Qatar’s CRA Introduces New Rules for Submarine Cable Landing Station Access
The new framework is designed to strengthen competition and encourage investment in the country's information and communication technology (ICT) sector by creating a more predictable environment for service providers and infrastructure users.
The Communications Regulatory Authority (CRA) has introduced Decision No. (12) of 2026, establishing a new regulatory framework governing access to Submarine Cable Landing Station (SCLS) international connectivity services. Alongside the regulation, the authority has also released implementation guidelines aimed at promoting greater transparency, consistency, and fairness in the provision of international connectivity services across Qatar.
The new framework is designed to strengthen competition and encourage investment in the country’s information and communication technology (ICT) sector by creating a more predictable environment for service providers and infrastructure users. As Qatar continues to expand its digital economy through investments in data centers, cloud computing, and advanced digital services, efficient access to submarine cable infrastructure has become increasingly important.
Submarine cable landing stations serve as critical gateways connecting Qatar to global telecommunications networks. Under the new regulation, licensed operators of these facilities must prepare detailed Offers of Access and submit them to the CRA for approval within specified deadlines. The approved offers must clearly outline the services available, applicable pricing, and the terms and conditions for access before being published, giving prospective users greater visibility into available connectivity options.
The regulation also introduces standardized procedures covering access requests, commercial negotiations, and dispute resolution. It applies to a broad range of services linked to submarine cable landing stations, including co-location facilities, cross-connect services, backhaul connectivity, and managed service offerings.
To ensure a level playing field, the CRA has established pricing principles requiring access charges to be fair, reasonable, cost-related, and non-discriminatory. The authority expects the new rules to improve access to international connectivity infrastructure, increase efficiency in the telecommunications market, and provide greater certainty for investors and market participants.
Designed to remain effective as the sector evolves, the regulation adopts a technology-neutral and future-focused approach that can accommodate new market entrants and changing industry dynamics. According to the CRA, this framework will help support sustainable growth while fostering innovation throughout Qatar’s ICT ecosystem.
The regulation and accompanying guidelines were developed following an extensive market review and two rounds of public consultations involving telecommunications service providers and other industry stakeholders. To assist operators with implementation, the CRA has also published non-binding guidelines featuring recommended templates, service descriptions, and best-practice structures for preparing compliant Offers of Access.
In addition, the authority has released a summary of stakeholder feedback received during the latest consultation process, reinforcing its commitment to transparency and collaborative policymaking.
The CRA said the new regulatory framework strengthens Qatar’s ambition to serve as a regional and global digital connectivity hub while supporting the goals of the Third National Development Strategy 2024–2030 and Qatar National Vision 2030 by fostering a competitive, investment-friendly, and innovation-driven digital economy.
