The Communications Regulatory Authority (CRA) of Qatar has rolled out a new Regulation for the Construction, Installation, and Sharing of Radio Communications Sites. The update brings fresh rules to strengthen safety measures and push for wider infrastructure sharing across future networks. The move follows wide public consultation and discussions with several stakeholders. The new framework blends global standards with Qatar’s own needs and is intended to make the site approval process clearer and more transparent.
The regulations for telecom infrastructure set out one unified approach for planning and designing mobile network sites across the country. It promotes cooperation between licensed telecom Service Providers and government bodies to ensure that site development follows uniform technical standards and a smoother approval process.
CRA has combined three older regulatory documents into one complete guideline, replacing earlier instructions for radio station construction, base station and tower standards, and mobile site sharing. The unified framework promotes the sharing of infrastructure, reduces overlap in development, and helps protect both the environment and public health, keeping Qatar’s telecom sector in step with international standards.
The revised regulations for telecom infrastructure lay out specific technical and safety standards for network sites, including ground-based towers, rooftop setups, wall-mounted units, and temporary structures. They also specify safety distances, load capacities, and electromagnetic field (EMF) exposure limits that follow international guidelines. Service Providers are also required, where possible, to share and co-locate infrastructure to use resources efficiently. Early coordination between Service Providers, municipal authorities, and developers is encouraged to ease site selection and speed up approvals. CRA will oversee implementation through audits, technical reporting, and enforcement when necessary.
Ali Al Suwaidi, Technical Affairs Department Director at CRA, stated: “This Regulation is a key step in enhancing telecommunications quality and consumer experience, supporting expanded coverage and faster deployment of 5G and other emerging technologies. By simplifying procedures and reducing deployment costs, it helps Service Providers operate more efficiently. Additionally, it reinforces government efforts to raise safety standards and environmental planning, aligning with CRA’s strategy to promote a sustainable, efficient telecom sector that directly contributes to achieving the goals of Qatar National Vision 2030.”