Digital Qatar band. Both companies have to roll out the 5G networks in all densely populated areas, primary roads and highways, and venues associated with the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022TM. The Communications Regulatory Authority (CRA) regulates the ICT and postal sectors. The independent authority ensures fair competition while protecting consumer rights. cra.gov.qa
Internet use and social media
Digital Qatar
In December 2021, Qatar's median download speed ranked it 5 for mobile and 44 for fixed broadband (Source: Speedtest Global IndexTM). The Ministry of Communications and Information Technology was established in October 2021, superceding the Ministry of Transport and Communications. The ministry has a wide-ranging mandate, overseeing and developing the ICT sector. The ministry also introduces ICT plans, policies, programmes, projects and initiatives; develops e-government programmes; and boosts capacity and digital literacy to foster a technologyfriendly environment. Ministries have been rolling out digital initiatives to make government services more efficient, accessible, and customer-centric. The Qatar Digital Government programme serves individuals and businesses, with government administration now better serving citizens and residents. Part of this programme is the Qatar Digital Government 2020 Strategy, which was formulated in line with Qatar National Vision 2030, the National Development Strategy, the National Communications and IT Plan, the National Broadband Plan, and other ICT plans. Qatar has some of the world's most developed ICT infrastructure. Monitoring online security threats is a top priority, and the Cyber Security Division aims to protect sensitive information and user safety. Ooredoo was the first company in the world to launch 5G services on a commercially-available network in May 2018, rolling out a live 5G network on the 3.5GHz spectrum band. Ooredoo opened mobile access to its 5G network for compatible smartphone users in July 2019 with 100 live 5G base stations. Meanwhile Vodafone Qatar rolled out its 5G network in August 2018 and was the first to commercially launch its 5G network. In early 2019 both companies were granted radio spectrum licences to operate 5G commercially from the Communications Regulatory Authority (CRA), with each company initially assigned 100MHz within the 3500 – 3800MHz frequency
Qatar is number one globally in Internet Adoption according to ‘The Global State of Digital 2021’, a report by Hootsuite which features more than 230 countries. There were 2.88 mn internet users recorded in Qatar in January 2021, out of a population of 2.91 mn, a year-on-year (y-o-y) increase of 29,000, with 2.87 mn social media users (98.8% of total population). Google Chrome recorded a 68.3% share of web traffic, up 8.6%. Mobile connections increased by 35,000 (0.8%) y-o-y, giving connections of 4.67 mn, 160.6% of the population – the mobile connection figures exceed the total population as many people have multiple mobile connections. Prepaid services are favoured, accounting for more than 70% of the population. Broadband connections ranging from 3G to 5G covers 87% of the population. In terms of social media platforms, other surveys show that Instagram and Snapchat are the most popular, with TikTok gaining popularity. The Communications Regulatory Authority (CRA), regularly urges citizens and residents of Qatar to be vigilant with online activities. Due to the growing number of cyberattacks, scam calls, and text messages requesting personal and banking information, consumers should verify the identity of the third party before sharing details, use a twostep verification feature online where applicable and regularly change passwords.
Personal privacy protection Recognising the need to develop an international regulatory and legal framework to protect the digital sovereignty and data privacy of individuals and businesses in Qatar, Personal Data Privacy Protection Law (PDPPL) No 13 of 2016 was issued. The law includes provisions related to the rights of individuals to protect the privacy of their personal data. Article 2 states that this refers only to personal data that is electronically processed, or obtained,
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