Qatar Tribune, 13 August 2024: The Communications Regulatory Authority (CRA) has invited all stakeholders interested in the postal sector to participate in public consultations on the draft licences for providing postal services.

The consultations aim to create a transparent and fair legal and regulatory environment.

CRA has issued three draft licences for public consultation, which include the Postal Service Licence for Qatar Postal Services Company, Courier Licence for Domestic Services, and Courier Licence for International Services.

CRA stated that these consultations represent an opportunity to open the postal market in Qatar and increase competition.

They also aim to support growth, enhance the business environment and innovation, and improve the quality of postal services provided, thereby boosting e-commerce and the digital economy.

These efforts align with international developments, technological advancements, regulatory frameworks, and Universal Postal Union (UPU) recommendations, in line with Qatar National Vision 2030, the Third National Development Strategy 2024-2030, and the Digital Agenda 2030.

The public consultations aim to understand the needs of all concerned and interested parties and consider them in an organised and transparent manner, allowing CRA to better regulate the postal sector and improve the quality of services provided.

In July 2024, CRA had hosted a successful workshop focused on enhancing the postal services complaint handling process, thus enhancing transparency and quality of service.

Additionally, in line with the efforts to open the postal sector for competition, CRA will hold another workshop in September 2024 to discuss the feedback and comments received from concerned and interested parties regarding the postal services licences.

CRA will be issuing further regulations regarding the postal sector for public consultation later, including postal licence applications, licence fees, the definition of reserved services and universal services, consumer protection and complaints, resolving disputes, and quality of service.

Interested parties and stakeholders in the postal services sector can submit their feedback and comments via email by 29 August 2024.

The new Law Regulating Postal Services empowers CRA to regulate the sector, set licensing conditions, protect consumer rights, and ensure fair competition.

It also aims to improve service quality, expand consumer choices, and create opportunities for both local and international postal Service Providers.

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