The Communications Regulatory Authority (CRA) has announced a reduction in the annual license fees for VHF Radio for small ships, and dual-band radio for hunting to QR100 from QR500 a year.

This follows the cabinet’s approval of the CRA proposal to reduce the annual license fees for VHF Radio for small ships, and dual-band radio for hunting.

The new fee is effective as per the cabinet approval published in the Official Gazette no. 7 dated June 15, 2016.

CRA president Mohamed Ali al-Mannai said, “After a careful review of the fee structure for these particular radio spectrum licenses, we concluded that it was in the best interest of the public to reduce the fees for these two types of licenses to QR100.”

“This will allow more people to apply for and secure these licenses,” he added.

Qatar’s 2006 Telecom Law requires that all persons operating any radio communication equipment or making use of frequencies must have a valid radio spectrum license or a radio frequency authorisation from the CRA. Operation of these radios without a valid CRA license is considered illegal and the equipment can be confiscated.

The Communications Regulatory Authority (CRA) is the communications regulator in Qatar established through an Emiri Decree (42) in 2014.

CRA regulates the communications & information technology and postal sectors, and access to digital media. CRA uses its regulatory powers mandated by the Emiri decree to protect consumer rights, ensure competition, manage the resolution of disputes, and manage the electromagnetic spectrum. In all its activities, the CRA seeks to ensure the provision of advanced, innovative and reliable ICT and postal services across Qatar.

More information can be had from http://cra.gov.qa/en