CRA launches public consultation on postal service licensing

(MENAFN- Peninsula) Peninsula

Doha: In a significant step towards strengthening the postal services sector in Qatar, the Communications Regulatory Authority (CRA) has invited all stakeholders in the postal sector to participate in a public consultation on the draft postal services license.

The consultation aims to create a transparent and fair legal and regulatory environment. Pursuant to Law No. (15) of 2023 on the Promulgation of the Law Regulating Postal Services, CRA has issued three draft licenses for public consultation, including: the Qatar Postal Services Company Postal Services License, the Courier License for Domestic Services, and the Courier License for International Services.

Interested parties and stakeholders are required to provide their views in writing, responding to the questions set out in the consultation guidance document and in the format set out in the guidance. Each category of stakeholder is asked to respond to questions that apply only to their specific licence type.

These consultations are an opportunity to open up the Qatar postal market and increase competition. They also aim to support growth, improve the business environment and innovation, and enhance the quality of postal services provided, thereby boosting e-commerce and the digital economy.

These activities are in line with international developments, technological progress, the regulatory framework and the recommendations of the Universal Postal Union (UPU), in line with the Qatar National Vision 2030, the Third National Development Strategy 2024-2030 and the Digital Agenda 2030.

The new postal law authorizes the CRA to regulate the sector, set licensing conditions, protect consumer rights and ensure fair competition. It also aims to improve service quality, expand consumer choice and create opportunities for both local and international postal service providers.

The public consultation aims to understand the needs of all interested parties and consider them in a structured and transparent manner. This will enable the CRA to better regulate the postal sector and improve the quality of services provided.

Last July, CRA held a successful workshop aimed at improving the postal service complaint process, thereby increasing transparency and quality of service.

Furthermore, in line with its efforts to open up the postal sector to competition, the CRA will hold a further workshop in September 2024 to discuss the views and comments received from stakeholders on postal service licensing.

The CRA intends to issue further regulations for public consultation on the postal sector at a later date. These regulations will cover issues such as applications for postal licences, licence fees, definitions of reserved services and universal services, consumer protection and complaints, dispute resolution and quality of service.

Interested parties and stakeholders in the postal services sector can submit their views and comments by email to (email protected) until 29 August 2024. The public consultation documents and consultation guidelines are available on the CRA website.

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