Measures to combat telecom cyber fraud, screen addiction among children

MUSCAT, SEPT 29

The Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (TRA) held a dialogue session at the Movenpick Hotel in Muscat on Sunday, bringing together the Authority and a number of beneficiaries from various entities to discuss a range of topics related to the telecommunications sector.

During the session, the TRA highlighted its efforts to improve telecommunications services, including the discontinuation of 3G services and their replacement with 4G and 5G services to keep up with technological advancements and enhance user experience. It also discussed the transition of internet subscribers from low-speed networks to fibre optics and 5G networks, enabling them to benefit from higher speeds and better quality. The session also covered the importance of internal building connections and the specifications of devices and cables used.

The session addressed the issue of spam and fraudulent messages, with the TRA noting its tangible efforts to curb cyber fraud in cooperation with licensees. A joint working group between the TRA and licensees was formed to monitor fraudulent cases and develop effective solutions to reduce them. Additionally, the TRA directed licensees to implement technical measures and solutions to combat this issue, along with launching awareness campaigns aimed at increasing public awareness of the risks of cyber fraud and how to avoid it.

Regarding the protection of children from screen addiction, the TRA pointed out that 86 per cent of children in the Sultanate of Oman use the internet, prompting the launch of several initiatives aimed at raising awareness among children and families about the safe use of technology. Among these initiatives is the national awareness campaign for children on the safe use of communication services. The TRA has also dedicated a section in the Beneficiaries' Rights Regulation to protect child users of telecommunications services.

The session aims to strengthen communication with beneficiaries and facilitate the exchange of opinions on the services provided, contributing to the development of the communications sector and the enhancement of service quality, the TRA said in a post.

Eng Nasser al Jabri, Director of the Service Quality and Universal Service Department, highlighted during his presentation that approximately 2 million complaints have been registered for around seven million mobile subscribers. These complaints, which cover various services such as network quality, promotional offers, and number-related issues, have been analyzed to identify key problems. Al Jabri noted that the Authority has implemented several initiatives aimed at improving service quality, including upgrading 1,920 stations to modern technologies and transitioning 26,000 subscribers from copper cables to 5G and fibre optic services.

Additionally, attendees from various telecommunications companies participated in the event, sharing their suggestions on how to enhance security measures. Their contributions focused on improving cybersecurity protocols and addressing concerns related to data privacy and fraud prevention.

Through this session, the TRA opened the door for dialogue and interaction with beneficiaries to strengthen partnerships with stakeholders and work towards developing the telecommunications sector in the Sultanate of Oman, meeting the expectations of beneficiaries and improving the quality of services provided to them.