CRA boosts access to global connectivity through submarine cable network

DOHA — The Communications Regulatory Authority (CRA) has issued Decision No. (12) of 2026, a new regulation on the offer of access to Submarine Cable Landing Station (SCLS) international connectivity services, together with accompanying guidelines, in a move aimed at enhancing transparency, predictability and fairness in access to international connectivity while supporting competition and investment in Qatar's ICT sector.

Submarine cable landing stations are key gateways linking Qatar to global communications networks. As the country continues to expand its digital ecosystem — including data centre capacity, cloud services and advanced digital applications — reliable and transparent access to international connectivity infrastructure has become increasingly important to support innovation, competition and investor confidence.

Under the regulation, licensed service providers operating submarine cable landing stations in Qatar are required to prepare and submit Offers of Access to CRA for approval within specified timelines. These offers must set out the available services, applicable charges and relevant terms and conditions. Once approved, they must be published, giving access seekers clearer visibility of the services, pricing and access conditions available through a published regulatory framework.

The regulation also establishes clear procedures for access requests, negotiations and dispute resolution.

In addition, it covers a range of services associated with submarine cable landing stations, including co-location, cross-connect arrangements, backhaul links and managed services. It further introduces pricing principles to ensure that charges for access services are fair, reasonable, service-based and non-discriminatory.

CRA expects the regulation to improve access to international connectivity infrastructure, enhance competition and efficiency in the telecommunications market, and create a more structured and predictable environment for market participants. By increasing transparency and regulatory certainty, it is intended to support investment in digital infrastructure and expand opportunities to benefit from current and future international connectivity services.

The decision follows earlier public consultations with industry stakeholders and forms part of CRA's wider efforts to strengthen the ICT regulatory framework in line with Qatar National Vision 2030 and the Digital Agenda 2030, supporting the country's ambition to serve as a regional and global digital hub.