Qatar opens 4,860km telecom ducts

Qatar opens 4,860km telecom ducts is profiled by BTW Media because public-source evidence links it to internet infrastructure, governance, operational dependencies, or market visibility.

• CRA grants access to over 4,860km of government telecom infrastructure.
• Initiative aims to boost digital services and reduce infrastructure duplication.

What happened: CRA expands telecom infrastructure access across Qatar

The Communications Regulatory Authority (CRA) of Qatar has opened access to more than 4,860 kilometres of government-owned telecom duct infrastructure nationwide. This initiative supports CRA’s regulatory mission to optimise national telecom assets and enable licensed service providers to efficiently expand their networks. The move promotes fair and open access to essential infrastructure, reducing redundant deployments, enhancing investment efficiency, and accelerating next-generation technologies like fibre to the home (FTTH) and 5G rollout.

Developed in partnership with Qatar’s Public Works Authority (Ashghal), the infrastructure spans 60 projects covering over 40,000 residential, commercial, and government premises. The rollout follows a 2014 memorandum of understanding between CRA and Ashghal, which formalises planning, construction, and transfer protocols.

So far, over 15,500 premises have been connected via this infrastructure, with operators such as Ooredoo and Vodafone Qatar utilising hundreds of kilometres of ducts to serve thousands of consumers. CRA manages access through its Duct Management System (DMS), a GIS-based digital platform that provides real-time visibility into network capacity, streamlines application processing, and coordinates network extensions—ensuring transparency, efficiency, and alignment with Qatar’s national infrastructure policies.

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Why it’s important

Opening access to over 4,860 kilometres of government telecom infrastructure is a significant step towards enhancing Qatar’s digital landscape. By allowing licensed service providers to utilise existing ducts, the CRA aims to reduce the need for redundant infrastructure, leading to more efficient use of resources and faster deployment of advanced technologies like FTTH and 5G.

This initiative supports Qatar’s ambitions for a robust digital economy and future-ready connectivity ecosystem. It facilitates the delivery of high-quality digital services to homes and businesses, contributing to economic diversification and innovation. The collaboration with Ashghal and the use of the Duct Management System (DMS) ensure that the process is transparent, efficient, and aligned with national infrastructure policies.

By enabling equitable access to essential telecom infrastructure, the CRA is fostering a competitive environment that benefits consumers and service providers alike. This move is in line with Qatar National Vision 2030, aiming to ensure sustainable infrastructure development and a thriving digital economy.