World Radio Day to the attention of the public was highlighted.
CRA, as part of the Qatar delegation, was one of the biggest supporting organisations during the WRC-15 for the adoption of a resolution to recognise the spectrum requirements for different types of PPDR applications in line with the theme of World Radio Day 2016.
Qatar as already achieved many PPDR targets. CRA is the first telecommunications regulator in the region to assign the required radio spectrum frequencies for certain PPDR applications in co-ordination with the relevant governmental entities, especially the Ministry of Interior. Qatar is also the first GCC country to deploy the narrowband (Tetra Security System) and wideband (LTE Security System) PPDR applications.
As Qatar’s communications regulator, CRA’s mandate includes the management of the radio spectrum, which is carefully regulated as a scarce resource to ensure all public and commercial demands, including those relating to PPDR, operate effectively.
The CRA is the communications regulator in Qatar established by virtue of Emiri Decree (42) in 2014. CRA regulates the communications and information technology sector, postal services, and access to digital media.