The Egyptian Minister of Telecommunication, Mohamed Salem, will hold a meeting with representatives of the civil society to complete the social dialogue about the proposed amendments of the telecommunication law No.10 of 2003. A number of authorities and companies related to the telecommunication sector demanded to amend or cancel the articles imposing security control on the sector, especially during this phase of crises. They highlighted the loss the Egyptian economy and companies suffered after cutting off telecommunication and Internet services during the Egyptian January 25 Revolution. Sources told Youm7 the minister held discussion with activists and representatives of the civil society about the scheduled amendments which targets 23 articles of the 83-article law. They will focus on amending the articles 64 and 67, which provide security forces with expanding authorities to control the telecommunication sector. The representatives of the civil society demanded to determine authorities, which have the right to control the sector to not affect Egypt's interests and national security. The proposed amendment of the article 65 stipulates Egypt's Prime Minister should determine the authority to the right to control the sector and its providers during the emergency state. He should also determine authority with banning the suspension of the telecommunication services without a decision from the Egyptian president upon a recommendation from the Cabinet. About article 29, focusing on dealing with conflicts among operators of networks, the owners of the companies proposed cancellation of the article and turning conflicts to courts or arbitration. The companies demanded the formation of a committee to organize frequencies, which will include representatives of operators and representatives of the telecommunication management in the presidency and ministries of defense, interior and telecommunication. Representatives will also include the national security authority, unions, TV and radio. The companies also demanded amending article 24 to authorize the authority of organizing telecommunications to resolve conflicts about competition in the telecommunication market.
