CAIRO – The Egyptian National Council for Persons with Disabilities and the National Telecom Regulatory Authority (NTRA) have signed a cooperation protocol to enhance telecommunications services for persons with disabilities, marking a key step toward building a more inclusive digital society.
The agreement, signed by Dr. Iman Karim, General Supervisor of the National Council for Persons with Disabilities, and Eng. Mohamed Shamroukh, CEO of NTRA, focuses on expertise exchange, awareness campaigns, training workshops, and the establishment of effective complaint-handling mechanisms—particularly for persons with hearing and visual impairments.
Dr. Karim noted that the protocol aligns with Laws No. (10) of 2018 and No. (11) of 2019, which guarantee the rights and integration of persons with disabilities into all aspects of life. She emphasized that partnerships such as this ensure access to ICT services, assistive technologies, and protection against technological risks, ultimately enabling greater societal participation.
Eng. Shamroukh described the protocol as pivotal for integrating persons with disabilities into the digital society, underscoring the NTRA’s commitment to adopting innovative solutions and global best practices in line with Egypt’s Vision 2030.
The NTRA has already rolled out several accessibility initiatives, including:
- 50% discounts on mobile packages and priority access at operator branches.
- Accessibility standards applied to company websites and mobile apps.
- Sign language video call centers and interpreters at selected outlets.
- Contracts and terms provided in Braille for visually impaired users.
- Fee exemptions for certain e-wallet transactions.
- Accessibility codes implemented across telecom branches.
These measures underscore Egypt’s view of technology as a tool for empowerment, reflecting leadership in inclusive communications policies while advancing digital transformation and social justice.
