ICT
From The Report: Kuwait 2016
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Kuwait’s traditionally telecoms-led ICT sector saw developments in the past year that could encourage continuing expansion in telecoms and spur progress in the industry. While three telecoms operators continue to compete for the country’s high-value consumer market, they have also partnered with global ICT firms to expand their enterprise businesses. The government, for its part, has taken on a larger role in supporting the sector. In 2016 it handed key oversight responsibilities over to a new ICT regulator, the Communications and Information Technology Regulatory Authority. The government has also introduced new foreign direct investment laws and a fund to support small businesses and start-ups, adding important legal and financial incentives to boost ICT business growth.

This chapter contains interviews with Salim Al Ozainah, Chairman and CEO, Communication and Information Technology Regulatory Authority (CITRA); and Eaman Al Roudhan, CEO, Zain Kuwait.

Articles from this Chapter

Overview

Healthy competition: Three strong operators, a new regulator and incentives are enabling market expansion
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Kuwait’s traditionally telecoms-led ICT sector saw developments in the past year that could encourage continuing expansion in telecoms and spur progress in the industry. While three telecoms operators continue to compete for the country’s high-value consumer market, they have also partnered with global ICT firms to expand their enterprise businesses. The government, for its part, has taken on a larger role in supporting the sector. In 2016 it handed key oversight responsibilities over to a new…

Analysis

Regulating success: A new government body is set to stimulate telecoms growth and fixed-broadband expansion
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In February 2016 Kuwait’s Ministry of Communications handed over key oversight and regulatory responsibilities to the country’s new ICT regulator, the Communication and Information Technology Regulatory Authority (CITRA), heralding the start of new era for the country’s ICT ecosystem. CITRA is set take on the ministry’s role as regulator for the already lively mobile segment, expand the fixed segment and implement plans to foster overall ICT development. First Mover Kuwait’s telecoms…

Interview

Centre of attention: OBG talks to Salim Al Ozainah, Chairman and CEO, Communication and Information Technology Regulatory Authority (CITRA)
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Interview:Salim Al Ozainah What have you identified as the most important priorities of the new regulatory authority? SALIM AL OZAINAH: Immediately following the commencement of CITRA’s operations on February 2, 2016, work began on several priority areas. Among the most important roles the regulatory authority will take is to implement the privatisation of telecoms infrastructure previously under the purview of the Ministry of Communications. Four services that have been handled by the…

Interview

Effective policy-making: OBG talks to Eaman Al Roudhan, CEO, Zain Kuwait
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Interview:Eaman Al Roudhan As telecoms firms adapt to the new regulatory authority, what are the most important aspects of the regulator’s initial strategic plan? EAMAN AL ROUDHAN: The most important aspect for any regulator, especially in Kuwait, is to come up with workable strategies that enhance public and private partnerships. The development of an independent regulator in Kuwait is relatively new, but we now have the Communications and Information Technology Regulatory Authority (CITRA).…