Page 149 - SAMENA Trends - February 2020

REGULATORY & POLICY UPDATES SAMENA TRENDS

Jaromir Novak, Head of the Czech Republic’s telecoms between providers in the 3.5GHz band, arguing the
watchdog, announced his resignation, as a dispute frequency cannot be used across the whole country.
over government changes to the country’s planned 5G “I cannot sign under auction conditions that in my
auction intensified. Novak published his resignation deep conviction will not improve the competitive
Czech letter on Twitter, stating last-minute government environment in the Czech market,” Novak wrote. In
response, Reuters reported the country’s industry
changes to the Czech Telecommunication Office’s sale
Republic of 5G suitable frequencies risked slowing the rollout of minister Karel Havlicek said in a televised address
the technology and could lead to court disputes. The the government had made the changes to boost the
regulator was due to commence sales of frequencies attractiveness of the auction, as it had zero interest
in the 700MHz and 3.5GHz bands via auction this from overseas companies and minimal attention from
month, but the process has now been delayed to later domestic operators. He also claimed Novak had in
this year as conditions are finalized. Novak took issue fact been fired, with Hana Tovarkova, a member of the
with the government’s heavy emphasis on national regulator’s board, replacing him.
roaming, which would allow consumers to switch (January 28, 2020) mobileworldlive.com

Feedback on proposals related to the allocation of lower part of the 26GHz band (i.e. 24.25GHz-25.10GHz)
mobile suitable spectrum in the 26GHz band are being be excluded from the auction, with these frequencies to
sought by both Finland’s Ministry of Transport and be held back for the construction of ‘local networks’.
Communications (MoTC) and the Finnish Transport Comments on the MoTC’s plans are being accepted
Finland and Communications Agency (Traficom). For its part, until 20 June 2020. Meanwhile, Traficom is inviting
the MoTC is seeking feedback on the proposed terms comments related to both the ‘auctioning of the 26GHz
for an auction of 26GHz frequencies, with the ministry range allocated for 5G networks and on technical
confirming its intention to offer three 800MHz blocks in license conditions’. In a press release regarding
the band, with a starting price of EUR7.0 million (USD7.7 the matter, the body specifically said it was seeking
million) per block. Under the plans, the spectrum feedback on ‘Traficom Regulation 64C’ and the related
auction would take place in the summer of 2020, with explanatory notes concerning the auctioning of the
the licenses on offer – which will cover the Finnish 26GHz range, with a deadline of 6 March 2020 having
mainland – expected to be valid until 31 December set for submissions.
2033. The MoTC also noted that it is proposing that the (February 10, 2020) commsupdate.com

French telecoms regulator Arcep has revealed that greater transparency regarding deployment forecasts
four companies have submitted applications for the and their breakdown; and improved MVNO hosting.
allocation of frequencies in the 3.4GHz-3.8GHz band Arcep will now examine the applications and draw up
in mainland France, namely Bouygues Telecom, Free a list of qualified applicants for the 50MHz blocks.
France Mobile, Orange France and Altice France (previously Bidders for the frequencies still available after the
allocation of the 50MHz blocks will be subject to a
SFR). All four candidates have requested the allocation
of one of the four 50MHz blocks that will be awarded selection procedure (by financial criteria) which will
in exchange for optional commitments set forth in the take place in April, so that the authorizations are
procedure. According to Arcep’s 5G auction’s terms issued in June 2020 at the latest. In December 2019
and conditions, the optional commitments include: the the government set the price of the 50MHz blocks of
provision of 5G services that foster competitiveness 3.4GHz-3.8GHz spectrum at EUR350 million (USD386
in other sectors of the French economy; improved million), while the additional blocks of 10MHz will cost
coverage inside buildings (including multi-operator EUR70 million.
coverage); fixed access offers over the mobile network; (February 27, 2020) commsupdate.com

The Hellenic Telecommunications & Post Commission blocks of 2×5MHz, of which three are free and nine are
(Ethniki Epitropi Tilepikoinonion kai Tachydromeion, allocated but expire in 2021); 3.4GHz-3.8GHz (up to
EETT) has opened a consultation into the planned four blocks of between 100MHz and 150MHz); 26GHz
award of 5G wireless spectrum. The regulator says it (assignment to be determined according to the results
Greece plans to offer 15-year licenses in the following bands: of the consultation). The consultation is open until 10
700MHz (six blocks of 2×5MHz); 2100MHz (twelve
March. (February 14, 2020) commsupdate.com

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