Latest news with #CITRA
Kuwait Times
19-05-2025
- Business
- Kuwait Times
Kuwait accelerates digital transformation with strategic partnership with Microsoft
Kuwait accelerates digital transformation with strategic partnership with Microsoft Minister emphasizes on establishing a comprehensive digital infrastructure KUWAIT: Minister of State for Communications Affairs Omar Al-Omar reaffirmed on Monday the government's commitment to advancing digital transformation and fostering innovation across public services, through the strategic partnership with global technology giant Microsoft. Speaking during a high-level meeting with Microsoft Executive Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer Judson Bezek Althoff, Al-Omar emphasized Kuwait's steady progress towards establishing a comprehensive digital infrastructure. He highlighted the country's focus on improving the quality of government services, attracting investments, and cultivating an innovation-driven environment. Al-Omar noted that a key outcome of the partnership is the empowerment of national talent through specialized training programs in artificial intelligence, cybersecurity and emerging technologies. These efforts, he said, will enhance the role of Kuwaiti professionals in leading the country's shift towards a competitive and sustainable digital economy. Acting Chairman of the Communications and Information Technology Regulatory Authority (CITRA) Sheikh Athbi Jaber Al-Sabah echoed these sentiments, describing the launch of the AI-powered data centers project, in collaboration with Microsoft, as a cornerstone of Kuwait's digital future. He underscored CITRA's role in facilitating coordination between government entities and global partners, particularly Microsoft, to establish and operate cutting-edge data centers. These centers, Sheikh Athbi said, will support national ambitions in digital transformation by offering high-capacity computing infrastructure essential for AI-based services. Microsoft's Executive Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer, Judson Bezek-Althoff, delivers a video presentation at the meeting. Acting Director General of KUNA Mohammad Al-Mannai is pictured with Deputy Head of the Financial Investigation Unit Yousef Al-Omar and Deputy CEO of Project Management at Kuwait Oil Company Fahad Al-Kharqawi during the meeting. A view of the attendees during the meeting of Minister of State for Communications Affairs Omar Al-Omar with the Executive Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer of Microsoft. The Authority, he added, has already allocated suitable lands and coordinated with various ministries and service institutions to ensure the availability of necessary infrastructure, including power, roads, telecommunications and technical expertise. The new data centers, built using advanced liquid cooling technologies and next-generation processors, are expected to be among the most efficient in the region. Sheikh Athbi affirmed CITRA's ongoing role as a bridge for coordination and a key enabler of national digital initiatives, positioning Kuwait as a regional leader in artificial intelligence and smart governance. During the meeting, Bezek Althoff delivered a presentation outlining the major components of the agreement and explored opportunities for further cooperation. The presentation focused on accelerating AI investment, expanding data center capabilities and integrating Microsoft Copilot solutions into government operations. Discussions also addressed the customization of AI solutions to align with Kuwait's digital landscape, the integration of cybersecurity with innovation strategies, and the development of training programs to enhance the readiness of government teams in managing digital transformation. The meeting was attended by several senior government officials and executive leaders. It marks a continuation of the strategic partnership agreement signed between the Government of Kuwait and Microsoft in March and is part of a broader framework to implement data center projects, establish centers of excellence and innovation, and incorporate advanced digital tools to improve government performance and service delivery. — KUNA
Arab Times
27-04-2025
- Business
- Arab Times
Blocking the bad, securing the good
KUWAIT CITY, April 27: While the Communications and Information Technology Regulatory Authority (CITRA) set the monthly tariff and rental value for international transit circuits for internet services, it required all licensed telecommunications and internet companies to connect their networks to its internet and communications portal under its privacy protection standards. CITRA confirmed in a decision issued by acting Chairman Sheikh Athbi Jaber Al-Sabah, that through this decision, it can regulate and supervise the telecommunications sector, advance it, protect the interests of users, and ensure that licensed companies take all the necessary technical measures to block materials, websites, programs or other contents proven to have violated the laws of Kuwait, or anything which affects public order and public morals. The newspaper obtained a copy of the decision, stating that 'the monthly tariff for transit circuits in Kuwait for a 10G capacity circuit will be rented at KD458 and KD1,832 for a 100G capacity circuit.' The decision stipulates that if the commitment is for 15 years with one-time payment of the rental value, the 10G capacity will be rented at KD54,111 and KD216,446 for a 100G capacity circuit. On the other hand, Sheikh Athbi Jaber Al-Sabah also issued a decision regarding the tariff for international leased circuits for Internet services through international submarine and land cables and the interconnection tariff (retail sale). He said the rental value tariff will be KD133,848 for additional capacity subscriptions for international leased circuits for Internet services for a capacity of (10G) STM64; if a commitment is made for one year with a one-time payment of the rental value, while for the environmental connection, the capacity and duration will cost KD111,540 and this applies to additional subscriptions, not the existing ones. He revealed the decision states that the additional capacity subscriptions included in the tariff mentioned in this decision may be sold to end users, whether individuals or companies (retail sale). 'The decision prohibits selling them to companies licensed as Internet service providers or providers, following the Ministry of Communications' decision, the CITRA Law, and the regulations and decisions issued in this regard,' he said. The decision regulates the work between the Internet and the communications portal of CITRA and local telecommunications and Internet networks. It requires telecommunications and Internet companies and those licensed to manage, establish or operate a telecommunications network or Internet service to provide communications to the public and information or content providers to connect the network they use to the Internet and the communications portal of CITRA per the privacy protection standards set by the authority.
Arab Times
22-04-2025
- Arab Times
Over 1,000 Sites Found Mining Cryptocurrency Illegally in Kuwait
KUWAIT CITY, April 22: The Ministry of Interior has issued a warning against unlicensed cryptocurrency mining activities in Kuwait, cautioning that such operations are in violation of national laws. Meanwhile, officials from the Ministry of Electricity, Water, and Renewable Energy have disclosed that over 1,000 locations across the country have been identified where individuals are actively engaged in cryptocurrency mining. According to sources, cryptocurrency mining operations are significantly straining the power grid, with energy consumption at a single mining site reported to be 5 to 20 times higher than that of a typical household. The Ministry of Interior emphasized that cryptocurrency mining contravenes multiple legal provisions, including Law No. 56 of 1996 on Industrial Regulation, Law No. 31 of 1970 amending parts of the Penal Code, Law No. 37 of 2014 concerning the establishment of the Communications and Information Technology Regulatory Authority (CITRA), and Law No. 33 of 2016 governing the Kuwait Municipality. The Ministry highlighted that such unauthorized mining activities place a heavy burden on the national electricity grid, increasing the risk of blackouts in residential, commercial, and essential service areas. This, they warned, could compromise public safety and disrupt critical infrastructure. This statement follows a coordinated effort involving the Ministry of Interior, the Ministry of Electricity, Water and Renewable Energy, CITRA, the Public Authority for Industry, and the Kuwait Municipality. Together, these bodies are working to curb illegal mining operations and mitigate their harmful effects on the nation's energy infrastructure. Authorities have urged violators to immediately correct their status, warning that failure to comply will result in legal consequences, including referral to investigative authorities for prosecution in accordance with applicable laws. Additionally, sources revealed that some individuals are attempting to conceal their mining activities by shutting off household air conditioning units—devices that consume considerable electricity—to offset and mask the abnormal spike in power usage. This tactic, however, has not gone unnoticed, as authorities have traced unexplained surges in electricity consumption back to illegal mining setups. Cryptocurrency mining is a resource-intensive process involving the decryption of digital currencies through a series of complex computational steps. It requires powerful hardware operating continuously around the clock, resulting in enormous electricity consumption and posing a growing concern for the nation's power supply stability.
Arab Times
11-03-2025
- Business
- Arab Times
CITRA signs deal with Ooredoo to install high-capacity submarine cable
KUWAIT CITY, March 11: The Communications and Information Technology Regulatory Authority (CITRA) signed a licensing agreement with Ooredoo Group on Monday to install the Fiber in the Gulf submarine cable, a project aimed at boosting Kuwait's position as a major hub for global data traffic. In a statement to the Kuwait News Agency (KUNA), the authority explained that this project is the largest of its kind in the region. It will offer a capacity of up to 720 terabits per second through 24 pairs of optical fibers, making it one of the most advanced cables in the world. The project will significantly enhance the region's digital infrastructure. CITRA anticipates that the cable will be ready for service by the fourth quarter of 2027. This initiative is expected to enhance network flexibility and improve the long-term reliability of communication systems in the region. The new submarine cable will connect Kuwait with Qatar, Oman, the UAE, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, and Iraq. This connectivity will improve the efficiency of digital networks and expand communication between the Gulf countries and the rest of the world. The project aligns with the region's digital transformation goals and strengthens its competitive position globally, particularly with the growing demand for high-speed internet, cloud services, and artificial intelligence. Abdullah Al-Ajmi, Acting Chairman of CITRA's Board of Directors, highlighted that this project marks a significant shift in Kuwait's communications landscape. He stressed that it is not just a submarine cable but a strategic move that positions Kuwait as a digital hub, offering higher internet speeds, stronger infrastructure, and greater business and technology opportunities. Al-Ajmi also noted that this project will enhance the national infrastructure and support economic growth and technological innovation. He reaffirmed CITRA's commitment to developing Kuwait's digital infrastructure and its role in driving the international digital economy through more strategic partnerships and initiatives for sustainable development. Sheikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Thani, Regional CEO of Ooredoo Group in the Middle East, commented that the project supports the company's strategy to lead in digital infrastructure by expanding networks and improving connectivity both within the Gulf and globally. He emphasized that the submarine cable is not just about boosting internet speed but is also a long-term investment in the region's future communications. Sheikh Nasser added that the project will enhance digital infrastructure, foster innovation, and open new opportunities for investment in big data, artificial intelligence, and cloud computing. The cable will allow companies and service providers to transfer data efficiently, improving the performance of various economic sectors. Moreover, it will create new possibilities for technological cooperation and strategic partnerships with global telecommunications providers. He concluded by noting that the project will not only enhance digital communication within Kuwait but also position it as a key player in shaping the future of technology and communications in the region.
Zawya
11-03-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Kuwait's CITRA sets new licensing fees for internet providers
KUWAIT - The Communications and Information Technology Regulatory Authority (CITRA) has prepared two draft regulatory decisions regarding the requirements and controls for licensing wireless Internet service providers and Internet service providers, reports Al-Anba daily. According to these draft decisions, the annual license fee for wireless Internet service providers is set at KD 75,000. Applicants are required to submit an unconditional guarantee letter of the same value from the bank in favor of CITRA, which should remain valid throughout the license period. Meanwhile, the annual license fee for Internet service providers is set at KD 98,000, and applicants must provide a guarantee letter of the same value from the bank. The regulations for Internet service providers and wireless Internet service providers include the installation and operation of necessary devices and programs to block access to sites that violate religion, morals, national security, or public order, or those specified by CITRA or reported by the public. Licensees are prohibited from connecting their private networks to any other local or international networks outside Kuwait's borders to provide wired or wireless Internet services without prior written approval from CITRA. Also, Internet service providers are prohibited from allowing their subscribers to resell the service. The draft regulatory decision regarding the requirements and controls for licensing Internet service providers stipulates that providing Internet service is prohibited without obtaining a license from CITRA. Licensees, such as wired or wireless Internet service providers, must apply CITRA to obtain a license for their activities, following the regulations outlined in this decision. Service providers may offer wireless Internet services only after obtaining the necessary prior approvals and frequency allocations from CITRA. The license application must be submitted to CITRA, signed by the legal representative of the applicant, using the approved forms. The application must include several documents, along with a detailed study of the applicant's administrative, technical, and financial capabilities, which should clarify the necessary resources to provide the service. Additional documents or data may also be requested by CITRA to complete the application review process. According to the decision, CITRA will issue its ruling on the application within 60 working days after verifying that all requirements have been met. The license will be valid for one calendar year, starting from the date specified in the license. The decision specifies the financial counterpart for the annual license fees at a non-refundable amount of KD 98,000, payable in advance upon receiving CITRA's approval to grant the license. Also, the applicant is required to submit an unconditional bank guarantee letter of KD 98,000 in favor of CITRA, issued by a local bank, which will remain valid throughout the license period. The draft of the second resolution on the foundations and controls for licensing wireless Internet service providers stipulates that mobile telecommunications companies must obtain a license from CITRA before offering wireless Internet services. Companies are required to apply CITRA to obtain a license for providing wireless Internet services, under the conditions and regulations stipulated in the resolution. The license application must be signed by the legal representative of the applicant and submitted on the approved forms. It should be accompanied by relevant documents and a detailed study of the applicant's administrative, technical, and financial capabilities, clarifying the necessary resources to provide the service. Additional documents or data may be requested by CITRA to complete the application review process. The decision further specifies that CITRA will issue its decision within 60 working days.
