Egypt: President signed Law No. 172 amending some provisions of the Telecommunications Regulation Law No. 10 including requirements for the authorisation of services

On 26 December 2022, the President signed Law No. 172 of 2022 amending some provisions of the Telecommunications Regulation Law No. 10 of 2003. The law shall enter into force one day after its publication in the Official Gazette. Articles (44), first paragraph, and (77) of the Telecommunications Regulation Law No. 10 of 2003 have been amended. The revised Article (44), first paragraph, prohibits the import, manufacture, assembly, possession, use, operation, installation, or marketing of telecommunications equipment without obtaining a permit from the National Telecommunication Regulatory Authority (NTRA), in accordance with its approved standards, specifications, and types of equipment. The revised Article (77) prescribes penalties for violations of Article (44), first paragraph, including imprisonment, a fine ranging from EGP 100'000 to EGP 300'000, or both. Aggravated imprisonment applies if the violation is intended to compromise national security. Penalties are doubled for repeat offenders. Courts are required to confiscate the equipment involved in such violations. Wireless devices with a general licence for possession, use, installation, or operation are exempt from these provisions.