The communications Regulatory Authority (CRA) of Qatar has released Version 5 for Class License for Short-Range Devices (SRDs). This replacement of Version 4 updates the regulations to reflect stakeholder feedback, aligns with international standards, and addresses the rapid advancement in wireless technology. It will become crucial for manufacturers, developers, and regulatory professionals to understand the changes that range from expanding the frequency bands to updating the power limits if they want to ensure their continued compliance and maintain access the Qatar’s ever-growing market.
There was a major frequency band adjustment for non specific SRDs. ISM Bands 6765-6795 kHz and 862-863 MHz are now excluded in Version 5. CRA Qatar created a Generic Ultra-Wideband (UWB) for Non-Specific SRDs. The added bands for non-specific short-range devices now include: 3100-3400 MHz, 3400-3800 MHz, 4200-4800 MHz, 6000-8500 MHz, and 8500-9000 MHz. Radio Determination applications added three new ranges. First Movement Detection and Alert Systems can use the band 4500-7000 MHz. Tank Level Probing Radar bands include both 6000-8500 MHz and 24.05-26.5 GHz. Ground-Based Synthetic Aperture Radar was given band 17.1-17.3 GHz. Inductive applications had these four frequency ranges added: 1559-1610 MHz, 1563-1591 MHz, 1164-1215 MHz, and 1215-1300 MHz. Terrestrial Radio Receivers added ranges 526.5-1606.5 kHz, 87.5-108.0 MHz, and 174-230 MHz. These specifications now help Qatar align with GSO 2693:2022 for AM/FM/t-DAB+ services.
Major modifications were made to Technical Specifications which will affect testing and manufacturing. Machine-to-Machine (M2M) Applications in the frequency band of 870-874.4 MHz. In Version 4, the allowed duty cycles of ≤10% for Network Access Points and ≤2.5% for other devices, with channel spacing ≤200 kHz. Version 5 has now made Adaptive Power Control (APC) mandatory for spectrum sharing. ERP must be limited to ≤5 mW from the device’s maximum power. All nomadic/mobile devices in data networks must be controlled by a master Network Access Point (NAP). Version 5 allows the duty cycles of ≤10% for Network Access Points and ≤2.5% for other devices with channel spacing ≤200 kHz, but now with the mandated APC to reduce equipment’s ERP.
For DECT devices in the band 1880-1900 MHz, Version 4 allowed up to 250 mW EIRP for indoor residential use with integral antennas. Version 5 updates the power limits so that nominal transmit power remains at 250 mW (24 dBm), but EIRP varies based on antenna type. Omnidirectional can have an EIRP up to -26 dBm and directional up to -20 dBm. Expanded applications now include home monitoring systems, door phones, baby monitors, home and industrial automation, and professional audio systems (PMSE). Usage still remains restricted for indoor environments, like homes and offices, with integral antennas.
Medical devices and healthcare application were expanded. Active medical implants can ow include three new frequencies of 315-600 kHz, 12,500-20,000 kHz, and 430-440 MHz. These new bands could be used for animal implants, Ultra Low Power animals implant devices and Ultra Low Power Wireless Medical Capsule Endoscopy. Medical Body Area Networks (MBANS) for frequency band 2483.5-2500 MHz in Version 4 restricted usage to healthcare facilities with Listen Before Talk (LBT) and Adaptive Frequency Agility (AFA) systems, duty cycles ≤10%. Version 5 adds a channel spacing requirement of ≤3 MHz to the original restrictions. MBANs are now allowed to be used indoor only within a patient’s home.
Key Changers to specific applications like the radio microphone. There is now a new category for hearing aid systems inductive loop systems. The frequency rang is 100 Hz to 9 kHz with a maximum RF output power of 120 dBµ/m at 10m. This is designed to assist the hearing impaired with antennas < 1/20 λ. Expanded hearing aid frequency ranges and power limits include: 169.4-174 MHz at 10 mW ERP, 169.4-169.475 MHz at 500 mW ERP, and 169.4875-169.5875 MHz at 500 mW ERP. Wireless microphone systems has removed the EN 300 422 standard as a requirement while keeping EN 301 357 in Version 5. Wireless audio applications expanded the frequency ranges of 1795-1800 MHz changed to 1785-1805 MHz and 823-826 MHz changed to 821.5-826 MHz. The utilization of these bands might require a license depending on use and the device. RFID applications frequency rang is 400-600 kHz with a channel spacing of ≥30 kHz. RF power output changed from -8 dBµA/m at 10m to -5 dBµA/m at 10m, with a total of -8 dBµA/m at 10m per 10 kHz.
New regulations for UWB technology and WAS/RLAN Ultra-Wideband (UWB) Data Transmission originally had a band of 2.7-3.4 GHz in version 4. This update split that band into two, 2.7-3.1 GHz and 3.1 -3.4 GHz. Maximum peak EIRP of -36 dBm. Wireless Access Systems (WAS/RLAN) added a new frequency range 5925-6425 MHz. Low Power Devices (LPD) are allowed to have an EIRP of 23 dBm. Very Low Power Devices are allowed to have an EIRP of 14 dBm. It is advised to consult the class license for the operation of RLAN devices within the 5925-6425 Band (CRA/SM/TA/001/2022).