Page 94 - SAMENA Trends - November-December 2021

REGULATORY & POLICY UPDATES SAMENA TRENDS

Ofcom Looks at TeraHertz Spectrum for Terabit 6G Future

Ofcom is asking for views on how to bandwidth for applications of the future currently only used for limited scientific
maximize the long-term value of the and enable 6G networks. The TeraHertz applications, such as weather forecasting.
TeraHertz (THz) spectrum, extremely band sits at the very top of the spectrum
high frequencies that could provide huge range between 100GHz and 3THz and is

GCRA Finds that JT and Sure Infringed Competition Law

The Guernsey Competition and Regulatory operated by the JT and Sure. According to the
Authority (GCRA) has adjudged that JT and GCRA, its investigation found that over a period
Sure broke competition law by ‘attempting to of approximately one year, through repeated
illegally control the provision of mobile networks contacts and exchanges of information, JT and
in Guernsey, including the future introduction Sure developed a joint plan that would mutually
of 5G’. In a press release regarding the matter, benefit each in their home markets without
the regulator said that – after opening an disclosing it to either the GCRA or the Jersey
investigation into a suspected anticompetitive Competition and Regulatory Authority (JCRA).
agreement between JT and Sure in relation Further, the two companies were said to have
to their respective mobile networks in the exchanged information on their commercial
Bailiwick – it had determined that ‘the nature strategy for introducing next generation mobile
and purposes of the exchanges [between the network at a slower pace than sought by the
companies] uncovered by the GCRA were found States of Guernsey; the duo, it is claimed, had where it found ‘a restriction of
to go well beyond legitimate purposes’. Of note, discussed a common ‘line to take’ that they competition by object’, and it
the GCRA said that its investigation had initially were working to roll out 5G in line with, or ahead will now consider whether it
focused on a suspected agreement in relation of, the UK, while privately agreeing not to do would be appropriate to issue
to 5G, but as further evidence was uncovered so. In terms of the next steps, the GCRA said it a draft penalty statement to JT
it was expanded to include all mobile networks would be minded to impose a financial penalty and Sure.

Regulator Approves China Mobile Shanghai Listing

China Mobile received approval from the final issue size and price of the share on companies deemed to be owned or
the nation’s financial regulator to raise listing. The state-owned company is listed controlled by the Chinese government. In
billions of dollars by listing in Shanghai, on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange and August, China Mobile detailed a plan to
nearly a year after being delisted from the stated the proceeds will be used to develop raise CNY56 billion ($8.8 billion) with a
New York Stock Exchange (NYSE). The 5G networks, new cloud infrastructure, listing in Shanghai. China Telecom raised
China Securities Regulatory Commission gigabit broadband and smart home CNY47.1 million when it was listed on the
approved the company’s application to list offerings, and the next-generation of Shanghai Stock Exchange, while China
A-shares, with plans to issue up to 845.7 information technology. China Mobile Unicom began considering listing a stake
million. China Mobile stated it will conduct and rivals China Telecom and China in its smart internet technology unit on a
“preliminary price consultations” on 16 Unicom were removed from the NYSE in domestic exchange.
December and 17 December, and announce January following a regulatory crackdown

Philippines Senate Approves Bill to Open Up Foreign Ownership of Telcos

The Philippines’ Senate yesterday (15 Representatives back in March 2020, the owned by Filipinos will currently be given
December) approved on the third and final Senate has now approved it by a margin of the franchise, certificate, and authorization
reading Senate Bill 2094 which aims to 19 to three in favor. The measure reportedly to operate as a public utility. Going forward,
open up industries to foreign investors, seeks to clarify the definitions between the telcos could now be considered as a public
including for public services such as terms ‘public utility’ and ‘public service’, service and, as such, ‘no longer bound by
telecommunications providers. With the noting that under the 1987 Constitution, restrictions on foreign ownership’.
Bill having passed through the House of only corporations that are at least 60%
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