Shura Council Advances Telecommunications Law for State Council Review, Promoting IT Sector Growth

In a significant step during its fifth regular session of the second annual term in 2024-2025, the Shura Council referred the Telecommunications and Information Technology Regulation Law to the State Council. This action aims to advance legislative processing and modernize Oman's telecommunication and IT regulatory environment.

Fostering Economic Growth through Modernized Regulations

This referral process is crucial as it ensures comprehensive reviews of government-drafted laws by the Shura Council within a three-month period before proceeding to the State Council. Dr. Hamoud Ahmed Al Yahyai, Chairman of the Public Services and Utilities Committee, highlighted this in his report on the proposed law during the session.

The legislation is designed to clearly define roles for policy-making by the Ministry of Transport, Communications, and Information Technology and regulatory responsibilities by the Telecommunications Regulatory Authority, fostering an investment-friendly climate with a focus on quality service delivery and consumer protection.

Engaging Stakeholders for Comprehensive Review

In line with this initiative, the committee engaged with representatives from Oman's telecom sector to address existing challenges within the legal framework. This inclusive approach was enhanced by input from government officials and industry experts, ensuring a thorough legislative review process.

The discussions also covered areas of regulatory divergence, particularly around penalties and provisions as pointed out by Dr. Talal Said Al Mahrouqi, Deputy Chairman of the Legal and Legislative Committee. Concerns were raised regarding network coverage, pricing disparities, dominant operator influence, and service quality across Oman's regions before a decisive approval vote was cast.

Strengthening International Relations through Bilateral Agreements

Alongside legislative advancements, the Shura Council endorsed bilateral agreements focused on maritime transport and port development. Notable among these are an agreement with South Africa for maritime transport enhancement and a cooperation agreement with Tunisia aimed at improving maritime infrastructure.

Visionary Approaches to Heritage and Economic Growth

The Media, Tourism, and Culture Committee also approved two strategic initiatives during the session. The first initiative is centered on utilizing World Heritage-listed archaeological sites as economic assets through strategic investments while preserving their historical significance. This approach encourages private sector involvement, small and medium enterprises (SMEs), and community participation in heritage tourism projects.

The second initiative involves a call to action for the Ministry of Information to promote personal communication channels. Recognizing digital media's impact on public discourse, structured guidance and capacity-building programs are recommended to empower individuals to produce meaningful content that meets societal needs.

As discussions continue with further sessions anticipated, the Shura Council remains committed to legislative progress and economic development, aligning closely with Oman’s national vision.