Page 156 - SAMENA Trends - June-August 2021

REGULATORY & POLICY UPDATES SAMENA TRENDS

view a coverage map of 2G, 3G, 4G and, eventually, networks. The new tool forms part of the ARTP’s
5G networks in their area. According to the regulator, Quality of Service (QoS) and coverage strategy for the
the ‘ARTP Sama Reseau’ app collects anonymous period 2021-2023, launched in December last year,
user Quality of Experience (QoE) data that is fed to which aims to improve market transparency, stimulate
an advanced analyzed platform, providing it with competition and encourage operators to investment in
a comprehensive overview of the country’s mobile network expansion. (August 11, 2021) commsupdate.com

The telecoms watchdog the Regulatory Agency for requested parties interested in acquiring spectrum
Electronic Communications and Postal Services rights for the aforementioned bands to submit detailed
(Regulatorna agencija za elektronske komunikacije i applications, including information on the services
postanske usluge, RATEL) has extended the deadline that the frequencies would be used to provide, the
Serbia for the submission of applications regarding the use technologies that would be utilized, and the area that
of spectrum in the 700MHz, 900MHz, 2100MHz,
would be covered. In addition, applicants were asked
2600MHz and 3500MHz bands for mobile or fixed to supply information regarding their preferred auction
communications networks. The regulator had type. Once RATEL has received and processed all
previously set the deadline at 1 July 2021, but has now applications, it will issue a statement regarding the
postponed the date to 1 September 2021; it did not results before proceeding with the next stage of the
provide an explanation for the decision. As previously allocation process.
reported by TeleGeography’s CommsUpdate, RATEL (July 2, 2021) commsupdate.com

The Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA) a lack of 5G bandwidth to secure islandwide reach, it
is seeking views from the public and industry on a said, while confirming that the reserve price is likely to
proposal to refarm the 2.1GHz spectrum band for 5G in be between SGD10 million and SGD15 million (USD7.4
Singapore. In a press release, the regulator noted that the million and USD11.0 million) for each of the twelve
Singapore band is currently used for 3G services but will expire at paired lots on offer. ‘As Singapore continues to forge
the end of 2021, and it is exploring the potential to reuse
ahead with our nationwide 5G rollout, the availability of
the spectrum to support the nationwide deployment of the 2.1GHz spectrum will help provide opportunities for
5G Standalone (SA) networks, while simultaneously growth for all MNOs. The new spectrum can be used to
maintaining ‘flexibility for 3G services to continue’. complement existing 5G networks deployed, using the
IMDA will look to hold the auction in the second half of first tranche of 5G Call For Proposal (CFP) spectrum,
this year open to all existing mobile network operators to enhance coverage and capacity, as well as the
(MNOs) – Singtel, StarHub, M1 and TPG Telecom (TPG potential for deployment of an additional nationwide
Mobile) – if they wish to participate. The release of the 5G SA network,’ IMDA confirmed in the release.
2.1GHz band for 5G will hopefully alleviate the issue of (July 27, 2021) commsupdate.com

The National Communications Authority (NCA) provision of multiple services through the introduction
has issued a public notice stating that all currently of service and technology-neutral licenses to promote
unlicensed service providers will be required to innovation and competition. Three types of permits
apply for a permit to operate in the country by 31 exist under the new ULF, namely: Communications
August 2021. The request applies to all providers Infrastructure Provider (CIP) License, which is
Somalia and operators of communications infrastructure, required for the operation and provision of network
applications and services, internet services, terminal infrastructure; Application and Services Provider (ASP)
equipment, domain services and VSAT services. License, issued to service providers which do not own
TeleGeography’s GlobalComms Database stated that their own infrastructure but instead lease and utilize
in October 2019 the NCA launched a consultation the infrastructure of a CIP; and Communications
process for the country’s first licensing regime for Infrastructure and Services Provider (CISP) License, a
the ICT and telecoms sector and the new Unified combined permit which allows holders to operate and
Licensing Framework (ULF) was formally introduced provide infrastructure, services and applications.
in February 2020. The new framework allows for the (August 3, 2021) commsupdate.com

156 JUN-AUG 2021