Qatar’s Communications Regulatory Authority (CRA) has released an updated Regulation for the Construction, Installation, and Sharing of Radio Communications Sites, setting a stronger foundation for safe, efficient, and future-ready mobile infrastructure across Qatar.
Developed through extensive public consultation and stakeholder engagement, the new framework aligns international best practices with Qatar’s national priorities to enhance transparency, consistency, and collaboration in site approval and deployment processes.
Key Highlights of the Updated Regulation
- Unified Framework:
The Regulation consolidates three prior regulatory instruments into a single, comprehensive guideline, replacing earlier rules on:- Construction and installation of radio stations
- Cellular base station and tower standards
- Mobile site-sharing instructions
- Promoting Infrastructure Sharing:
Service providers are now required to co-locate and share infrastructure whenever possible, reducing duplication and maximizing resource efficiency. - Streamlined Coordination:
The Regulation encourages early coordination between service providers, municipal authorities, and developers to facilitate site selection and accelerate approval timelines. - Technical and Safety Standards:
CRA has defined mandatory technical and safety requirements for all mobile network sites, including:- Ground-based towers, rooftop and wall-mounted units, and temporary sites
- Safety distances and structural load capacities
- Electromagnetic field (EMF) exposure limits aligned with international benchmarks
- Enhanced Oversight and Compliance:
CRA will ensure adherence through:- Periodic audits and technical assessments
- Enforcement of corrective measures when required
Driving Efficiency and Sustainability
By consolidating and modernizing existing regulations, CRA aims to promote efficient site development, collaborative infrastructure investment, and responsible network expansion. The new framework reduces redundancy, safeguards public health and the environment, and strengthens the foundation for a sustainable and future-ready communications infrastructure.
This regulatory milestone reinforces CRA’s commitment to advancing Qatar’s digital transformation objectives through safer, smarter, and more sustainable network deployment.
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.
Previously, CRA has adopted policies on 5G private mobile networks, opened access to government telecom duct infrastructure across Qatar, issued telecom license for LEO satellite broadband, and established framework for a cloud-friendly environment.
