MUSCAT: Oman’s Telecom Regulatory Authority’s (TRA) decision to regulate the competition in the telecom sector in the country is also aimed at bringing transparency and fairness.

In a statement issued by TRA said the decision “aims at providing a legal tool to ensure that smooth and sound procedures are followed in dealing with competition complaints, and transparency and fairness are well observed with all parties of the complaint.”

On Sunday, TRA amend some provisions of its earlier decision regarding the rules for post-market regulation (anti-competitive behaviour). Ahead of the entry of the third mobile operator, experts say the new decision will help to regulate the anti-competitive behaviour in the telecom sector.

Based on the decision, Article (4) of Post Market Regulation Rules (Anti-competitive Actions) has been replaced by the following text: “The authority, on its own initiative or based on a complaint submitted by the concerned parties, may initiate investigations to ensure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.