CITRA marks 2024 as year of exceptional success, plans for continued digital growth
KUWAIT CITY, Jan 28: The Communications and Information Technology Regulatory Authority (CITRA) announced on Monday that 2024 was a year of exceptional success for the organization. CITRA emphasized its commitment to continuing its role in developing digital infrastructure and strengthening its leadership in supporting the digital economy.
The announcement was made during a press conference held by the Acting Chairman of the CITRA Board of Directors, Eng. Abdullah Al-Ajmi, where he reviewed the authority's achievements in 2024 and outlined its vision for 2025.
Al-Ajmi reported that CITRA achieved record revenues exceeding KWD 75 million (approximately USD 243.4 million) during the first half of the fiscal year (2024-2025). This success was driven by improved operational performance and increased revenue collection in key areas such as landing station licenses, telecom companies' number range licenses, and income from leased international connection circuits.
He also highlighted a major achievement: to address challenges related to the maintenance of marine communications cables and ensure continuous service, CITRA recently launched a new regional corridor linking Kuwait to Frankfurt. This corridor serves as an integrated alternative to traditional marine routes, offering low latency and making it a reliable option for international service providers. The new route allows data traffic to be safely and efficiently directed from Kuwait to Europe via Iraq.
As part of CITRA's efforts to implement cutting-edge technologies in communication networks, the authority launched the first phase of the direct extension registration service (kw.) in 2024. It also introduced new frequencies in preparation for the launch of the advanced fifth-generation technology (5GA), which represents the highest level in the communications networks sector.
In a bid to strengthen the information technology sector, CITRA signed a land lease contract with Google to establish modern data centers for cloud computing services in Kuwait. Al-Ajmi emphasized the importance of this project, noting that it would enhance digital infrastructure and support digital transformation efforts in both the public and private sectors. The project is expected to bolster Kuwait's position as a reliable regional hub for data and cloud computing services.
CITRA also concluded a memorandum of understanding with Huawei last year to further develop the information and communications technology sector. Additionally, the authority signed a contract with Kuwait Telecommunications Company (STC) to lease a 5,698.5-square-meter plot for the establishment of an administrative headquarters and a multi-story parking building in the Capital Governorate. This move is seen as a strategic step to strengthen public-private sector cooperation, support the communications and information technology sector in Kuwait, and encourage investments that will enhance infrastructure and stimulate the national economy.
In line with its commitment to better regulate the communications and information technology sector, CITRA introduced a new organizational structure in 2024. This update included the creation of new departments and sections aimed at improving the authority's efficiency in managing the sector. The authority also launched the "Kashif" service, which displays the name and number of the caller to recipients of incoming calls, helping to reduce calls from unknown sources.
Al-Ajmi concluded his remarks by emphasizing the authority's continued efforts in 2025 to contribute to the development of the communications and information technology sector. He stressed the importance of enhancing digital transformation, supporting economic growth, and fostering partnerships with the private sector while adopting best global practices.
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