Page 114 - SAMENA Trends - November-December 2021

REGULATORY & POLICY UPDATES SAMENA TRENDS

Sri Lanka

The Telecommunications Regulatory Commission of Sri Lanka Nepal Telecommunication Authority (NTA), the governing body
(TRCSL) has reportedly opened discussions with Elon Musk’s for telecommunications in Nepal is seeking consultations for the
SpaceX venture concerning the possible launch of Starlink implementation & promotion of 5G in vertical sectors of Nepal.
internet services in Sri Lanka. MENFN cites a tweet from the 5G is the popular name for mind-boggling internet speed and
regulator confirming that ‘preliminary engagement was initiated massive connectivity in this modern world. And Nepal is also
with SpaceX in exploring the introduction of Starlink Internet awaiting 5G to join this race. That’s why NTA is opening up a
Services in @SriLanka’. Apparently the first round of discussions way to implement 5G as soon as possible. The government of
‘focused on regulatory aspects and prerequisites of initiating the Nepal has already allocated funds to prepare a Master Plan for
service in the near future for Sri Lanka’. As previously reported by the implementation & promotion of 5G in Nepal. For this, NTA is
CommsUpdate, earlier this month the US-based Low Earth Orbit now inviting Expression of Interest from eligible contestant firms
(LEO) satellite broadband provider revealed that it is now serving for consulting services. This will further assist to develop an
around 140,000 subscriptions across more than 20 countries, action plan for efficient & effective use of 5G. Interested firms can
up from 100,000 in August. The company supplied the metrics get further information from NTA’s official website or electronic-
in a presentation to the Federal Communications Commission Government Procurement (eGP) system. The primary objective is
(FCC) in early November, adding that over 750,000 would-be to study the development & growth trend of 5G cases in Nepal. 5G
users across the globe have placed ‘orders/deposits’ for satellite being the fastest connection speed, is going to be the mainstream
connectivity. On a gloomier note, however, the company warned connection for broadband as well as industries. NTA also seeks
the FCC that the ongoing chip shortage is slowing down the for prioritizing vertical sectors to integrate 5G in those areas.
production of its satellite dishes. Starlink seeks to become the This will also further bring & implement action plans. Facilitating
world’s first high speed, low-latency satellite ISP, coordinating 5G for Nepali customers as soon as possible has been the main
the largest fleet of operating satellites to deliver a consistent objective. The work scope of the project is to find practical usage
broadband service to the most disconnected areas. The public of 5G in various sectors. It will also focus on the pattern of Nepali
beta program commenced in October 2020 and Starlink began users.
accepting pre-orders – priced at USD99 – in February this year. (November 14, 2021) nepalitelecom.com
(November 30, 2021) commsupdate.com

Sudan

A Sudanese court has ordered the country’s three main mobile blackout ‘a violation of international law’. The coup, led by General
operators to restore internet services, after access was cut off Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, halted a power-sharing arrangement
last month following a coup by military leaders. A judge ordered between the military and civilians. Top civilian politicians have
Kuwaiti-owned Zain, MTN of South Africa and local provider been detained and Prime Minister Abdalla Hamdok was placed
Sudatel (Sudani) to restore internet services immediately, under house arrest. Mediation efforts have stalled, and Burhan
according to lawyer Abdelazim Hassan, who raised a complaint on has said he is committed to appointing a technocratic cabinet
behalf of the Sudanese Consumer Protection Society. In a tweet, until elections in July 2023.
the US Agency for International Development (USAID) called the (November 11, 2021) reuters.com

Turkey

The US Treasury announced that it has reached an agreement the OECD agreement, which would reallocate a portion of taxing
with the Turkish government on Turkey’s transition from its rights to market jurisdictions. In addition, the agreement allows
digital services tax to the new taxing rules under the OECD-led certain excess amounts paid in digital taxes in the interim period
October 8 international agreement. The agreement adopts the by in-scope companies to be creditable against future Pillar
same terms as those reached by the US last month with Austria, One liability. In return for the coordinated withdrawal of Turkey’s
France, Italy, Spain, and the UK. The terms allow Turkey’s digital digital tax, the US agrees not to pursue retaliatory trade actions.
taxes to stay in place pending implementation of “Pillar One” of (November 23, 2021) mnetax.com

114 NOV-DEC 2021