Page 110 - SAMENA Trends - Jan-Mar 2024

REGULATORY & POLICY UPDATES SAMENA TRENDS

Polish Telco Operators Want 26 GHz Band to Be Allocated For 5G No Earlier

Than in 2026

Polish operators want the 26 GHz band launch of services. "The services will be earmarked for 5G in the 3400-3800 MHz
to be allocated for 5G networks no earlier implemented through single base stations band. Blocks of 100 MHz each were won
than in 2026, Poland's watchdog for and at a later stage as clusters of cells," by A (3400-3500 MHz) - Polkomtel for PLN
telecommunications and postal markets, UKE stated. The consultation suggests 450 million (EUR 104.4 mln), B (3500-3600
Office of Electronic Communications that the entire available resource should be MHz) - P4 for PLN 487.095 million (EUR
(UKE), said in a Tuesday's release following distributed without combining distribution 113.1 mln), C (3600-3700 MHz) - Orange
a consultation. According to the telcos, it with other bands. Operators also called for PLN 487.095 million (EUR 113.1 mln)
is too early to allocate this band because for the 700 MHz band to be distributed and D (3700-3800 MHz) - T-Mobile for
there are still major constraints on the as soon as possible. UKE in October PLN 496.837 million (EUR 115.3 mln).
availability of equipment for the commercial 2023 settled the auction of frequencies

GSMA Presses for European Reform

The GSMA argued critical reform of EU politicians to “embrace a new digital argued an overhaul is required to deliver
European laws are necessary to position infrastructure framework” which promotes universal 5G coverage in Europe by 2030,
the region as a technology frontrunner by financial input and market harmony. Laszlo highlighting the achievements of mobile
2030, a rank it argued had been lost due Toth, head of Europe and CIS at the industry sector initiatives covering factories, farming
to various barriers to digitalization. In a association, said “urgent action to secure and city management in terms of fueling
manifesto released on 20 March 2024, the the continent’s digital future has never “economic growth” and sustainability. It
GSMA asserted barriers to the growth and been more imperative”, as the region faces recommended EU politicians take action
competitiveness of the telecoms sector “significant geopolitical, economic and around spectrum costs and availability,
in the European Union (EU) have hindered societal shifts”. “This manifesto represents levelling the regulatory playing field and
the progress of the digital economy. It a commitment to partnership and progress, “updating historically based rules to reflect
highlighted a need to address “systemic laying the groundwork for Europe to reclaim current realities”.
challenges” around market fragmentation, its position as a global leader in digital
regulation and investment, and called on technology and innovation”. The GSMA

FCC Issues Satellite-to-Mobile Service Framework

The US Federal Communications allocated to wireless services, provided service calls to a public safety answering
Commission (FCC) adopted final rules to they satisfy certain licensing prerequisites, point by using either location-based
create a regulatory framework for satellite- including having a spectrum lease from routing or a specialist call center. Along
to-mobile services, part of a plan to extend a terrestrial licensee within a specified with the SCS, the FCC also adopted a
the reach of wireless networks to remote geographic area”. Once authorized, proposal to seek comment on public safety
areas. Its supplemental coverage from satellite service providers could connect issues and sought comment on issues
space (SCS) framework is designed to wireless operators’ customers outside associated with the protection of radio
enable partnerships between wireless typical coverage areas. FCC chair Jessica astronomy services. There are numerous
operators and satellite service providers to Rosenworcel stated the rules are part of satellite-to-phone services in various
deliver coverage in areas without terrestrial the FCC’s “single network future” vision. stages of development from companies
mobile connections. The FCC stated the “The opportunities are vast,” she noted. including Lynk Global, AST SpaceMobile
framework is “the first step in establishing “In this decision, we bring satellite and and Starlink. Charles Miller, co-founder
clear and transparent processes to support wireless communications together. We and CEO of Lynk Global, applauded the
these services”. It enables satellite service do this because their convergence can FCC’s rules, telling Mobile World Live the
providers operators collaborating with accomplish more than either network can “technology has the potential to help pull
terrestrial operators to seek authorization do on its own.” The rules also include an the next billion people out of poverty by
to operate space stations “on certain interim requirement for terrestrial service extending affordable access to mobile
licensed, flexible-use spectrum currently providers to route all SCS emergency connectivity around the globe”.

110 JANUARY-MARCH 2024