Page 87 - SAMENA Trends - September 2021

REGULATORY & POLICY UPDATES SAMENA TRENDS

From 30 September, pre-paid and post-paid mobile be some teething problems or ‘inconveniences’ in
users in the Philippines can now hold on to their the launch phase. TCI general manager Melanie
mobile number when switching service provider, as Manuel warned: ‘We do expect to experience some
the Republic Act No. 11202, also known as the Mobile inconveniences as we start offering the service, but we
Philippines Number Portability Act (MNP Act) comes into force. are confident that with the continued cooperation and
hard work of our three partner telcos, we can say that
However, Telecommunications Connectivity Inc. (TCI) –
the joint venture company set up by the country’s three finally, forever is here.’ At least a million Filipinos are
mobile operators, PLDT’s Smart Communications, expected to take advantage of the new MNP regime in
Globe Telecom and DITO Telecommunity in January the initial phase, Manuel added.
2020 to oversee the process – warns that there may (September 30, 2021) commsupdate.com

The National Communications Authority (Autoridade day of bidding (21 September). Previously, in June this
Nacional de Comunicacoes, ANACOM) has announced year, ANACOM increased the number of daily bidding
that it has increased the bidding increments in its rounds from seven to twelve, but the measure proved
slow-moving 5G auction. Published on 20 September, insufficient. Defending the new move, the watchdog
Portugal Regulation No. 867-A/2021 will enter force on 27 wrote: ‘This excessive extension of the auction is highly
September 2021 and allow participating companies to harmful to national interests, which is why ANACOM
raise their respective bids by 5%, 10%, 15% and 20% – has approved this amendment to the auction rules
rather than the current 1%. TeleGeography notes that to speed up the process, while maintaining bidders’
the sale of 900MHz and 1800MHz spectrum – which flexibility in determining the price … This change does
was reserved for new market entrants – concluded on not compromise the bidders’ future strategies, does
11 January, after just eight days of bidding. The full not affect the discovery of the price already achieved
5G auction, which comprises sought-after spectrum during the auction, nor does it create discrimination
in the 700MHz, 2100MHz, 2.6GHz and 3.6GHz bands between them, not giving advantages to one bidder
commenced on 14 January and is now on its 158th over another.’ (September 21, 2021) commsupdate.com

The National Authority for Management and rates of RON1.84 (USD0.43) per pole/cable/month
Regulation in Communications (ANCOM) has opened (exclusive of VAT) for poles supporting overhead low
a consultation on its draft decision on indicative tariffs voltage power lines, RON3.46 per pole/cable/month
charged to telecoms network operators for access for those carrying medium voltage lines and RON22.62
Romania to the overhead infrastructure owned or operated by per km/cable/month for infrastructure supporting high
voltage lines. The proposed rate for access to poles
electricity distribution companies and local public
transport services. The proposed tariffs are intended to owned and managed by local public transport services
avoid disputes between such companies and telecom such as tramways is RON7.44 per pole/cable/month.
network providers seeking or benefiting from access to Stakeholders have until 27 October to submit their
their infrastructure. For access to the infrastructure of comments.
electricity distribution companies, ANCOM is proposing (September 29, 2021) commsupdate.com

The Agency for Communications Networks & Services ruling finally ordered Telemach to return the spectrum.
(Agencija za komunikacijska omrezja in storitve, While Telemach then applied to have the frequencies
AKOS) has opened a tender for a 2×5MHz block of re-awarded, AKOS has decided that due to market
spectrum in the 2100MHz band. The block (1950MHz- demand the spectrum should be auctioned. Telemach
1955MHz/2140MHz-2145MHz) was originally competes with three other companies in Slovenia’s
Slovenia awarded to Tusmobil (now Telemach Mobil) in 2008 but wireless sector: Telekom Slovenije, A1 and T-2.
rival operators complained that the award process had (September 7, 2021) commsupdate.com
been unfair. Following years of legal challenges, a court

The Spanish government is confident that it will be industrial 5G use, with the rest sold to the country’s
in a position to publish its plans for the 5G-suitable telecoms operators. However, Mr. Sanchez warned
26GHz band by end-2021. The timeline was revealed that there may not be sufficient time to allocate the
by Roberto Sanchez, the Secretary of State for frequencies this year, with that part of the process
Telecommunications and Digital Infrastructure, who more likely to take place in 2022.
Spain noted that a portion of the band will be reserved for (September 10, 2021) commsupdate.com
87 SEPTEMBER 2021