Page 94 - SAMENA Trends - June-August 2021

REGULATORY & POLICY UPDATES SAMENA TRENDS

Romania Opens Consultation on Multi-Band Spectrum Auction

Romania’s National Authority for lots of 2×5MHz FDD in the 2600MHz fees are to be paid within 15 days from the
Management and Regulation in band (2530MHz-2570MHz/2650MHz- announcement of the final results of the
Communications (ANCOM) has opened a 2690MHz), for a period between 1 January auction. In a press release setting out the
consultation regarding plans to auction 2022 and 5 April 2029; one block of 15MHz plan, ANCOM vice-president Bogdan Iana
short-term spectrum licenses for unused TDD in the band 2600MHz (2600MHz- commented: ‘Expanding the capacity of
frequencies in the 800MHz, 2600MHz and 2615MHz), for a period between 1 January radio electronic communications networks
3.5GHz bands later this year. The sale, 2022 and 5 April 2029; and 18 5MHz TDD has become a necessity in the context of
which is likely to precede the delayed blocks in the 3.5GHz (3400MHz-3490MHz) the rapid growth of data traffic and the
sale of 5G-suitable spectrum, could band, for a period between 1 January 2022 economic, industrial and social importance
raise more than EUR70 million (USD83 and 31 December 2025. The regulator has of the digital economy. This is the reason
million). ANCOM intends to auction proposed the following starting price for why we intend to organize a tender for the
195MHz of frequencies, with license user rights in the bands: EUR22 million per allocation of the rights to use the spectrum
expiry aligned with existing permits in the paired block in the 800MHz band; EUR4.3 remaining available following the selection
bands, as follows: one block of 2×5MHz million per paired block and EUR3.5 million procedures carried out by the Authority in
FDD in the 800MHz band (791MHz- for the unpaired block in the 2600MHz 2012 and 2015.’
796MHz/832MHz-837MHz), valid between band; and EUR700,000 for an unpaired
1 January 2022 and 5 April 2029; eight block in the 3.5GHz band. The license

Agreement Signed Between UN Tech Agency and Host Country Romania for

ITU Plenipotentiary Conference 2022

The International Telecommunication Union (ITU) signed an
agreement with the Government of Romania for the hosting of the
ITU Plenipotentiary Conference 2022 (PP-22) in Bucharest. ITU's
supreme governing body is set to convene from 26 September
to 14 October 2022 at the Palace of the Parliament in the
Romanian capital. “I am very pleased that the ITU Plenipotentiary
Conference 2022 will be held in Romania," said ITU Secretary-
General Houlin Zhao. “The COVID-19 pandemic has shown the
importance of digital technologies and services like never before.
Yet challenges remain everywhere. ITU Member States will use
PP-22 to set out a roadmap for 2024-2027, at a time when digital
transformation is accelerating around the world." Vlad Stefan communication technology (ICT) networks and services, and
Stoica, President of the National Authority for Management and efforts to promote digital inclusion in under-served communities.
Regulation in Communications (ANCOM), who signed the host PP-22 is also to set ITU's general policies, adopt four-year
country agreement on behalf of the Government of Romania, strategic and financial plans, and address key ICT issues as
added: “By organizing the Plenipotentiary Conference, we are fully requested by ITU Members. Furthermore, the conference will
committed to bringing together all countries to work closely for elect ITU's next Secretary-General, Deputy Secretary-General,
the development of global communications and to strengthen and Directors of the Bureaux of the Radiocommunication
the telecommunication sector. I can assure you that we will spare Sector, the Telecommunication Standardization Sector, and the
no effort to successfully organize this landmark event, providing Telecommunication Development Sector, along with the members
the highest standards in terms of resource allocation, the venue of the Radio Regulations Board. The Plenipotentiary Conference
and the well-being of all participants, while also conducting this also elects the Member States that constitute the next ITU
event in an environmentally and socially responsible manner, Council, which acts as ITU's governing body in the interval
making it as eco-friendly, sustainable, gender-responsive and between plenipotentiary conferences. ITU Member States will
inclusive as possible." ITU's Plenipotentiary Conference is held be invited to officially submit candidatures about one year prior
every four years, convening representatives of the organization's to the conference. Candidatures must reach the ITU Secretary-
193 Member States to oversee global radio spectrum allocation, General not later than 23:59 hours (Geneva time) on the 28th day
the creation of global technical standards for information and prior to the Conference, i.e., Monday, 29 August 2022.

94 JUN-AUG 2021