Page 83 - SAMENA Trends - December 2020

REGULATORY & POLICY UPDATES SAMENA TRENDS

REGULATORY ACTIVITIES BEYOND

THE SAMENA REGION

Telecoms sector watchdog the Electronic and Postal to develop its own cost model that accurately reflects
Communications Authority (AKEP) has published a Albania’s market conditions and characteristics. The
consultation document on cost modelling for mobile initial consultation document – referred to by the
services as it looks to set a new glidepath for mobile regulator as a Model Reference Paper (MRP) – explains
Albania termination rates (MTRs). To-date, AKEP has relied on AKEP’s key modelling principles and the parameters
a benchmark of MTRs of BEREC countries based on a upon which the new model will be based. AKEP’s
pure long run incremental cost (Pure LRIC) model to proposed methodology is based upon a bottom-up
calculate cost-oriented MTRs. The regulator notes, LRIC (BU-LRIC) approach, and the regulator has invited
however, that whilst this approach has so far proved an comments from industry stakeholders on the model it
efficient way to determine MTRs for Albania, it intends intends to develop. (December 3, 2020) commsupdate.com

A total of 15 companies have secured new spectrum Australia’s telecoms authority opened the application
in the 26GHz and 28GHz bands, the Australian process for an auction of 5G spectrum in the 26GHz
Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) has band it plans to conduct in April 2021. In a statement,
announced, saying that this first ‘major’ allocation of 5G the Australian Communications and Media Authority
Australia millimeter wave (mmWave) spectrum paves the way for (ACMA) said applications for the mmWave spectrum will
‘faster and more reliable internet for metropolitan and be accepted until 21 January 2021. It plans to auction
regional Australia and innovative new uses for digital 2.4GHz of the band across 27 geographic blocks. The
technology.’ In a press release regarding the matter, the 26GHz auction is the first time high-band 5G spectrum
ACMA confirmed the identities of the winning bidders as: will be made available in the country, complementing
Dreamtilt, Field Solutions Group, Inmarsat, MarchNet, the 3.6GHz band which Telstra, Optus and TPG
Nokia, NBN Co, New Skies Satellites/SES, O3B/SES, Telecom (previously Vodafone Australia) are using. In
OptiComm, Optus, Starlink (SpaceX), Telstra, Viasat, a statement, ACMA member James Cameron said the
Vocus and WorldVu (One Web). It noted that a number mmWave spectrum will enable a wide range of new
of the successful applicants intend to provide wireless services which will benefit Australian businesses and
broadband services across all states and territories consumers. “It is important for smart farming, robotics,
and across urban, regional and rural areas, while telemedicine and other emerging technologies”. A
highlighting the fact that there had been ‘considerable second auction of low-band 5G spectrum is planned
uptake from fixed satellite service providers across for late 2021, ACMA said. In August, the government
Australia, including from existing providers and new announced it would restrict operators to bidding for
entrants to the Australian satellite market’. According a maximum of 1GHz of the 2.4GHz on offer in the
to the ACMA, the mmWave spectrum has been allocated mmWave process. (December 2, 2020) mobileworldlive.com
through area-wide apparatus licenses (AWLs), a new
class of license that it said ‘represents the first step The Australian Communications and Media Authority
in the series of 5G-ready allocations in these mmWave (ACMA) introduced rules requiring operators to
spectrum bands. Using these new area-wide licenses, detect, trace and block scam calls, a problem it
applicants were reportedly able to identify the regions stated had cost consumers AUD35.6 million ($26.2
and amount of spectrum they would seek to use, while million) so far in 2020. It stated the Reducing Spam
the regulator confirmed that spectrum which was not Calls Code was developed alongside operators and
allocated in the initial application round in the 26GHz the Communications Alliance. It requires operators
(24.7GHz-25.1GHz) and 28GHz (27.5GHz-29.5GHz) to “detect, trace and block spam calls” alongside
bands will be made available for allocation in January offering “information to assist their customers” in
2021. Earlier this week, meanwhile, the ACMA opened managing and reporting incidents. Other stipulations
applications for an auction of spectrum licenses in the include sharing information about scam calls with
26GHz band (25.1GHz–27.5GHz in major population other operators and report them to authorities. ACMA
centers) in April 2021. A further allocation round for said the code builds on recent scam reduction and
spectrum in the 26GHz band, covering regional and awareness activities including the introduction of
remote Australia, will then follow at the conclusion of measures to fight mobile number fraud earlier this year
that auction. (December 18, 2020) commsupdate.com and the release of consumer resources. Operators said

83 DECEMBER 2020