Doha: The Communications Regulatory Authority (CRA) today published a public consultation on its website regarding wireless local area network (Wi-Fi 6) and the policy proposed by the ARC to allocate the frequency band (5925 – 7125 MHz) to this network with the aim of receiving the views and comments of local and international stakeholders and interested parties regarding the decision proposed by the ARC.

Wi-Fi 6 is one of the new advanced technologies in the world, helping to solve the problems of Internet data traffic congestion caused by the connectivity of multiple devices to the same Wi-Fi hub. Thus, this technology will allow consumers Qatar to connect more devices to Wi-Fi with high-speed internet connectivity, which includes laptops, tablets, cell phones and smart TVs. In addition, Wi-Fi 6 will enable different Internet of Things (IoT) applications and support innovative applications such as augmented reality (AR), virtual reality (VR) and ultra high definition video (Ultra HD).

“CRA is one of the first regulators in the region and the world to clearly and transparently announce its frequency band policy for Wi-Fi 6 technology, as CRA is always keen to encourage the introduction of advanced technologies in Qatar and keep its relevant regulatory instruments up to date to cover new technologies and radiocommunications applications, which will contribute to a better future. The introduction of this technology will help support many sectors in Qatar, including the education sector, especially with the current approach related to distance learning via the Internet due to the conditions associated with the spread of the coronavirus pandemic (COVID-19). In addition, this technology will also support the mobile telecommunications market as a complementary technology to networks (5G), in particular when Qatar is hosting major events, including the FIFA World Cup – Qatar 2022 ”, said Mohammed Ali Al-Mannai, chairman of the CRA.

It is worth mentioning that the ARC has reviewed the experiences and policy statements of several countries in this regard and found that some countries have decided to allocate the entire frequency band to Wi-Fi 6 technology, such as the United States of America, the Republic of South Korea, and others, while other countries have decided to allocate part of the frequency band like the United Kingdom and a number of European countries . ARC’s approach is based on investing the entire bandwidth (1200 MHz) to increase Wi-Fi capacity and improve the consumer experience in Qatar, to keep pace with the telecommunications infrastructure ready to accommodate this new technology. , because the fiber optic network covers about 99% of Qatari households and this percentage is one of the highest in the world.

Stakeholders and interested parties can email their views and comments on the public consultation to [email protected], before Thursday April 8, 2021. The public consultation is available here:
https://www.cra.gov.qa/en/document/public-consultation-on-class-license-for-use-of-rlan-devices-over-5925-7125-mhz-band-wi-fi- 6