Page 126 - SAMENA Trends - October-December 2024

REGULATORY & POLICY UPDATES SAMENA TRENDS

It also took into consideration idle capacity in V.tal's very close to the 5G band, it was explained. Over the last
telecommunications network, which will continue few years, Anatel has acted on two fronts: migration
to operate as an independent neutral network. In from Band C and eliminating interference in the band
addition, it has taken into account that the business close to 3.5 GHz. Overall, 1,482 professional satellite
model adopted by V.tal is based on neutrality towards stations (FSS), used by radio and TV stations, distance
telecommunications service providers. It also believes learning institutions, and even the Air Force, which
there is adequate competition from other players. The were operating in the Extended C Band, were vacated.
process is not over yet. Telecom regulator Anatel's The process ended in March this year, two years ahead
approval is still pending. of schedule. The second stage was the cleaning of the
(December 1, 2024) www.developingtelecoms.com frequency, with the installation of filters in the satellite
dishes to attenuate interference from the towers on
The National Telecommunications Agency (Anatel) and mobile devices as well as the distribution of around 4.3
the Band Management Entity (EAF) announced that the million free conversion kits to families benefiting from
3.5 gigahertz (GHz) frequency band, intended for 5G, federal social programs who depend on the traditional
had been cleared after the total removal of interference satellite dish to access the open TV signal. The clean-
that prevented the activation of the signal in the 5,570 up of the Band C signal used a partnership similar to
municipalities nationwide. Hence, mobile phone that observed in the switch-off of analog television. To
operators are now free to install 5G technology as per free up the 700 megahertz (MHz) analog TV frequency
the authorization granted on Nov. 26 which could not for the adoption of 4G, cellular operators paid for the
be implemented earlier. Before 5G, this band was used distribution of UHF antennas and digital television
by broadcasting and open satellite television services, converters to low-income families.
mainly by satellite dishes, which operated in Band C. (December 4, 2024) www.en.mercopress.com
This technology works in the 3.7 GHz to 6.4 GHz range,

The CRTC issued its first decision under the Online if they reach an agreement with an organization
News Act Application and Exemption Regulations that represents a broad range of Canadian news
(the Regulations). This decision will pave the way organizations. The CRTC is required to hold a public
for Google to contribute $100 million annually to consultation on any exemption request received. In
Canada Canadian news organizations through the Canadian June 2024, Google filed an application to be exempt
from the Act. The CRTC moved quickly and launched
Journalism Collective (CJC). The Online News Act (the
Act) received Royal Assent on June 22, 2023, and on a public consultation on the application within three
December 19, 2023, the Regulations came into force. weeks. After reviewing the public record, the CRTC is
The Act (formerly Bill C-18) aims to ensure that online granting a five-year exemption from the Act to Google.
platforms that make Canadian news content available Google must pay $100 million to the CJC within 60 days
fairly compensate Canadian news organizations. Under of this decision. The CJC will then distribute the funds
the Act, the CRTC is responsible for implementing the equitably to eligible Canadian news organizations. The
government’s Regulations. The Regulations allow CJC will report back to the CRTC annually.
online platforms to request an exemption from being (October 24, 2024) www.canada.ca
required to bargain with individual news organizations

China announced the new Network Data Security safeguarding the rights of individuals and organizations
Management Regulations, effective January 1, 2025, while ensuring national security and public interests,
aimed at enhancing data security and privacy while the regulations set out comprehensive guidelines on
establishing compliance requirements for both personal data protection, cross-border data transfers,
China domestic and international entities. These regulations and the responsibilities of internet platform providers.
will significantly impact how businesses handle data, (October 28, 2024) www.china-briefing.com
with stricter guidelines for personal information
protection and cross-border transfers, ultimately China launched a pilot program that will allow foreign
providing individuals with greater control over their investors to operate wholly owned data centers in the
data rights. These new regulations aim to address the country. According to the Ministry of Industry and
increasing challenges of data security in today’s digital Information Technology (MIIT) will implement the pilot
age by providing a legal framework for managing program in designated areas of Beijing, Shanghai,
network data processing activities. With a focus on Hainan and Shenzhen. Participants in the program

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