Page 165 - SAMENA Trends - July-August 2022

REGULATORY & POLICY UPDATES SAMENA TRENDS

The telecoms regulator pushed back a long-awaited on the NBTC to reject the deal, citing findings the merger
decision on a proposed merger of True Corp and dtac could lead to a 12 per cent to 40 per cent hike in prices,
after concluding details provided by the companies was NBTC began reviewing the proposed tie-up in February.
not sufficient to design measures to protect consumers. (August 5, 2022) The Nation
Thailand The National Broadcasting and Telecommunications The National Broadcasting and Telecommunications
Commission’s (NBTC) five-member board asked
for additional information on the impact of the Commission (NBTC) is imposing tougher measures
merger on consumers and the industry, along with on mobile network operators (MNOs) that allow the
examining studies conducted by four subcommittees, registration of more than five SIM cards by an individual
Chulalongkorn University and an independent financial through dealers, vowing to fine the carriers THB1 million
adviser, the newspaper wrote. Fresh analysis on the (USD27,600) per day for violating the restriction. The
potential costs savings of the deal, the spectrum regulator has given MNOs 30 days to comply with the
holdings of the new company, possible steps to reduce new directive before being fined.
tariffs and measures to promote MVNOs was requested. (July 6, 2022) commsupdate.com
Thai PBS stated opposition party Move Forward called

The Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) Communications Commission (UCC) to work with
has opened a public consultation on the framework operators to ensure that voice and data products do not
for monitoring coverage obligations of the country’s expire after a given time period and a dormant account
mobile network operators (MNOs). The consultation can be reactivated by the user with their remaining
Uganda has called for comments on aspects such as data data and call minute allowances intact. Authorities
collection, reporting and verification. Each cellco is
are also looking to stop telcos charging more for
required to submit an annual coverage implementation calls to other networks, which they say has created
plan and regular progress reports. Uganda’s mobile ‘unhealthy monopolistic tendencies. Moses Magogo,
market is dominated by two main players, MTN and head of the Committee on ICT and National Guidance,
Airtel, which between them account for around 95% of said: ‘UCC should … enhance engagements with the
all subscriptions. Uganda Telecom Ltd (UTL) and Smile telecommunication operators to develop and provide a
Communications serve the remainder. broad range of bundles that will encourage customers
(August 23, 2022) www.commsupdate.com to access internet and call subscriptions.’ The Uganda’s
mobile market is dominated by two main players, MTN
The parliament has urged local cellcos to improve and Airtel, which between them account for around 95%
voice and data bundles and reduce cross-network of all subscriptions.
fees to help consumers. MPs have urged the Uganda (July 15, 2022) commsupdate.com

Auction 108, the latest in a long line of Federal The Department of Commerce’s National
Communications Commission (FCC) spectrum sales, Telecommunications and Information Administration
has got off to an underwhelming start, attracting bids (NTIA) has announced that all 50 US states, the District
of just USD103.5 million after the first day of bidding on of Columbia and all unincorporated US territories
United 29 July. A further two rounds of bidding took place on have confirmed their participation in the Biden-Harris
administration’s ‘Internet for All’ initiative, as announced
1 August, with bids edging up to just USD115.3 million
States by close-of-play. Auction 108 is offering approximately in May. Going forward, the USD42.45 billion ‘Broadband
8,000 flexible‐use geographic overlay licenses in the Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD)’ program
2496MHz-2690MHz (2.5GHz) band. Up to three blocks will enable all states and territories to expand fixed
of spectrum are being licensed on a county basis. broadband access by funding planning, infrastructure
Notable bidders include: Cellco Partnership (Verizon deployment and adoption initiatives. US Secretary
Wireless), AT&T Auction Holdings, United States Cellular of Commerce Gina Raimondo commented: ‘The
Corporation (UScellular), T-Mobile License (T-Mobile Department of Commerce is committed to ensuring all
US) and Cellular South Licenses (C Spire). By contrast, Americans have access to the internet, which is vital
the previous – albeit non-chronologically ordered FCC for our economic future. Beyond access, we also must
auction (Auction 110) – generated opening day bids enable meaningful internet use and provide people with
of USD672.4 million in October 2021. That auction tools to participate in education and training, access
comprised spectrum in the 3.45GHz–3.55GHz band. health care, and thrive in the digital economy. The
(August 2, 2022) www.commsupdate.com Internet for All initiative will help states and territories

165 JULY-AUGUST 2022