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Doha-Qatar

The Communications Regulatory Authority (CRA) has launched a public consultation for revision to the class licence for short range devices (SRDs). 
The modifications will ensure that CRA enables stakeholders to introduce new technologies and devices in the market and be better prepared for the future demands, according to a statement. 
Interested stakeholders have until August 16 to comment on the proposed changes published on the CRA website. 
The proposed revision to the class licence is designed to accommodate advances in radio-communications equipment and applications, and include new frequency ranges for SRDs. The proposed changes relate especially to Annexure (2) and propose the addition of new frequency bands for SRDs such as wide range of machine-to-machine (M2M) and Internet of Things (IoT) applications. 
The modifications also introduce a separate section for Wireless Access Systems, including Radio Local Area Networks Applications, with the corresponding authorised frequency ranges with the maximum allowed output power.
Mohamed Ali al-Mannai, president of CRA, said: “As part of CRA’s mission to ensure the provision of advanced, innovative and reliable ICT services across the State of Qatar, it is critical that there is enough spectrum to accommodate the rapidly evolving technological environment.” 
“The introduction of additional frequency ranges for short range devices is in response to numerous recent advancements in radio-communications applications and technologies. The additional frequencies will allow for a greater variety of short range devices, including M2M and IoT applications, being sold and used in the country which in turn will benefit consumers. The public consultation is a crucial part of this process because it allows us to understand, and take into account, the needs of all stakeholders in an organised and transparent manner,” he added. 
The modified class licence is open for consultation until August 16. Comments from interested stakeholders should be sent to type.approval@cra.gov.qa. 
The proposed modifications to the current short range devices licence are available at http://www.cra.gov.qa/en/document/modification-class-license-short-range-devices-srds 
The current class licence and annexure for short range devices are available at http://cra.gov.qa/en/document/class-license-short-range-devices-srds  and http://cra.gov.qa/en/news/modification-annexure-2-class-license-short-range-devices-srds