TRA Releases Consultation on International Mobile Roaming for the GCC

Mobilk - Telecommunications Regulatory Authority Bahrain (TRA) in conjunction with the GCC Roaming Working Group has published a consultation document on the subject of International Mobile Roaming in the GCC region.  The consultation document reviews the existing regulation of roaming services within the GCC, and sets out a number of proposed changes to ensure that the terms and conditions of roaming services between the GCC member states are fair, reasonable and non-discriminatory.  Submissions are invited from interested parties on the proposed changes. 

This consultation extends on the first roaming regulation which was fully implemented across all GCC member states as of February 2012, resulting in the reduction of roaming rates by as much as 70% for calls made while roaming in the region from any other GCC country.

The consultation comes as part of TRA’s responsibility towards consumer protection and providing the best appropriate solutions for high prices charged, for the benefit of consumers in the Kingdom and the GCC countries.

“At this stage we are further consulting with the key stakeholders what the market requires, and to shape the extent to which the International Mobile Roaming needs to be regulated,” says Mr. Mohamed Hamad Bubashait, General Director of TRA Bahrain; and he continued in stating that “The current consultation document consults with operators in relation to both receiving and placing voice calls, SMS and Data roaming within a limited focus on roaming within the GCC region. International Mobile Roaming is becoming a very important topic worldwide where regulators and agencies are considering ways to lower roaming rates for the benefit of end-users. The GCC region with the leadership of key stakeholders aims to set an example of how this can be achieved. Since this is very much in line with our consumer protection values, TRA is committed to the prospects achievable through International Mobile Roaming solutions.”

TRA Manager of Market & Competition, and member of the GCC Roaming Working Group, Mr. Adel Darwish elaborates that “this project has involved extensive work from several parties including the GCC roaming working group, mobile operators within the region, and a consultancy firm with seasoned experience in the subject of roaming regulations in Europe and elsewhere.”

According to Mr. Darwish’s statement in reaching its final recommendation to be presented for approval from the telecoms Ministers in the region within 2015 the GCC Roaming Working Group will consider best practices around the globe, operators’ responses to the consultation, and the welfare of the GCC region and its residents.

Furthermore, Mr. Darwish indicated that the current proposed roaming caps will lead to reductions in retail roaming rates as much as 90% in some cases. “This is not all, the consultation will also touch base on other aspects of roaming which will allow consumers to be in control of their roaming costs like knowing if their bills reach a certain limit while roaming” said Mr. Darwish. The consultation is publicly available on TRA’s website and concerned parties (not just operators) have the opportunity to respond to it. 

Mr. Darwish also stated that “wholesale rates are also an integral part of the review. The consultation’s proposed changes would result in a reduction in wholesale costs for operators when their subscribers roam within the GCC. WE also anticipate that, with appropriate marketing and consumer awareness campaigns, the reduction in retail roaming rates is likely to stimulate demand for roaming services.” Mr. Darwish concluded “we are anticipating a recommendation to be approved for implementation in 2016 after all necessary steps of the process are completed at the GCC level.”