Regulator calls for penalty in Virgin row

The telecom regulator has referred the matter to the Office of the Attorney General for “assessment of an appropriate penalty”
Telecom regulator ictQATAR has determined that Qtel must be compelled to pay an appropriate fine for its “unlawful actions” following the introduction of Virgin Mobile’s service.
The telecom regulator has referred the matter to the Office of the Attorney General for “assessment of an appropriate penalty”.
The ictQATAR’s decision on the row between Qtel and Vodafone on Virgin mobile service was made known through its website yesterday.
The regulator has concluded that “conduct and activities” by Qtel during that time (between May 13 and 18 during the launch of Virgin service) constituted a contravention of Telecommunications Law 34 of 2006 by “misleading or deceiving people, engaging in unfair trading practices, and anti-competitive conduct”.
“These matters have been referred to the concerned authority in Qatar for appropriate action,” ictQATAR said.
It has also been alleged that Qtel and/or Virgin Mobile have violated other Qatari Laws that do not fall within the jurisdiction of ictQATAR. These matters have also been referred to the concerned authority in Qatar for further investigation and/or action, it said.
“The evidence available to ictQATAR at the date of the decision indicates that the Virgin Mobile branded services offered by Qtel to the public are provided by Qtel under its mobile telecommunications licence,” ictQATAR said.
“All customers who have purchased Virgin Mobile services have entered into contracts with Qtel and not Virgin Mobile and, as such, Virgin Mobile does not require a telecommunications licence.
“ictQATAR has concluded that Virgin Mobile services were represented by Qtel to the public between May 13 and 18 in a manner, which misled or deceived people about who was providing the services. Some people were misled into thinking that Virgin Mobile was a new telecommunications operator or service supplier in Qatar.
“This had the effect of distorting competition, as it presented another apparent third operator or service supplier option to customers or potential customers. In reality, there are only two licensed telecommunications service providers in Qatar who are permitted to sell mobile services to the public – Qtel and Vodafone Qatar.
“On May 17, four days after the launch by Qtel of Virgin Mobile services, ictQATAR issued orders to Qtel requiring certain changes in the marketing and presentation of Virgin Mobile services. ictQATAR issued further instructions to Qtel on May 20 about the marketing and presentation of Virgin Mobile services.
“These were followed by revised final orders issued to Qtel on July 15 that continued the requirements on Qtel to correct any wrong or misleading perception created by Qtel about Virgin Mobile services, and to ensure compliance with the Telecommunications Law.
“The requirements imposed upon Qtel deal with branding and naming of the services, the use of logos in advertising materials, the branding and use of retail outlets, call centres and information presented to the public in person and on websites.”

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