Oman

TRA starts to crack down on illegal wireless networks 

 
Muscat: The Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (TRA) has launched inspections to crack down on illegal wireless networks as part of the efforts to protect the security and stability of telecommunications networks and ensure the quality of services provided to users.

TRA, in cooperation with relevant authorities, launched field inspection campaigns to seize wireless networks that illegally redistribute internet services.

This campaign comes after detecting unlicensed activities that threaten information security and network integrity, and cause technical interference, leading to a deterioration in the quality and speed of services for subscribers in neighboring areas, as well as exposing personal data to the risk of hacking and surveillance.

The TRA is taking firm action, including removing violating devices and holding those responsible accountable in cooperation with relevant authorities.

It also called on individuals and institutions to abide by the laws and regulations governing the telecommunications sector and to avoid establishing or using illegal networks.

TRA previously warned of several risks when creating wireless networks to share Internet services, which can cause technical glitches.

“There is a possibility of interference in wireless networks and the impact on the speed and quality of service for the rest of the subscribers in the same area.”

It warned that creating Internet services without a license can make the user liable to legal liability, apart from the fact that all data is vulnerable to hacking and misuse of the service for fraud and hacking.