Page 109 - SAMENA Trends - Oct-Nov 2023

REGULATORY & POLICY UPDATES SAMENA TRENDS

authority can allocate them to other service providers via spectrum the authority to provide service by using the unused frequency, it
auctions. The authority has received criticism in the past for not will be automatically returned,” a member of the committee said.
doing much about telcos holding the frequency without using (November 1, 2023) www.nepalitelecom.com
them. The committee’s meeting chaired by the Communication
Minister Rekha Sharma passed the new policy. The meeting The Public Accounts Committee (PAC) of the House of
revoked the earlier provision which was lenient on telcos for not Representatives has urged the Ministry of Communications and
fully committing to using frequency spectrum after getting them Information Technology (MoCIT) and the Nepal Telecommunication
from the authority. This new policy will discourage the act of not Authority (NTA) to hold off from selling Smart Telecom’s revoked
operating communication services while just holding the frequency. license, recommending that the regulatory bodies stage further
Likewise, it will ensure the maximum utilization of the frequency discussions regarding the plan. The NTA revoked Smart’s license
and contribute to better service quality. Using the frequencies to in April this year, over the cellco’s failure to pay a NPR20 billion
their optimum capacity also helps form a competitive telecom (USD151 million) license renewal fee. the PAC also recommended
market. With this policy, NTA will have the authority to get back the postponing the planned deployment of the Telecommunication
frequencies from telcos that only hold them. However, a member Traffic Monitoring and Fraud Control System (TERAMOCS), as
of the committee shared that the authority will allow service well as the implementation of the Rural Telecommunication Fund.
providers a six-month period to process the spectrums into the (October 13, 2023) My Republica
service. “If a company does not comply with the instructions from

Oman

The Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (TRA) has Centers and International Connection Services. Over the past year,
emphasized the importance of activating voice calling over 4G Oman has seen a proliferation of data centers being established
VoLTE (Voice over LTE) networks for mobile users. This comes as at key locations around the country. Many of these processing
a part of the authority’s broader initiative to phase out 3G services hubs take advantage of the international submarine and terrestrial
and transition fully to more advanced network technologies. cables connecting Oman with data networks globally. Presently,
VoLTE differs from traditional VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) there are around 21 subsea telecom cables with landing points
services in that it uses the 4G LTE network instead of Wi-Fi to along the country’s shores, with more such cable links in the
transmit voice data. This technology enables users to make works. Now, in a bid to regulate this rapidly growing sector, the
calls using the internet while still utilizing their standard phone Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (TRA) has initiated
numbers. These calls are treated as regular phone minutes by a public consultation on a draft regulatory framework aimed
cell service providers, most of whom now support VoLTE. Notably, ultimately at laying the groundwork for the robust growth of this key
VoLTE functions efficiently even in areas with a strong data signal. market. Highlighting the importance of the telecom cables sector,
In anticipation of the gradual discontinuation of 3G services the Authority explained: “International submarine and terrestrial
starting next year, the TRA is urging users to activate VoLTE on cables are critical communications infrastructure for countries
all their devices. This transition is aimed at improving the quality around the world and are vital to their national economies. These
of voice communication over the 4G networks. As 4G technology cables form the backbone of the internet and are essential to the
becomes more prevalent, devices limited to 3G and 2G capabilities provision of telecommunication services across the commercial,
will gradually become obsolete. Users of these older devices will governmental and consumer sectors. The continued development
likely need to upgrade to newer models that are compatible with of these sectors, through the attraction of additional capacity and
the evolving telecommunication services. The TRA’s decision to diversity to Oman, is essential to further develop the Sultanate of
halt 3G services by July 2024 is part of its strategy to optimize the Oman’s position as a global hub and key location for the siting of
use of natural resources, such as the frequency band spectrum. Data Centers and International Interconnection Services.” Draft
This move is also seen as an investment in modern technologies, regulations formulated by the TRA envision a set of guidelines
aiming to focus on delivering higher quality services to users. for undertaking, among other activities, surveying, installation,
This shift reflects the ongoing global trend towards more efficient operation, and maintenance and repair of international telecom
and higher-capacity telecommunication networks, marking cables. It also outlines Oman’s stance on regulating submarine
a significant step in the digital evolution of communication telecom cables crossing in territorial waters, the exclusive
technologies. (November 14, 2023) www.meatechwatch.com economic zone, or the Strait of Hormuz. Importantly, the Authority
is set to have a central role in issuing final approvals related to
The Sultanate of Oman is moving to regulate international telecom surveying, installation, operation, maintenance and repair work
cables either transiting its territorial waters or landing on its shores for international telecom cables on Omani territory or waters. In
in a bid to enhance the country’s appeal as a global hub for Data effect, the issuance of the requisite approvals and permits for

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