Provisions

Article Two:

The supervision of the Telecommunications Sector shall be as follows:

1. The Ministry shall make the general policies, plans and development programs for the telecommunications sector, submit applications for granting licenses as stipulated by this Act, its modifications and any amendments, coordinate with the concerned parties in respect of services provided to the government agencies, represent the Kingdom in domestic, regional and international bodies in the telecommunications sector and, at its discretion, delegate such representation to the Commission and other parties, approve the basis, principles and conditions relating to the Universal Service and the Universal Access as proposed by the Commission
2. The Commission shall perform the functions and duties conferred upon it under this Act, the Bylaws and the Ordinance

Article Three:

The Telecommunications Sector shall be regulated under this Act and pursuant to the following objectives:

1. To provide advanced and adequate telecommunications services at affordable prices
2. To ensure the provision of access to the public telecommunications networks, equipment and services at affordable prices
3. To ensure creation of favorable atmosphere to promote and encourage fair competition in all fields of telecommunications
4. To ensure effective and interference-free usage of frequencies
5. To ensure effective usage of National Numbering Plan
6. To ensure clarity and transparency of procedures
7. To ensure principles of equality and non-discrimination
8. To safeguard the public interest and the user interest as well as maintain the confidentiality and security of telecommunications information

9.     To ensure transfer and migration of telecommunications technology to keep pace with its development

Article Four:

The fixed and mobile telecommunication services shall only be provided through joint-stock companies that place their stock for public subscription.

Article Five:

The license for provision of fixed and mobile telephone services is subject to the Council of Ministers' approval.

Article Six:

Necessary fees shall be paid in favor of the General Treasury for commercial provision of services, issuance of licenses to operators and permits for frequency usage as per the decree of Council of Ministers.

Article Seven:

The Commission shall set the principles and criteria for determining the telecommunications services fees in keeping with the competitive situation and the Bylaws shall state the necessary and relevant provisions.

Article Eight:

The Universal Service and the Universal Access requirements shall apply according to the principles and criteria stipulated by the Bylaws.

Article Nine:

The privacy and confidentiality of telephone calls and information transmitted or received through public telecommunications networks shall be maintained. Disclosing, listening or recording the same is not permitted, except for the cases stipulated by the relevant Acts.

Article Ten:

The Commission shall provide the necessary protection to the users and operators. The Bylaws shall specify the procedures for settlement of disputes arising among the operators themselves or between operators and users, including objection by users to billed amounts or the quality of the offered service.