MUSCAT: In order to prevent anti-competitive behavior between telecom operators in the local market the government on Sunday amended some rules.

In a statement issued by the Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (TRA), amended some provisions of Resolution No. 70/2013 regarding the rules for post-market regulation (anti-competitive behavior). The decision was taken by
His Excellency Dr. Muhammad Al Rumhi, Chairman of TRA.

Based on the decision, Article (4) of Post Market Regulation Rules (Anti-competitive Actions) has been replaced by the following text: “The authority, on its own initiative or based on a complaint submitted by the concerned parties, may initiate investigations to ensure that the actions or activities of the licensee prevent or limit competition or provide facilities that are contrary to competition or violate prior regulatory obligations, in accordance with the procedures for adjudicating competition complaints contained in the attached annex.”

According to TRA, a judgement on complaints must be made within 90 days from the date of acceptance of the complaint or it can initiate an investigation on its own and issue a decision against the violating party, or extend the investigation period if the circumstances of the complaint require more time.