The updated Regulation provides a unified framework governing the planning and design of mobile network sites across Qatar.
Ali Al-Suwaidi, Technical Affairs Department Director at CRA.
The Communications Regulatory Authority (CRA) has released an updated Regulation for the Construction, Installation, and Sharing of Radio Communications Sites, designed to strengthen safety measures, streamline procedures and promote future-ready infrastructure sharing across Qatar’s telecommunications sector. The new framework, developed following extensive public consultation and stakeholder engagement, aligns international best practices with national requirements to ensure transparent and efficient site development.
This comprehensive Regulation establishes a unified framework for planning and designing mobile network sites throughout Qatar. It promotes collaboration between licensed telecommunications service providers and government entities to achieve efficient site rollout through standardised technical guidelines and simplified approval processes.
The CRA has combined three existing regulatory documents—covering the construction and installation of radio stations, standards for cellular base stations and towers, and mobile site sharing instructions—into one cohesive Regulation. This integration aims to eliminate duplication, encourage infrastructure sharing and align Qatar’s telecommunications policies with global standards, while maintaining high levels of public health and environmental protection.
The updated framework introduces mandatory technical and safety standards for the construction of mobile network infrastructure, including ground-based towers, rooftop and wall-mounted systems, and temporary installations. It defines safety parameters such as structural load capacities, minimum safety distances, and electromagnetic field (EMF) exposure limits based on international benchmarks.
The Regulation prioritises co-location and infrastructure sharing among service providers to minimise environmental impact and optimise resource use. It also encourages early coordination between service providers, municipal authorities and property developers to accelerate site selection and approval. The CRA will monitor implementation through regular audits, technical evaluations, and enforcement actions to ensure compliance.
Ali Al-Suwaidi, Technical Affairs Department Director at CRA, stated: “This Regulation is a key step in enhancing telecommunications quality and consumer experience, supporting expanded coverage and faster deployment of 5G and other emerging technologies. By simplifying procedures and reducing deployment costs, it helps Service Providers operate more efficiently. Additionally, it reinforces government efforts to raise safety standards and environmental planning, aligning with CRA’s strategy to promote a sustainable, efficient telecom sector that directly contributes to achieving the goals of Qatar National Vision 2030.”
