Page 107 - SAMENA Trends - Oct-Nov 2023

REGULATORY & POLICY UPDATES SAMENA TRENDS

network investment and greater competition." It will review Chairman Shyam Sunder Sikder, whose tenure witnessed the
corporate tax policies applied to network operators and investors highest spectrum allocation in the country, has been elected as
to ensure maximum incentives for investment in the expansion of the chairman of South Asian Telecommunication Regulators
broadband infrastructure and services. The policy will encourage Council (SATRC). He was elected for a two-year tenure with the
private telcos to invest in the expansion of infrastructure and consents of the nine member states of the SATRC on the opening
connectivity in unserved and underserved areas, and upgrade their day of the three-day "the 24th South Asian Telecommunication
networks under rational license terms to be agreed. The policy will Regulators Council (SATRC-24) Meeting" at Le Meridien Dhaka
develop rules and regulations to promote universal deployment of today. Sikder joined BTRC on December 14 in 2020 as its chairman.
public ICT access facilities and services in all communities on a He was the secretary of the ICT Division in 2014. Later in 2017,
commercial and public service basis. It will also develop a national he was made the post and telecom secretary. The SATRC was
public Wi-Fi policy. The policy will consider further revisions of tax established in 1997 with the combination of telecommunication
policies applied to various categories of devices and components, regulatory bodies of South Asia. This forum sets policy on
including both import tariffs and retail sales taxes, to ensure that spectrum coordination, standardization, regulatory trends,
the most effective balance of incentives and economic impacts telecommunication development strategies, regional cooperation
are maintained to grow all segments of the industry. and international issues in the field of telecommunications. The
(November 2, 202) www.dhakatribune.com current member states of the SATRC are Afghanistan, Bangladesh,
Bhutan, India, Iran, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka.
Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC) (October 3, 2023) www.thedailystar.net

Egypt

Egypt’s National Telecom Regulatory Authority (NTRA) has community segments, including the elderly and people with
been recognized with the “Advanced” level status in the G5 disabilities. In addition, NTRA’s interactive application, MyNTRA,
Benchmark for regulatory performance in telecommunications gained international acclaim as one of the top five global projects
by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU). This in digital government at the WSIS forum in May 2022. Egypt also
prestigious classification represents the highest global ranking hosted the Global Symposium for Regulators (GSR23), attracting
and underscores Egypt’s commitment to regulatory excellence over 700 specialists from more than 100 countries. The Egyptian
in the telecommunications sector. The ITU’s decision to African Telecommunication Training Center (EG-ATRC), under the
classify the NTRA at this level is attributed to the authority’s NTRA, has been accredited as an international training center by
successful implementation of collaborative regulation, which the ITU Academy, highlighting its excellence in telecommunication
has significantly contributed to the growth of an integrated training. Egypt’s leadership roles in three study committees in radio,
digital economy in Egypt. Collaborative regulation, pivotal in the standardization, and development sectors at the International
digital transformation era, necessitates harmonious coordination Telecommunication Union further illustrate the country’s active
among telecommunications regulatory bodies and other sector engagement in the global telecommunications regulatory
counterparts. This approach is vital to establish a regulatory space. Through these efforts, the NTRA continues to shape a
framework that effectively governs digital services and addresses dynamic and forward-looking telecommunications regulatory
challenges posed by emerging technologies. Egypt’s elevation to landscape in Egypt, contributing significantly to the country’s
this status by the ITU not only reinforces the country’s regional digital transformation journey and global telecommunications
and global standing in telecommunications regulation but also leadership. (November 12, 2022) www.meatechwatch.com
paves the way for expanded investment opportunities in its
telecommunications market. It furthers the development of a The government is planning to issue 5G licenses in December
competitive and attractive investment climate and bolsters the media reports citing sources familiar with the matter. As per the
digital transformation process. NTRA’s dedication to collaborative article, the 5G concessions are likely to be priced at USD500 million
regulation is evident in its partnerships with various entities, each. The National Telecommunications Regulatory Authority
including the Central Bank of Egypt to advance digital payments (NTRA) may consider delaying the licensing process to early-2024
and the government for national cybersecurity initiatives. The if any of the participants need more time to secure the required
authority’s efforts extend to promoting digital inclusivity, ensuring financing, the report adds.
accessible telecommunications and internet services for all (October 20, 2023) Al Sharq Business News

107 OCTOBER-NOVEMBER 2023