Qatar National Frequency Allocation Plan (February 2026)
The Qatar National Frequency Allocation Plan (QNFAP), issued by the Communications Regulatory Authority (CRA) in February 2026, serves as the definitive framework for spectrum management in the State of Qatar. This version incorporates significant updates following the outcomes of the World Radiocommunication Conference 2023 (WRC-23), effectively replacing previous iterations to align with new international standards and technological developments in the ICT sector.
Key Frequency Allocations for Type Approval
Cellular and IMT Services: Qatar maintains robust allocations for International Mobile Telecommunications across several bands, including the 700 MHz, 800 MHz, 900 MHz, 1800 MHz, 2100 MHz, 2300 MHz, 2600 MHz, and 3500 MHz ranges. Notably, the plan identifies the 6425–7125 MHz band for the terrestrial component of IMT, following Region 1 harmonization.
Wi-Fi and Wireless Access Systems (WAS/RLAN): Standard harmonized bands at 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz (5150–5350 MHz and 5470–5725 MHz) are supported. The lower 6 GHz band (5925–6425 MHz) is specifically allocated for WAS/RLAN implementation.
Short Range Devices (SRD) and RFID: Inductive applications and RFID are supported in various bands, including 400–600 kHz and the 865–868 MHz range, largely aligning with European (ETSI) standards. The 27 MHz band (26.965–27.405 MHz) remains designated for Citizens' Band (CB) radio.
Millimeter Wave (mmWave) for 5G: Extensive allocations for IMT are identified in the higher frequency ranges, specifically 24.25–27.5 GHz, 37–43.5 GHz, 45.5–47 GHz, 47.2–48.2 GHz, and 66–71 GHz.
Specific Restrictions and Coordination Requirements
HAPS and HIBS: The plan places a heavy emphasis on High-Altitude Platform Stations (HAPS) and IMT Base Stations (HIBS). These are identified in multiple bands (e.g., 694–960 MHz, 1710–1980 MHz, and various ranges above 30 GHz). Manufacturers should note that HIBS operations are often limited to specific directions (reception or transmission) and must not claim protection from existing primary services.
Power Flux-Density (PFD) Limits: Stringent PFD limits apply to many satellite and mobile services to prevent interference. For instance, in the 3400–3600 MHz band, mobile stations must ensure PFD limits are not exceeded at the borders of neighbouring territories unless prior agreement is reached.
Amateur Service Limits: Frequencies in the 135.7–137.8 kHz band are limited to a maximum radiated power of 1 W (e.i.r.p.), while the 472–479 kHz band is generally limited to 1 W, with conditional increases to 5 W depending on distance from national borders.
Maritime and Aeronautical Safety: Frequencies such as 121.5 MHz, 156.8 MHz, and 243 MHz are strictly reserved for distress, urgency, and safety purposes (GMDSS/SAR). Use of the 22–22.2 GHz band by aeronautical mobile (OR) services is strictly limited to non-safety applications.
Regulatory Compliance
Manufacturers and service providers must ensure devices comply with the technical specifications outlined in the QNFAP Appendices, particularly Appendix 2 for SRD applications and Annex 1 for specific service regulations. The plan mandates that secondary services shall not cause harmful interference to primary services and cannot claim protection from them. Coordination under ITU-R Radio Regulations (e.g., No. 9.11A or 9.21) is frequently required for mobile-satellite and high-density fixed-satellite applications.
