ictQatar Submits National Plan for Broadband Internet for Public Consultation

Doha, May 09 (QNA) - The Supreme Council of Information and Communication Technology (ictQATAR) today issued a consultation document on Qatars first National Broadband Plan. In a statement, released today, ictQATAR called on concerned parties to submit their views and comments on the plan no later than the twenty-ninth of this month. The draft plan includes the general framework and the executive steps needed by the state during the coming ten years to take advantage of all the opportunities available through the use of fiber-optic networks. The plan is part of ictQatar efforts geared towards meeting the growing needs of all sectors of the state of broadband services in the light of the ambitious development programmes taking place in the State of Qatar, which require high-speed Internet in order to support the digital economy. According to the statement, the National Broadband Plan aims to support and promote investment in telecommunications and information technology, therefore it included policies and programmes covering aspects of supply and demand, which requires providing high-quality and high-speed internet services in reasonable prices affordable for all, in addition to continuing efforts to create an integrated system of public policy, regulatory and legislative procedures to support and stimulate investment, increase innovation and promote economic diversification. The National Broadband Plan is aligned with the Qatars National ICT Plan 2015 and Qatar National Vision 2030 with the view of promoting and achieving the state's aspired objectives as well as meeting the basic requirements of information infrastructure and ensuring that Qatar maximizes opportunities arising from the FIFA World Cup 2022. The statement said the Council will receives all views and comments of the concerned parties after taking note of the draft plan no later than the twenty-ninth of May 2013 via the e-mail: policyict.gov.qa, adding that all the council will look carefully into and take into consideration all the received replies during the drafting of the plan. The Plan, which reiterates Qatars commitment to becoming a leading digital economy, is the outcome of intense internal research, analysis and discussion while considering other best practices and benchmark studies. In addition, ictQATAR has collected views, opinions and plans through regular meetings and interactive workshops.(QNA)