Page 133 - SAMENA Trends - May-June 2023

REGULATORY & POLICY UPDATES SAMENA TRENDS

locations.’ Discussing the new methodology, FCC picture of unserved communities because it lacked the
chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel explained: ‘For kind of granular data policymakers need if they want
decades, the Commission produced broadband maps to address the digital divide. It was time to do things
based on census blocks. In practice, this meant that differently. So, in November 2022, the FCC developed
if there was high-speed internet service in a single its first location-based broadband map using new legal
location in a census block, the agency assumed there and technical tools to help it paint an accurate picture
was service throughout the area. Needless to say, of where broadband is and is not available across the
this methodology left a lot to be desired. It overstated United States.’ (June 1, 2023) www.commsupdate.com
service nationwide. It also provided a less than accurate

Two of Uruguay’s existing mobile network operators licenses, while a further 1×100MHz in that band has
– Claro and Movistar – were the sole participants in also been reserved for state-owned incumbent Antel.
the 5G spectrum auction held by the Regulatory Unit Each 3.5GHz spectrum license will be valid for 25 years.
of Communications Services (Unidad Reguladora de Rollout obligations include a requirement to deploy: 70
Uruguay Servicios de Comunicaciones, URSEC) earlier this base stations within one year; at least two base stations
in a minimum of ten or more departments (excluding
week. The pair each acquired 1×100MHz of spectrum
in the 3.5GHz band, with America Movil-owned Claro Montevideo) within two years; and at least two base
bidding USD28.10 million and Movistar, the local unit stations in each of the country’s 19 departments by the
of Spain’s Telefonica, paying USD28.05 million for the end of the third year. (May 10, 2023) www.commsupdate.com

The Vietnamese Ministry of Information and (June 8, 2023) www.developingtelecoms.com
Communications apparently announced its recent
spectrum auction has been unsuccessful with no Four mobile network operators (MNOs) – Viettel,
bids for airwaves, reported VietNamNet. Up for VNPT-Vinaphone, MobiFone and Vietnamobile – have
Vietnam auction was mobile spectrum in the 2,300MHz - applied to participate in the Ministry of Information and
2,400MHz bands. VietNamNet reported, that no Communications’ (MIC’s) upcoming spectrum auction.
operator registered their interest by paying a deposit The Ministry is set to allocate three licenses for mobile
to participate. The government was aiming to allocate spectrum in the 2300MHz-2400MHz band for the devel-
three licenses for spectrum in the band to bolster 4G opment of 4G and 5G services. Winning bidders will be
and 5G services across Vietnam. The licenses would limited to 30MHz of spectrum each, divided up as:
have been valid for 15 years and were divided up as 2300MHz-2330MHz; 2330MHz-2360MHz; and
follows: 2300MHz-2330MHz; 2330MHz-2360MHz; and 2360MHz-2390MHz. Licenses are valid for 15 years. On
2360MHz-2390MHz. Vietnam has several providers 21 February 2023 the MIC issued Decision No. 219/QD-
including MNOs Viettel, Vinaphone, Vietnamobile and BTTTT approving the plan to organize an auction for
Mobifone. But it is unclear why they did not participate rights to use radio frequencies in the 2300MHz-
in the auction. It was reported last month that all four 2400MHz band for terrestrial mobile communication
operators had registered interest in the spectrum. systems. (May 19, 2023) VietNamnet

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