Page 100 - SAMENA Trends - December 2023

REGULATORY & POLICY UPDATES SAMENA TRENDS

Following a review considering the performance and 26.6GHz-28.1GHz, which are currently undergoing
evaluation of mobile broadband systems for 4G and migration from a single wholesale network (SWN)
5G networks, the Malaysian Communications and model to a dual network model. Having launched a
Multimedia Commission (MCMC) has published consultation on its plans with regards to MSQoS back
Malaysia a Public Inquiry Report regarding the mandatory in October, the regulator has said it is now of the view
standards for quality of service (MSQoS) for ‘Wireless that the proposed revision of the MSQoS for Wireless
Broadband Access Service’. In its report, the MCMC set Broadband Access Service ‘will ensure enhancements
out plans to revise the MSQoS by establishing two sets to existing levels of quality of service by the service
of ‘Key Quality Indicators’ (KQI), namely the ‘Mandatory providers and further improve consumers’ experience’.
KQI’ – which monitor and enforce the parameters in A final determination on the revised standards are
the standards – and the ‘Monitoring KQI’ – which keep now expected to be published within 45 days from the
track of the parameters for improvement purpose. conclusion of the public inquiry report, and will come
According to the regulator, generally the Monitoring into effect from 1 April 2024.
KQIs apply specifically to 5G network operating in the (December 21, 2023) www.commsupdate.com
IMT frequency band 703MHz-743MHz, 3.4GHz-3.6GHz

The Federal Telecommunications Institute (IFT) has we are working on another bidding scheme that allows
disclosed plans to stage a consultation regarding a lot of flexibility, so that all possible interested parties
its long-awaited 5G spectrum auction next month. can participate, not just the two usual big network
Alejandro Navarrete Torres, Director of the IFT’s companies, because there are other very small ones
Mexico Radioelectric Spectrum Unit, noted that the watchdog that are also providing services. Other operators have
is keen to auction airwaves in the 600MHz, 850MHz
expressed their interest in the spectrum, but they cannot
and 3.5GHz bands, while the 1.5GHz L-band is still obtain large blocks of spectrum in large geographic
under consideration. The official continued: ‘None of areas, due to the level of payment.
the proposals were taken into account, and that is why (December 13, 2023) El Economista

The National Regulatory Agency for Electronic The licenses are valid for a period of six years and expire
Communications and Information Technology in December 2029. ANRCETI granted the concessions in
(ANRCETI) has awarded spectrum in the 2100MHz accordance with the provisions of the Radio Frequency
band to Orange Moldova, Moldtelecom and Moldcell. Spectrum Management Program 2021-2025. The fee for
Moldova The three operators were granted the following blocks: the allocated spectrum will be paid in two instalments
• Moldcell: 2×20MHz (FDD) block, 1920MHz- due by 31 March 2024 and 31 May 2024; payment of the
1940MHz/2110MHz-2130MHz license fee (which will be calculated in proportion to its
• Moldtelecom: 2×20MHz (FDD), 1960MHz- general terms of validity) will be made in Moldovan lei at
1980MHz/2150MHz-2170MHz the official EUR exchange rate set by the National Bank
• Orange Moldova: 2×20MHz (FDD), 1940MHz- of Moldova on the date of payment.
1960MHz/2130MHz-2150MHz (December 19, 2023) www.commsupdate.com

The Ministry of Economic Affairs & Climate Policy for entrepreneurs and consumers that we can now
(MEACP) announced that a court in Rotterdam has continue with our ambitions in the field of digital mobile
ruled in favor of the ministry in all eight lawsuits against infrastructure. Because the Netherlands is now the very
the government’s 5G 3.5GHz spectrum band licensing last EU country that can auction frequencies for 5G and
The plans, clearing a major hurdle to begin preparations that has frustrated technological progress and digital
opportunities for all Dutch people.’ The statement added
for an auction to take place in 2024 – although the
Netherlands statement adds a cautionary note that plaintiffs may that concerned companies, organizations and telecoms
appeal the decisions. Details of proposed changes operators have filed court cases against the MEACP’s
to the national frequency plan were opposed by 5G policy decisions based on ‘various interests’ which
the three main Dutch mobile operators KPN, Odido ‘vary so much that meeting everyone’s individual
and VodafoneZiggo alongside prospective users of preferences is impossible’, and the MEACP has had
3.5GHz local private networks including Amsterdam’s to weigh up these interests, with the court agreeing
Schiphol Airport and the Port of Rotterdam Authority. that ‘[the ministry’s] choices and considerations are
Minister Micky Adriaansens stated: ‘It is good news understandable and well substantiated’. In advance of

100 DECEMBER 2023