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JORDAN

• "Low Power Devices (Regulatory Issues)," by Mohammed Al-Dabbas, Telecom Regulatory Commission, powerpoint presentation in English for a Regional Workshop on Frequency Spectrum Management, Amman, 17-19 January 2004. This says that TRC initially allowed "wireless microphones, cordless telephones, control and security alarm apparatus" to operate without a license (when???). The list of devices was later expanded to include "low power, unlicensed spread spectrum systems." Unlicensed devices were also "recently" approved for the 5.15-5.35 GHz and 5.725-5.825 GHz bands. The next document indicates that unlicensed use is only permitted in a "confined area or a building."
• هيئة تنظيم قطاع الاتصالات الشروط والمتطلبات اللازمة للحصول على الموافقة النوعية للأجهزة التي تعمل على تقنية ("Spread Spectrum for use within the confined area or a building in the frequency ranges: 2.400-2.4835 GHz, 5.15-5.25 GHz, and 5.725-5.85 GHz"), Telecommunications Regulatory Commission of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, in Arabic.
• List of WiFi hot-spots in Jordan
• "Batelco Jordan deploys WiFi hotspots...", Strategiy.com, 12 July 2006: "'The WiFi hotspots have been placed, so far, in 11 key locations including top universities across the Kingdom such as Irbid University, Amman Arab University, Isra University, UN University and Depaul University,' said CEO of Batelco Jordan, Mr. Marwan Juma'a. 'Meanwhile, we have also installed hotspots in various restaurants and frequented venues such as Burger King, Apple Bees, Whispers restaurant, Wild Jordan and Donuts Factory,' he added... Swedish Aptilo Networks has entered into an agreement with Bahrain Telecommunications Company (Batelco) to deliver infrastructure that will serve as a foundation for a new WiFi network with hot spots in Jordan. The system will be monitored and managed from Batelco's headquarters in Bahrain..."
• "Starbucks rolls out 'SmartSpot' wireless Internet service in Jordan," by Ibrahim Owais, OceanCreep, 11 June 2005.
• "US Robotics predicts Jordan wireless boom" - company press release on the de-licensing of radio LANs (October 2003). But so far as we can tell, de-licensing only applies to indoor use at less than 100mW power output.
• The Information Technology Association of Jordan (INT@J) "organized its first Wireless Technology Seminar on Monday June 13, 2005 in Amman... The final session [included a presentation] on Regulating Wireless by Muwaffaq Abu Aqola of TRC..."
• "Pilot Projects for Deployment of Wireless IP Based System in Rural Areas of Jordan," Middle East Networks & Communications (ME-NetComs), autumn 2003:

  "There are current TRC (Telecommunication and Regulatory Commission) obstacles in Jordan that prevent the use of both Wireless WAN equipment and VoIP due to the exclusivity of the Jordan Telecom for voice and data connectivity until the end of 2004. ME-NetComs has submitted requests for the application of wireless technologies in rural areas in order to achieve a nation wide initiative called Connecting Jordanians. It is still under review..."

• "Telecommunications Licensing in Jordan" by Mamoun Balqar, presented at an ITU/BDT Arab Regional Workshop on Licensing in Amman, Jordan (September 2003).
• According to a presentation at the same ITU/BDT workshop by Mohammed al-Wathiq Shaqrah of Jordan's Radio Spectrum Management Department - prior to the de-licensing noted above - devices with less than 10mW output only needed type approval, but over 10mW, "class licenses" were necessary. Only indoor coverage was permitted; outdoor connectivity was authorized on a case-by-case basis. Shopkeepers were allowed to get RLAN licenses for their customers.
• "Jordan Telecom demonstrates Wi-Fi (Wireless Fidelity) technology for wireless Internet access at the University of Jordan," press release (22 December 2003).
• "We want wi-fi!" by Ahmed Humeid, 360°east, 14 April 2004 in English.

Middle East - Regional Overview