Page 149 - SAMENA Trends - June-August 2021

REGULATORY & POLICY UPDATES SAMENA TRENDS

The Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications the country’s Radio Law to allow MNOs to use that
(MIC) in Japan has approved plans that would see spectrum at night and in the early morning, when TV
mobile network operators (MNOs) sharing frequency stations are not using it. The paper goes on to say
spectrum at certain times to optimize the use of ‘the ministry plans to recruit new subscribers by the
Japan scant frequency bandwidth. Noting that the uptake end of this year, with four mobile giants, including NTT
of fifth-generation wireless services will accelerate
DOCOMO, likely to apply … One or two companies will
the utilization of radio waves for smartphones and be selected next spring, allowing mobile phone users to
driverless vehicles in future, the MIC said that it aims access 5G services more easily.’ Furthermore, it plans
to begin spectrum sharing by the end of March next to introduce dynamic frequency sharing (DSS) in future
year. Given that the wavebands used for TV relay to allow multiple operators to use the same frequency
broadcasts – which can be used for 5G – are only used band at certain times.
at certain times of the day the ministry has revised (July 23, 2021) commsupdate.com

The government is considering proposals to sell state- The Ministry of Digital Development has reiterated
owned mobile operator MegaCom to the National Bank plans to launch commercial 5G network services by
of Kyrgyzstan or other unnamed potential buyers, 2023, under the country’s digital economy program for
chairman of the Fund for State Property Management 2021-2023, reports 24.kg. Officials noted that whilst
Kyrgyzstan Mirlan Bakirov told a press conference, quoted the national development of 4G networks has not yet
by news agency 24.kg. Mr. Bakirov stressed that reached the desired peak level for a full 5G launch to
MegaCom must undergo an asset revaluation before commence, the initial introduction of 5G technology is
any sale takes place. He added: ‘Parliament agreed imminent. A government statement noted that 5G was
to include MegaCom in the privatization program envisaged to enable smart cities, smart homes and
[note: Kyrgyzstan’s unicameral Supreme Council, the remote-controlled vehicles, and optimize processes in
Jogorku Kenesh, approved a Cabinet of Ministers industrial facilities, offices, shopping malls and social
resolution proposing to sell MegaCom on 29 July facilities. A report cited the Ministry as saying the
2021]. The company is now undergoing an inventory following steps must be undertaken to introduce 5G
procedure. A special commission will be created; all technology: carry out work on the release of suitable
procedures will be open.’ Several previous attempts 5G frequency bands; select a city to test the technology
at finding a buyer for MegaCom have failed, and the using 5G-capable mobile phones; and monitor
property fund chairman noted that in 2019 the cellco’s the delivery of high quality mobile internet to the
value was estimated at KGS19 billion (USD225 million) population. Furthermore, Tazabek quoted Kyrgyzstan’s
before the valuation was reduced to KGS14 billion. State Communications Agency director Talant Kalykov
Therefore, the Cabinet of Ministers is now undertaking disclosing plans to launch a pilot 5G network by the
a reassessment of the company, Bakirov said. end of 2021, with further details to follow.
(August 20, 2021) commsupdate.com (June 11, 2021) Sputnik.kg

The Agency for Electronic Communications (AEK) 778MHz), А3 (723MHz-733MHz/778MHz-788MHz),
has received four expressions of interest (EoI) from В2 (3.6GHz-3.7GHz) and В3 (3.7GHz-3.8GHz)
telecoms operators for participation in the planned • Makedonski Telekom: В2 (3.6GHz-3.7GHz), А2
auction for 5G spectrum. The EoI are as follows: (713MHz-723MHz/768MHz-778MHz) and/or А3
Macedonia • Neotel: blocks В41, В44, В45 and В46 (3.4315GHz- (723MHz-733MHz/778MHz-788MHz)
North 3.460GHz), suitable for fixed services in regions 1 The agency plans to grant three approvals for spectrum
(Skopije, Ilinden, Petrovets, Zelenikovo, Studenichani, in the 700MHz band, seven approvals for airwaves in
Sopishte, Chucher Sandevo and Arachinovo), 4 (Bitola, the 3.6GHz band and four approvals for spectrum in
Prilep, Demir Hisar, Krushevo, Dolneni, Krivogashtani, the 26GHz band. The authorizations will be valid for 15
Mogila, Novaci and Resen), 5 (Ohrid, Struga, Debarca, years (extendable for another five years afterwards),
Vevchani, Kichevo, M. Brod, Drugovo, Zajac, Oslomej, with starting prices of EUR6 million (USD7.1 million)
Vraneshtica, Plasnica, Debar and Centar Jupa) and 6 for 700MHz airwaves, EUR3 million (3.6GHz) and
(Tetovo, Gostivar, Tearce, Jegunovce, Jelino, Brvenica, EUR300,000 (26GHz). Under the license’s terms and
Bogovinje, Mavrovo and Rostushe) conditions, at least one major city must be covered by
• Bitstream Mobile: blocks А1 (703MHz- 5G technology by 2023, in order to allow 5G coverage
713MHz/758MHz-768MHz) and В1 (3.5GHz- in all major urban areas and terrestrial transport routes
3.6GHz) by 2027. By the end of 2029, 100% of population must
• А1 Macedonia: А2 (713MHz-723MHz/768MHz- have access to 5G signal with minimum downlink of

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