Etisalat's Telecoms Regulatory Compliance Program

Abstract

In April 2009 Etisalat UAE launched a Telecoms Regulatory Compliance Program (‘Compliance Program’) for the first time. This paper will describe the genesis of Etisalat’s Compliance Program and establishment of a regulatory compliance function within its Regulatory Legal Affairs Department, how and why it was initiated, the key objectives and strategy of the Compliance Program as well as the key outcomes of the Program and lessons learned during implementation so far. Challenges both internal and external to Etisalat in implementing the Compliance Program will be described, including the resourcing constraints of a small team; a rapidly changing and complex regulatory environment; and the need to adapt internal guidelines and controls to align with existing operational practices and corporate objectives. Based on the best principles for compliance programs laid down by Australian Standard AS3806 – 2006, the four key objectives of the Compliance Program that have been developed (management commitment, knowledge and awareness, risk controls and continual improvement in line with international best practice) will then be described in detail.