Page 92 - SAMENA Trends - July-August 2023

REGULATORY & POLICY UPDATES SAMENA TRENDS

TRA Bahrain Holds Its Second Open Forum to Review 2022-2023 Work Plan

The Telecommunications Regulatory TRA remains committed to supporting our stakeholders, we continue to make
Authority (TRA) invited local operators and encouraging innovation, developing progress towards our strategic goals. We
and licensees to its second Open Forum a vibrant and healthy digital ecosystem, look forward to holding more Open Forums
to discuss updates to its 2022-2023 and ensuring transparency in everything so that we can continue to engage with all
work plan with the progress made to we do.” He added: “Working alongside stakeholders.”
date. In attendance were representatives
from the telecommunications industry
and consumer advocacy organizations.
Through this work plan, the TRA aims
to create an environment that supports
innovation, make Bahrain one of the worlds
most advanced telecommunications
markets with secure and resilient
network, reliable broadband service for
all, as well as ensuring consumers are
empowered and protection. TRA’s General
Director, Philip Marnick stated: “These
forums bring together stakeholders to
share their expertise and discuss the
telecommunications industry’s most
pressing issues and opportunities. The

RRT Opens Consultation on 1452MHz-1492MHz 5G Auction Plans

Lithuania’s Communications Regulatory spectrum auction procedure. Under current plan to announce an auction,’ said Darius
Authority (RRT) has launched a public auction plans, each winning bidder will be Kuliesius, deputy chairman of the RRT
consultation on plans for the development granted the right to use spectrum in only Council, adding: ‘Mobile operators will be
of mobile communications services in the one of the following ranges: 1452MHz- able to participate in it and, on the basis of
1452MHz-1492MHz frequency band. The 1472MHz or 1472MH-1492MHz. ‘Radio acquired frequencies, further increase the
regulator notes that the band is suitable frequencies are a resource of our country development of electronic communication
for data transmission services, including – we strive to use them efficiently and networks and services. The more spectrum
5G communication. Interested parties have create value for Lithuanian users. Having operators have, the higher the quality of
until 18 September to submit comments on assessed that the 1452MHz-1492MHz connection they can provide to users.’
the plans, following which the RRT said it will radio frequency band can be used for the
seek to allocate the frequencies through a development of mobile communication, we

Germany Sets $1B AI Research Budget

Germany reportedly outlined plans to spend expand data centers and make public more private investment. “We have AI that
almost €1 billion on AI research over the data sets more accessible to generate is explainable, trustworthy and transparent,”
next two years through public funding in an new insights. Stark-Watzinger apparently she said. “That’s a competitive advantage.”
attempt to step up competition with the US, believes Europe could hold the edge over The country, however, has a long way to
which has established a lead in the sector. nations like the US and China due to the go to match the outlay by the US. Citing
Reuters reported Minister of Education and continent’s regulatory framework and the a Stanford University report, Reuters
Research Bettina Stark-Watzinger set the potential to work with other countries in placed US government spending on AI at
target, which is almost double what it spent the European Union. She further claimed $3.3 billion in 2022, when the sector also
on research in the field previously. As part Europe has more of a focus on privacy attracted $47.4 billion in private spending.
of the plan, the country aims to create 150 and personal safety when it comes to AI
new university laboratories for AI research, development and could therefore attract

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