Page 130 - SAMENA Trends - May-June 2023

REGULATORY & POLICY UPDATES SAMENA TRENDS

Serbia’s updated Law on Electronic Communications for Communications and Postal Services (Regulatorno
has entered into force, updating the country’s telo za elektronske komunikacije i postanske usluge).
legislation so that it aligns with the EU’s Electronic RATEL noted that the updated legislation provides for the
Communications Code. The law also adjusted the name development of electronic communications networks
Serbia of the sector watchdog from the Regulatory Agency across the entirety of the country and incentivizes the
for Electronic Communications and Postal Services
deployment and use of new network technologies.
(Regulatorna agencija za elektronske komunikacije i (May 10, 2023) www.ratel.rs
postanske usluge, RATEL) to the Regulatory Authority

The Independent Communications Authority of South services, a robust and competitive telecommunications
Africa (Icasa) intends to publish a request for proposals industry, as well as promote investment in the country.
to appoint a consultant to assist with the licensing As a result, it is vital to ensure a fair auction process
process for International Mobile Telecommunications by appointing a suitable consultant to assist with

South Africa (IMT) Radio Frequency Spectrum, including conducting the licensing process,' said councilor Peter Zimri,
an auction in multiple IMT-identified bands. The IMT
chairperson of the committee. The licensing process is
Spectrum auction is expected to be completed in 2024. availing spectrum resources on the following identified
The amended Radio Frequency Spectrum Regulations IMT spectrum bands: IMT750, IMT800, IMT1500,
prescribe the market-based approach to efficient IMT2300, IMT3300, and IMT3500. The Radio Frequency
spectrum management, which includes using an auction Spectrum Assignment Plans for these IMT Spectrum
process for the licensing of the spectrum in respect of bands were published in the relevant Government
which demand exceeds supply. 'This important process Gazettes.
seeks to ensure universal availability of broadband (June 12, 2023) www.bizcommunity.com

The Ministry of Science and ICT (MSIT) has confirmed Now, however, it said it had reviewed SKT’s performance
that, having conducted a performance check relating to as it relates to the use of 28GHz spectrum and had
SK Telecom’s (SKT’s) utilization of 28GHz frequencies found the operator had rolled out just 1,650 base
for 5G connectivity, it plans to cancel the cellco’s stations operating in the band, of a required 15,000.
South Korea concession. Having previously cancelled KT and LG Given that SKT has confirmed that it has no plans for
further deployments, the MSIT has therefore given it
Uplus’ 28GHz licenses back in November 2022 after the
pair fell short of meeting requirements in their licenses, advance notice of its intention to cancel its license at
the regulator at that date gave SKT a temporary reprieve, the end of this month.
saying its license would remain valid until 31 May 2023. (May 12, 2023) www. telecoms.com

Telecoms regulator the National Commission for now, causing delays in actioning their plans.
Markets and Competition (CNMC) has updated its so- (Jun 13, 2023) www.commsupdate.com
called ‘MARCo offer’ making it easier for alternative
operators to access Telefonica’s infrastructure to The Ministry of Economic Affairs and Digital
Spain launch their own new generation fiber services. The Transformation (Ministerio de Asuntos Economicos
watchdog’s new offer improves the regulation of access
y Transformacion Digital) has launched a public
to Telefonica’s civil works infrastructures, including consultation regarding the extension of the country’s
conduits, registers, manholes and poles, important existing mobile licenses. As per the General
for the deployment of new fiber-optic networks. Cinco Telecommunications Law (dated 28 June 2022), the
Dias notes that in one important update, the CNMC has duration of existing concessions can be extended to
introduced an improvement in the notification process a total term of 40 years. The regulator notes that the
for scheduling (e.g. due to works by a Town Hall). proposed license extension offers greater stability
Thanks to the amendment, Telefonica is required to and helps the licensees when planning their network
provide more information to altnets and to do so in a investments.
timely manner – something that had been lacking until (May 22, 2023) www.commsupdate.com

130 MAY-JUNE 2023