Pakistan is home to some of the world’s most successful investors in emerging markets including Orascom (VimpelCom), Telenor, Etisalat , SingTel, China Mobile, Qatar Telecom, Omantel, etc. It has modern infrastructure of several International Submarine Cables linking Pakistan with the rest of the world. International bandwidth utilization in Pakistan is increasing progressively. Several international terrestrial links have been established with neighboring countries and more are on the cards. It has at least 4 fully redundant, self-healing Nat’l Fiberoptic networks. Fixedline, LDI and Cellular Operators have already geared themselves for NGN Deployments, a fully functional Mobile Number Portability and an effective UNIVERSAL SERVICE FUND for unserved markets. Pakistan is ready to benefit from the 3G/4G and LTE technologies for proliferation of broadband services due to a very limited existence of Fixed-line tele-density.

Government of Pakistan has decided to Auction more spectrum for the proliferation of Telecom and ICT services in Pakistan in-line with its recently announced policies of December 2011. The type of Licenses and the salient features are:

Mobile Cellular License (defunct) in 800Mhz band
Mobile Cellular License 3G/4G/LTE in 1900/2100 Mhz band
Salient Features of the 800 Mhz License Auction
— Technology Neutral Mobile Cellular License/ Spectrum for the remaining period of approximate 8 years
— Existing License against an available spectrum of 7.38 + 7.38 Mhz block
— Auction through ‘Multiple Round Open Outcry Method’
— Base Price (BP) = USD 155 Million
— Earnest Money = USD 23.25 Million (15% of BP)
— Successful bidder allowed to participate in Mobile Cellular 3G/4G/LTE License(s)/ Spectrum auction
Salient Features of the 3G/4G/LTE 1900/2100 Mhz License/Spectrum Auction.
— Auction through Multiple Round Open Outcry Method
— 3 technology neutral Mobile Cellular License/ Spectrum; 9.8 + 9.8 Mhz per block
— Base Price (BP) = USD 210 Million
— Earnest Money = USD 31.5 Million (15% of BP)
— A new entrant who has been determined as a successful bidder as a result of March 2012
Auction for Mobile Cellular License (defunct) shall be eligible to participate.
— Existing Cellular operators, are eligible to participate
— Successful Bidders will be offered spectrum for 15 years
— Existing Licenses shall be modified accordingly
— Existing Mobile Cellular License(s) shall be renewed on expiry of its existing term for the remaining duration of assigned spectrum
— All new prospective entrants eligible to bid and agree to start commercial operations after March 2013 may also participate in the auction.
— New License template is available in the IM
— Issued for 15 Years
— Renewable for another term on terms & conditions, as per GoP Policy

Prospective applicants, especially new players, can familiarize themselves with the telecom regulatory, institutional framework and encouraged to visit: www.pta.gov.pk 

All the relevant documents including the Information Memorandum for this auction are placed on PTA's website.

India's mobile network operators may be allowed to lease their unused radio spectrum to other networks under proposals being considered by the government. However, as the 2G networks did not pay for their spectrum, which is allocated as licenses are awarded, then they should not be allowed to sell the radio spectrum. Many of the incumbent networks are struggling to cope with demand as customer bases exceed their spectrum capacity, while some newer networks sit on unused spectrum after they failed to sign up customers as fast as expected.

See Press Release
Source: Celluar-news

11 companies due to particpate in government's spectrum sell-off. Spain's Industry Ministry Friday said it will auction mobile spectrum in coming days, with bids starting at EUR1.45 billion, in the largest such tender for telecom companies looking to launch high-speed, fourth-generation services. Eleven companies will be allowed to take part in the auction, including existing top operators Telefonica SA, Vodafone PLC and France Telecom SA, as well as local cable firms and smaller players, the ministry said in a press release. This will be the second 4G mobile spectrum auction, after France Telecom and Sweden's TeliaSonera AB won the first one last month, and committed to pay Spain's government EUR168 million.

See Press Release
Source: Total Telecom

The French telecom regulator Arcep today launched the auction of fourth-generation (4G) mobile licences in the country, hoping to raise a minimum EUR2.5 billion (USD3.6 billion) for state coffers in the process. The country is one of several EU member states to be auctioning 4G mobile spectrum, which will be used to provide ultra-high speed data applications on mobile phones, PDAs and tablet PCs. Arcep has set a deadline of 15 September for bids for 2600MHz spectrum and 15 December for spectrum applications in the 800MHz band; the latter are considered the most valuable.

See Press Release
Source: Telegeography

Malaysian WiMAX network, Packet One Networks (P1) has said that it is in "dire need" of additional radio spectrum to continue to manage its subscriber growth, and has asked the regulator to grant it 30Mhz of spectrum in the 2.3Ghz bands. The company already has a 30Mhz block in that band and is one of nine networks due to be allocated a 20Mhz block in the 2.6Ghz band. "The challenge is really roll-out as, for now, its network faces congestion and this deteriorates the Wimax user experience. Any measure taken to address the congestion would be seen as temporary,'' an unnamed source told The Star newspaper, adding that what the company needed was a permanent solution, which was more bandwidth.

See Press Release 
Source: Cellular-News

Technical rules on how the 900 and 1800 MHz radio frequency bands should be opened up to advanced 4th generation (4G) communication devices have just been adopted by the European Commission. The rules, which are important to avoid interference problems with existing GSM and 3G devices, are an important step to bringing wireless broadband access to more EU citizens and businesses. The Commission Decision, which must be implemented by Member States by the end of 2011, will therefore help to achieve the targets of the Digital Agenda for Europe to give every European access to basic broadband by 2013 and fast and ultra fast broadband by 2020 (see IP/10/581, MEMO/10/199 and MEMO/10/200). Neelie Kroes, Vice-President of the European Commission for the Digital Agenda, said: "This Decision opens the way for the latest 4G mobile devices to gain access to the radio spectrum they need to operate, and so further stimulate high-speed broadband services and foster more competition."

See Press Release 
Source: Europe

Bangladesh's government has agreed to revise the controversial plans to charge for radio spectrum and keep them at a "rational level". The proposed charges had been widely condemned as too high, and penalizing the larger networks by charging them proportionately higher rates than the smaller operators. Telecoms Minister Rajiuddin Ahmed Raju told reporters that the guideline drafted by the Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission would be revised. "The radio spectrum price as well as other charges would be determined after another meeting with the finance ministry," he said. "Fees will be reconsidered and kept at rational level."

See Press Release 
Source: Cellular-News

The Spanish government expects to raise up to 2.0 billion euros ($2.8 billion) from the auction of new mobile telephony spectrum starting in May, the government said on Friday. Most of the frequencies have become available after Spain's analogue TV switch-off last year, and will boost spectrum available for fast-growing 4G smartphone services by 70 percent. The bulk of the sale process will take place via a public auction, the Industry Ministry said in a statement, and the amounts can be paid in two tranches, half this year and half next, helping to boost Spain's public coffers.

See Press Release 
Source: Reuters

OFCOM announced a consultation that sets out  proposals for the largest ever single award in the UK, of internationally harmonised mobile spectrum - the 800MHz and 2.6GHz bands. It expects this spectrum to be used to deliver the next generation of mobile broadband services, using fourth generation (4G) mobile technologies such as LTE and WiMAX. These mobile broadband services might have speeds approaching today's fixed broadband services, with coverage significantly better than today's 3G coverage instead approaching today's 2G (voice) coverage.

See Press Release
Source: OFCOM

The British telecoms regulator Ofcom has unveiled its proposals for what it claims will be the largest ever single auction of mobile spectrum in the country, with it saying that it will put up for grabs the equivalent of three quarters of the UK’s currently in-use frequencies. The regulator has said that it views the spectrum sale as ‘essential to meet the UK’s rapid increase in mobile traffic, fuelled by the growth of smartphones and mobile broadband data services such as video streaming, email, messenger services, mapping services and social networking sites.’

See Press Release 
Source: TeleGeography

The European Commission today formally requested Hungary and Spain to comply in full with the EU's updated GSM Directive by ensuring that the 900 MHz frequency band can be used for faster mobile services such as mobile internet. Opening this radio spectrum band to more advanced access technologies like Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS) is an important part of efforts to promote more rapid and widespread roll-out of wireless broadband services. The Directive is therefore an important element in meeting the objective of the Digital Agenda for Europe to give every European access to basic broadband by 2013 (see IP/10/581, MEMO/10/199 and MEMO/10/200). Member States agreed to implement the amended GSM Directive into national law by 9 May 2010. The requests to Hungary and Spain are in the form of reasoned opinions under EU infringement procedures. If Hungary and/or Spain failed to inform the Commission of measures taken to comply with their obligations under the amended GSM within two months, the Commission could decide to refer them to the Court of Justice and request the Court to impose financial penalties.

See Press Release 
Source: Europe's Information Society

The UK's telecoms regulator, Ofcom is proposing to allow the mobile networks to buy and sell their radio spectrum, creating a market place in the industry for the first time. Under the proposals, which cover spectrum at 900 MHz, 1800 MHz and 2100 MHz, operators with a greater need for spectrum will be able to make offers for spectrum from those who need it less. Ofcom said that it is hoped that this added flexibility will help operators to respond more quickly to demand.

See Press Release
Source: Cellular-News

Responsible spectrum management and reduction of administrative barriers to network expansion will be key enablers of mobile broadband in South Africa, according to Analysys Mason's latest findings published in a report for the GSMA. The GSMA commissioned Analysys Mason to look at the impact of mobile broadband on the South African economy. The report forecasts that mobile broadband and related industries will generate 1.8 percent of South Africa's GDP (ZAR 72 billion) and as many as 28,000 jobs by 2015, highlighting the vital contribution of this sector to the country's growth.

See Press Release
Source: Cellular-news

The Federal Communications Commission today took important steps to meet the nation’s demand for innovative wireless broadband services and preserve the benefits that free over-the- air TV provides for consumers. In adopting proposals to make more efficient use of the nation’s airwaves, the FCC set the stage for voluntary broadcast spectrum auctions that could provide consumers with the robust mobile broadband services they demand while preserving over-the-air TV that many rely upon. The resulting efficient use of airwaves will help ensure that America leads the global wireless revolution and enjoys the resulting jobs and economic growth. Specifically, a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking adopted by the FCC today proposes that wireless broadband providers have equal access to television broadcast frequencies that could become available in spectrum auctions. The Notice seeks comment on establishing new allocations for both fixed and mobile wireless services in the TV broadcast bands.

See Press Release
Source: FCC - Federal Communications Commission

Mobile TeleSystems (MTS) says that it has been awarded radio spectrum for LTE services in Armenia. VivaCell-MTS, a majority-owned subsidiary of MTS, is the first mobile operator to have been allocated frequencies for the deployment of a LTE network from Public Services Regulatory Commission of the Republic of Armenia. In accordance with the regulator's decision VivaCell-MTS has an obligation to launch the LTE network into commercial operation before March 2011.

See Press Release
Source: Cellular-news

The Spectrum Management Authority (the SMA), the regulatory body charged with the management of the Radio Frequency Spectrum in Jamaica is inviting expressions of interest from entities interested in spectrum licences in the 1900 & 2100 MHz band. The SMA wishes to identify the level of interest in and demand for the 1900 & 2100 MHz spectrum (used for mobile services), to aid in determining the choice of allocation, the mechanism for assignment, licensing terms and conditions and pricing, for 30 MHz of mobile spectrum.

Information regarding this Expression of Interest should be obtained from the SMA’s website at www.sma.gov.jm, and on the website of the Office of the Prime Minister at www.opm.gov.jm. Interested parties should submit their response as outlined in the Invitation by Tuesday, November 23, 2010 to:

The Managing Director
Spectrum Management Authority
13 – 19 Harbour Street
Kingston
Jamaica, W.I.

Brazil's telecoms regulator, Anatel has published the details of its planned auction the remaining 3G radio spectrum - the Band H block. The spectrum auction has been designed in a manner that could potentially see a new entrant into the market, although this is felt by analysts to be unlikely. The auction is expected to be held on the 15th December 2010, and the minimum price for the sale of all the frequency blocks in Band H is R$1.1 billion (US $640 million).

The auction will also include some additional 2G spectrum in the 1900Mhz bands. The H band is made up of (10 MHz + 10 MHz), Sub-band extension H (SE) (5 MHz + 5 MHz), sub-bands on the (S), D (S), E (S) and M (S) and extension sub-bands (SE ) 900 MHz and 1800 MHz, including the sub-bands for TDD Systems.

See Press Release
Source: Cellular-news

Canada's federal government has announced that it plans to hold a radio spectrum auction in 2012 to allocate the digital dividend spectrum that is due to become available when analogue television signals are switched off at the end of August 2011. "We know that 700 megahertz is going to be available as people switch to digital TV," Industry Minister Tony Clement told reporters. "And we know that the 2500 megahertz is also going to be available, so I have instructed my department to get ready and to start the process rolling." The auction is also expected to act as a spur to the government to clarify the laws on foreign shareholding in Canadian telecoms networks. Any confusion over shareholder limits could deter investors and reduce the potential revenues for the government.

See Press Release
Source: cellular-news

Cambodian internet service providers who have been granted WiMAX licenses are still waiting for the regulator to resolve a spectrum dispute over a year after their licenses were granted. Although the ISPs were granted licenses in the 2.5GHz to 2.7 GHz frequency range, the same spectrum was also licensed to Star Digital TV. Sok Channda, CEO of Cambodia Data Communications, parent company to both Mekong Net and Angkor Net ISP, told the Phnom Penh Post it was still not cleared to operate WiMAX networks, despite meeting with the Ministry on several occasions. She put the cost of the delays at around US$1 million so far.

See Press Release
Source: Cellular-news

Ireland's telecoms regulator, ComReg has published a consultation on a proposed award of rights of use in the 800 MHz and 900 MHz spectrum bands. The Consultation follows a government announcement in July that analogue terrestrial television will be switched-off in the State in Quarter 4 of 2012 (ASO). Since then, the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland published a statement regarding the conclusion of its commercial digital terrestrial television (DTT) multiplex licensing process. In particular, it was noted by the Authority that it will not be feasible to introduce commercial DTT in advance of the analogue switch-off, meaning there will not be a requirement for the use of the 800 MHz band by DTT broadcasting in advance of ASO.

See Press Release
Source: cellular-news

India’s Supreme Court issued a notice to the telecommunication minister asking him to respond to claims that the issuing mobile telephony concessions in 2008 cost the government some INR700 billion (USD15.1 billion). The minister argued that he acted in the public interest, helping to bring down the cost of mobile services. The Supreme Court is hearing a public interest litigation which has called for the judicial body to monitor an investigation by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) related to the award of 2G spectrum licences in 2008.

See article
Source: TeleGeography

The  National Communications Commission (NCC) has reacted positively to the news that Taiwan's WiMAX operators intend to convert to Long Term Evolution (LTE) technology. 4G licensing will take place in 2014 at the earliest. However, no decisions have yet been made with regard to spectrum planning or the number of 4G licences. Four broadband operators – Global Mobile, Tatung Telecom, FarEasTone (FET) and VMAX – were awarded technology-neutral licences and the NCC has indicated that the quartet may apply to alter their operational plans in order to adopt different mobile technologies – including LTE.

See Article

Source: TeleGeography

The National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) has published a ‘final’ date of 30 August 2010 for  auction of 2100MHz 3G mobile licences. The NTC’s third ‘3G Information Memorandum’ states that a maximum of three 15-year licences including 2x15MHz of spectrum  will be bid on. Licences are due to be issued in September. Winners will be liable for an annual licence fee of 2% of revenues and a Universal Service Obligation of 4%, and must commit to cover 50% of the population.

See Article

Source: TeleGeography

Vietnamese  operator EVN Telecom has  launched its 3G network, being the fourth mobile network operator in the country to provide the service. EVN has so far invested VND2 trillion (USD104 million) in the installation of  2,500 base transceiver stations (BTS) covering 46% of the population. . EVN is hoping to sign up one million 3G subscribers within one year of launch. Vinaphone was the first to launch third-generation services, followed by MobiFone and Viettel. All four were awarded their 3G licences by the Ministry of Information and Communications (MIC) in  2009.

See article

Source: TeleGeography

Following the assignment of the fourth 3G licence to Free Mobile on 12 January 2010, there remained a 5 MHz block of spectrum and a 4.8 MHz block of spectrum still available in the 2.1 GHz frequency band. The application procedure for the allocation of this remaining spectrum was issued on 25 February 2010. Three applications were submitted on 11 May, by the companies Free Mobile, Orange France and SFR.

See Press Release

Source: ARCEP

Following the assignment of the fourth 3G licence to Free Mobile in January 2010, two blocks of around 5 MHz duplex remain to be assigned in the 2.1 GHz band. The application procedure to assign these remaining frequencies was launched on 25 February 2010. Under this application procedure, interested players were to submit their applications to ARCEP by 11 May 2010 at 12:00 noon. At the deadline, three applications had been submitted by the following companies:

- Free Mobile, 100%-owned subsidiary of Iliad
- Orange France, 100%-owned subsidiary of France Telecom
- Société Française du Radiotéléphone (SFR), 56% held by Vivendi and 44% by Vodafone

It will then announce its decision by the end of May.

See Press Release
Source: ARCEP

The European Commission has adopted a Decision establishing harmonised technical rules for Member States on the allocation of radio frequencies in the 800 MHz band that contribute to the deployment of high-speed wireless internet services by avoiding harmful interference. In several Member States the 800 MHz frequencies are being freed up as part of the so-called "digital dividend" resulting from the switchover from analogue to digital television broadcasting. If Member States decide to change the existing frequency allocation (for broadcasting) they must immediately apply the harmonised technical rules laid down by the Decision to make these frequencies available to wireless broadband applications. Today's decision does not itself require Member States to make available the 790-862 MHz band for electronic communication services. However, the Commission is considering such a proposal in the forthcoming Radio Spectrum Policy Programme, which will take account of a recent consultation on the subject and the 22-23 March Spectrum Summit organised by the Commission and the European Parliament.

See Press Release
Source: Europa

Ofcom has published a consultation on increasing the power limits of 3G mobile licences to improve mobile phone coverage, potentially increasing the availability of services in the UK.

See document

Source: OFCOM

The European Commission has launched a consultation on strategic priorities for an EU radio spectrum policy programme for 2011-2015. Access to radio spectrum is essential for a huge range of activities from telephony and broadcasting through to transport and space applications. Wide and fair access to radio spectrum is crucial to ensure that EU citizens in both urban and rural areas can enjoy the benefits of digital technology. Better use of spectrum could also give Europe's economy a boost since rolling out fast wireless services would enhance competitiveness and growth. Industry, consumers and other stakeholders are invited to respond to the consultation by 9 April. A "Spectrum Summit" held jointly by the Commission and the European Parliament will take place on 22/23 March to discuss Europe's spectrum priorities.

See Press Release
Source: Europa - Information Society

ARCEP has been engaged in efforts to develop high-speed and ultra high-speed mobile networks in France, in accordance with the spectrum strategy announced by the Prime Minister on 12 January 2009. With the procedure for awarding the fourth 3G licence now come to a close, and the procedure for allocating the remaining spectrum in the 2.1 GHz band to be launched in the very near future, ARCEP is looking ahead to the next stage, which will involve the allocation of spectrum in the 800 MHz and 2.6 GHz bands for the deployment of fourth-generation mobile networks. To this end,  ARCEP published a summary on its website of the public consultation on the future award of spectrum licences in the 800 MHz and 2.6 GHz frequency bands, for the deployment of ultra high-speed mobile networks. This consultation, which elicited 35 responses, allowed the Authority to gather stakeholders' analysis and views on the issues and relevant terms for awarding licences for ultra high-speed mobile networks operating in these frequency bands. ARCEP will soon be publishing preliminary scenarios for allocations in these bands, based on the results of the public consultation. It will also consult further with market players to streamline these scenarios. These efforts will help the Authority set the terms of the allocation procedures for these frequencies, which it plans to carry out in the second half of 2010 - once the remaining spectrum in the 2.1 GHz band has been awarded.

See Press Release

Source: ARCEP

Como una medida para impulsar la competitividad, promover las inversiones brindar certeza jurídica, y apoyar al sector telecomunicaciones, la Secretaría de Comunicaciones y Transportes (SCT) da por concluidos 22 títulos de concesión para operar sistemas de radiolocalización de personas (paggin) y dos títulos de transmisión de radio y TV restringidas, con ello, recupera espectro radioeléctrico para ser aprovechado con nuevas tecnologías.

La resolución se realizo luego de no presentarse en tiempo y forma las solicitudes de prorroga así como por comprobar tecnología obsoleta de estas técnicas de transmisión.

De esta manera, la SCT busca impulsar la competitividad del sector, y generar un ambiente favorable para la planeación de los negocios, así como favorecer a los consumidores con una más amplia variedad de servicios y proveedores.

Finalmente, la dependencia considera que los criterios indispensables para el desarrollo saludable del sector son: fomentar la competencia y evitar el acaparamiento del espectro; garantizar la explotación eficiente del espectro y el pago de una contraprestación por las concesiones; incrementar la cobertura de los servicios; Introducir nuevas tecnologías; y, permitir la continuidad de los servicios para el usuario.

 

See Press Release

Source: Secretaria de Comunicaciones y Transporte

Comreg gas published a document for a consultation considering the regulatory approach most appropriate to facilitate the development and deployment of a Mobile Satellite Service (MSS) with a Complementary Ground Component (CGC), following the ratification of European Commission (EC) Decisions1 and the completion of the EC selection process2. The MSS with CGC system is intended to operate in the same frequency bands which were allocated to the MSS in the 2 GHz frequency range. 

 

See the publication

Source: Comreg

Ukraine’s President Viktor Yushchenko has issued a decree overturning a previous decision to transfer certain radio frequencies suitable for 3G mobile applications from the military to commercial networks, citing national security reasons.

See More
Source Reuters

The Georgian telecoms regulator, the National Communications Commission has cancelled a planned auction of additional radio spectrum in the GSM1800 and UMTS bands. The regulator said that no bidders had submitted applications by the deadline of 5th October.

The Auction was declared failed at the Session held today by the Georgian National Communications Commission.

See Press Release
Source: cellular-news

Following the European Parliament and Council of Ministers' agreement, in July to modernise European legislation, new EU measures that allow the re-farming of the radio spectrum in the GSM band for new mobile services will foster stronger competition on Europe's telecoms market. The GSM Directive on the use of the radio spectrum will make it easier for operators to provide faster, pan-European services such as mobile internet alongside today's GSM services. They will also boost the roll-out of wireless broadband services.

See More
Source Europe's Information Society

The demand for spectrum has been rising and if it exceeds availability, licenses for the frequency band 790MHz-862MHz will be assigned through an auction. Swedish telecoms regulator the Post & Telestyrelsen (PTS) has launched a public consultation on the assignment of this frequency band. The 800MHz band is suitable for wide-area coverage in sparsely populated areas and PTS is considering conditions that will require winners to provide coverage in areas where residents currently lack basic infrastructure for broadband access.

See More
Source TeleGeography

Europe took an important step towards a new generation of mobile services . The Council of Ministers followed the European Parliament in approving a proposal from the European Commission to modernise European legislation - the so-called GSM Directive - on the use of the radio spectrum needed for mobile services. The GSM Directive of 1987 reserves the use of part of the 900MHz spectrum band to GSM (Global System for Mobile or originally Groupe Special Mobile) access technologies such as mobile phones. The updated Directive now allows the 900 MHz frequency band to be used to provide faster, pan-European services such as mobile internet while ensuring the continuation of GSM services. This new flexibility will foster stronger competition on Europe's telecoms market and contribute to a more rapid and more widespread roll-out of wireless broadband services, one of the drivers of economic recovery.

See Press Release
Source: Europa

An Auction of Radio Spectrum in the 1800MHz Band for Expansion of Public Mobile Telecommunications Services, Successful Bidder Notice was referred to in paragraph 5.4.1 of the Notice dated 24 April 2009 that was issued by the Telecommunications Authority (the “Authority”) in exercise of the powers conferred by section 32I of the Telecommunications Ordinance, the Telecommunications (Level of Spectrum Utilization Fees) (Second Generation Mobile Services) Regulation, the Telecommunications (Determining Spectrum Utilization Fees by Auction) Regulation and all other powers enabling him to specify the terms and conditions of the Auction and the payment of the Spectrum Utilization Fees. Unless otherwise stated or the context otherwise requires, words and expressions used in this notice have the same meaning as that given to them in the Notice.
 
The Authority is pleased to announce that the Successful Bidders of the Auction and the Frequency Bands assigned to them.  See document.
Source: OFTA

The following publications were added to the ComReg website concerning the consultation related to "Liberalising the future use of 900 MHz & 1800 Mhz Spectrum Bands and Spectrum Release Options"

See related publications:
Consultation - Liberalising the Use of the 900 MHz and 1800 MHz Spectrum Bands
Submissions to Consultation - Liberalising the Use of the 900 MHz and 1800 MHz Spectrum Bands

Source : ComReg

Following strategic meeting with Daniel Pataki, Head of the Hungarian Regulatory Authority and Chairman of the Radio Spectrum Policy Group (RSPG) - a high-level advisory group on radio spectrum set up by the Commission in 2002 -, Commissioner Reding stressed this morning the importance of the "digital dividend" for stimulating growth and competition on Europe's telecoms markets. The digital dividend is the additional spectrum that will become available for new wireless and TV services as a result of the switchover from analogue to digital TV, which has started in the EU Member States and is expected to be completed by 2012 (IP/09/266). The Commission believes that the digital dividend gives a welcome boost, in particular for wireless internet broadband services, thereby supporting the EU's "broadband for all" policy, especially in these times of economic downturn. After her meeting with Mr Pataki today, Commissioner Reding highlighted the pivotal role that national spectrum regulators in the RSPG will play over the coming months in turning the digital dividend into a practical reality for the benefit of Europe's economy and citizens.

See Press release

Source: Europa

In order to meet growing demand for broadband services, ComReg proposed in its Consultation Document 08/99 to make an additional 90 MHz of spectrum in the 3600 – 3800 MHz part of the band available for the provision of FWALA services. This additional spectrum will enable both new and existing FWALA operators to  meet the needs of both existing and prospective users of broadband services. ComReg also proposed making Channel E spectrum available in restricted areas of Dublin, Cork, Limerick, and Waterford.

More information is available in: Response to Consultation - FWALA licensing in the 3400-3800 MHz band: Further release of spectrum

Source: Comreg

Ofcom today published a further consultation on applying spectrum liberalisation and trading to the mobile sector. This consultation is about the future of the spectrum currently used to provide 2G and 3G mobile services in the UK – the 900 MHz, 1800 MHz and 2.1GHz spectrum bands. In particular we are consulting on how we should implement a proposed European Directive and a draft Radio Spectrum Decision that would require the 900 MHz and 1800 MHz bands to be made available for UMTS (3G) as well as GSM (2G) technologies.

The consultation can be found here
Source: OFCOM

In its current Spectrum Management Strategy Statement, the Commission for Communications Regulation (‘ComReg’) sets out its intention to release more spectrum in the 10 GHz band, in order to  facilitate additional Wireless Broadband services.

See Document

Source: ComReg
 

Poland just announced the launch of consultations on the tender of 18 frequency reservations in the range of 2010 – 2025 MHz and 2500 – 2690 MHz, in the area of the entire country, dedicated for the provision of services in broadband wireless access networks in the mobile service.

See Press Release
Source: UKE

January 2008, the Telecommunications Authority (“TA”) published a consultation paper entitled “Assignment of the Available Radio Spectrum in the 900 MHz and 1800 MHz Bands” to seek views and comments from the industry and interested parties on the assignment  of the available radio spectrum. After careful consideration of the submissions, the TA draws conclusions. 

 

ta20080704ex.pdf (8,84 KB)

Source: OFTA

The following publication(s) was added to the ComReg website: 

Programme of Measurement of Non-Ionising Radiation Emissions: Methodology for the Conduct of Surveys to Measure Non-Ionising Electromagnetic Radiation from Transmitter Sites

Spectrum Management Strategy Statement 2008 - 2010
 
Source: Comreg

Recently, 3.5 GHz Fixed Wireless Access Local Area (“FWALA”) Channel Cand 10.5 GHz FWALA Channels C & D spectrum have become available in the Castlebar area. As demand for the available 3.5 GHz FWALA Channel C and 10.5 GHz FWALA Channel C & Dspectrum inthese areas may exceed supply, the Commission for Communications Regulation (“ComReg”) has set out a two phase application process for the assignment of these licences.
Phase 1: Comparative Evaluation
Phase 2: First Come First Served

ComReg wishes to ensure the earliest possible provision of service in these areas and so, compared to previous competitions, ComReg has made a number of revisions to the FWALA comparative evaluation competition and licence offer process in respect of this competition. The main revisions are listed below 1. Any former holder of a 3.5 GHz or 10.5 GHz FWALA licence in a particular geographic area, whose licence was revoked by ComReg for failure to comply with licence conditions, may not apply for a new FWALA licence in that same area under this competition.  This also applies to any “connected person” of such a former licence holder (see the definition of “connected person” in Annex 2). 2. Introduction of a “Speed to Market” evaluation criterion. 3. Revised characteristics for the residential and business offer,i.e. revised downloads speeds etc. 4. Issue of a “temporary” FWALA licence to match the “Speed to Market” pledge. A licensee may apply for an “annual” FWALA licence once the “temporary” licence has expired. ComReg invites all interested parties to submit applications before1:00pm on 11 July 2008.

See Press release
Source: ComReg

The Commission adopted on 13 June, in line with the rules of the EU's regulatory framework for electronic communications of 2002, a decision on the harmonisation of the 2500-2690 MHz frequency band for terrestrial systems capable of providing electronic communications services in the Community. With Member States planning to issue licenses starting in 2008, this decision ensures coherent technical conditions within the Community for the provision of services such as mobile Internet access.

See Press Release
Source: EUROPA

Announcement of the President of the Office of Electronic Communications dated 13 June 2008 on a tender for two exclusive frequency licences in the bands of 880 - 890 MHz / 925 - 935 MHz in the entire country, to be used in public telecommunication network. Here you can find the Announcement and Tender Documentation.

Source: UKE

The Honourable Jim Prentice, Minister of Industry, today announced the opening of the bidding process for the Advanced Wireless Services (AWS) spectrum auction. This auction follows a commitment made by this government to enable more competition in the wireless market. A total of 105 megahertz (MHz) of radio spectrum will be open for bidding, which includes 40 MHz of AWS spectrum for new entrants and another 65 MHz of spectrum for all bidders.

See Press Release

Source: Industy Canada

Within the framework of the reform and development of the telecommunications sector in Algeria, the Regulation Authority of Post and Telecommunications (ARPT) is preparing  to launch and application procedure to assign 3rd Generation (3G) mobile communications licenses. The ARPT invites operators wishing to establish and operate a 3G mobile  communications network to let it know by June 30th, 2008. Expressions of interest should  include the name and contact information of the company - telephone and fax numbers, e-mail addresses- and, in case of need, partner companies, the nature of their activities as well as the name and position of a duly entitled representative. 

Source: ARPT

Sollicitation_en.pdf (16,61 KB)

El Reglamento regula todo lo relativo al espectro radioeléctrico y adapta la anterior normativa a las nuevas realidades del mercado y al estado actual de la técnica. El Reglamento establece las condiciones necesarias para la creación de un mercado secundario del espectro, que permitirá la transferencia total y parcial de títulos habilitantes y la cesión de derechos de uso del espectro.

El Reglamento permitirá alcanzar un uso mas eficaz y eficiente del espectro radioeléctrico y fomentar la competencia, la innovación y la aparición de nuevos servicios.

Asimismo, regula un Registro público de concesionarios, accesible a través de Internet, que refuerza la información y la transparencia en la gestión de este recurso escaso.

See Press Release
Source: Ministerio de Industria Turismo y Comercio

This Decision aims at harmonising, without prejudice to the protection and continued operation of other existing use in this band, the conditions for the availability and efficient use
of the 3400-3800 MHz band for terrestrial systems capable of providing electronic  communications services.

Source : Europa

bwa_en.pdf (85,51 KB)

The Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (TRA) today took the first step in the liberalization of the telecommunications market in Lebanon, issuing its first licenses since it was established one year ago. Under the Telecommunications Law, all existing licenses expired on 4 April 2008. The TRA today issued new licenses to operational data service providers (DSPs) and Internet service providers (ISPs). Each license has the same terms save for where some DSPs have the right to use radio frequency spectrum, where they are subject to additional terms and conditions, and except that - as before - the provision of data services is subject to certain revenue share obligations and frequency fees which do not apply to a provider offering only ISP services.

See Press release
Source: TRA

In its response to an independent review of government spectrum holdings in Australia, publicly released today, the Australian Communications and Media Authority has acknowledged the ongoing importance of spectrum access to government while generally supporting the recommendations of the review. These recommendations include increased transparency in the use of spectrum by government bodies, increased sharing of spectrum and increased use of market approaches to improve the management of government spectrum.

‘Government users account for almost half the use of the most valuable spectrum bands under 5 GHz. The sheer size and importance of government spectrum holdings and the different way they are often treated compared to other spectrum users made a comprehensive review of such holdings desirable. The review was also timely given increasing spectrum demand pressures and technological change,’ said Chris Chapman, ACMA Chairman.

‘ACMA agrees with the review finding that the details of government spectrum use are often obscure and not readily available. While their continued access to spectrum is often essential, some government spectrum users may not face sufficient incentives to make best possible use of this resource. The Independent Review of Government Spectrum Holdings report and ACMA’s preliminary response to the review’s recommendations, Improving the Management of Government Spectrum Holdings, are available on the ACMA website. Source: ACMA.

According to the Economic Times, the Department of Telecom (DoT) has said that interested parties may bid for up to 10MHz of 3G spectrum, rejecting telecom regulator TRAI’s recommendation to award just 5MHz. The decision will effectively allow foreign players and new domestic companies to bid for a maximum of two 5MHz blocks, the minimum deemed necessary for a start up operation.

See Press Release
Source: TeleGeography

Ofcom  confirmed details of plans to auction radio spectrum suitable for a range of services, including mobile television and satellite radio.
Ofcom also announced that the provisional deadline for applications is 10 April 2008, with the online auction likely to start at the end of April.
A number of possible uses of the 1452 - 1492 MHz band, the so-called “L-Band”, have been identified including:

• mobile multimedia services including mobile TV which could be deployed using a variety of technologies;
• satellite digital radio; and
• broadband wireless access or high-speed internet on the move.

See Press Release
Source: OFCOM

The 8^th Global Symposium for Regulators took place from 11 to 13 March 2008 in Pattaya, Thailand. This major ITU event focused on best practices in regulatory measures to foster and encourage sharing of infrastructure resources as a means of stimulating investment and growth in the ICT sector.

Ten discussion papers were developed for this year's GSR:

1. What do we mean by 6 Degrees of Sharing?
2. Extending Open Access to National Fibre Backbones in Developing Countries
3. International Gateway Liberalization: the Singapore experience
4. Breaking Up is Hard to Do: The Emergence of Functional Separation as a Regulatory Remedy
5. Mobile Sharing
6. Spectrum Sharing
7. WRC-07 Results and Impact on Terrestrial Broadband Wireless Access Systems
8. End-User Sharing
9. International Mobile Roaming Regulation – An Incentive for Cooperation
10. IPTV and Mobile TV: New Challenges for Regulators

Comments are welcome by 13 April 2008 at: gsr08@itu.int.   

More information on the event as well as the presentations from the panel sessions can be found at the GSR 2008 website.

See: Press release 

Source: ITU

Based on its Decision of March 05, 2008 the Georgian National Communications Commission  announces the auction for receiving license for the use of radio frequency spectrum in 3473.0 MHz ¸ 3480.0 MHz;  3573.0 MHz ¸ 3580.0 MHz    pair frequency bands.

• The open auction will be held on  April 4, 2008, 14:00.
• The initial amount of the fee for the use of resource is is 1,862,502.03 (one million eight hundred sixty two thousand five hundred two GEL and three tetri) GEL.
• The deadline for submitting applications of license seekers is March 20, 2008, 17:00.
• The bid of the auction is 5% of the initial amount of the fee for the use of resource - 93,126 (ninety-three thousand, one hundred twenty six) GEL.

See Press Release
Source : GNCC

The Commission for Communications Regulation (ComReg) is responsible for the efficient  management and use of the radio spectrum, a key natural resource.  In a document ComReg  sets out its strategy for managing the use of the radio spectrum in Ireland from 2008 to 2010 in order to ensure that the maximum strategic, economic and social benefits can be leveraged from the use of the radio spectrum for end users.
Consultations open until 11 April 2008.

See document
Source: ComReg

The Office of Strategic Planning and Policy Analysis (OSP) today released three working papers on two important spectrum management issues:

- Working Paper #41, “Enhancing Spectrum’s Value Via Market-informed Congestion Etiquettes” and Working Paper #42, “Modeling the Efficiency of Spectrum Designated to License Use and Unlicensed Operations,” examine ways in which spectrum designated to licensed and unlicensed use can be more efficiently used.

- Working Paper #43, “A Market-based Approach to Establishing Licensing Rules: Licensed Versus Unlicensed Use of Spectrum,” examines the feasibility of employing a market mechanism to determine whether spectrum should be designated to either licensed or unlicensed use.

See Full text of each working paper
See Press Release
Source: Federal Communications Commission - FCC

The new generation of mobile networks is going to considerably speed up the development and the ubiquity of the mobile Internet and its innovative services, by offering consumers a mobile access at speeds of several hundred kbit/s. ARCEP considers it essential that as many users as possible have access to mobile third generation services (3G). Access for all French residents to 3G is an important stake in regional development. Therefore, in accordance with their request, ARCEP is today modifying Orange France and SFR’s authorisations in order to allow them to deploy UMTS technology in Metropolitan France in the 900 MHz band, which is currently used for GSM. ARCEP proposed also to Bouygues Telecom to reuse the 900 MHz band for 3G. The operator responded that it would deploy UMTS in the 900 MHz band by the end of 2009 and that it would request the modification of its authorisation when it is necessary. ARCEP is implementing the directions it adopted on 5 July 2007 for the reuse of the 900 and 1800 MHz bands for 3G. These directions planned that 2G-3G operators wishing to do so would be allowed to reuse the 900 MHz band for 3G in 2008, and that a 3G new entrant authorised in the 2.1 GHz band would be given access to a UMTS channel in the 900 MHz band.

See Press release
Source: ARCEP

The OFTA called for Submission on Consultation Paper on the Assignment of the Available Radio Spectrum in the 900 MHz and 1800 MHz Bands; the questions were:
- Do you agree that the available spectrum in the 900 MHz and 1800 MHz band be made available to the incumbent 2G MNOs only?
- Do you agree that the frequency assignment should be valid until 29 September 2021?
- Do you agree that auction be used to determine to whom the concerned spectrum should be assigned?
- Do you agree that the radio spectrum in the 900 MHz bands (889.1 – 889.9 MHz paired with 934.1 – 934.9 MHz) and the 1800 MHz bands (1780.1 – 1784.9 MHz paired with 1875.1 – 1879.9 MHz) be divided into one (1) and six (6) blocks respectively as shown in Figures 1 and 2 above for assignment?
- Do you have any comments on the proposed SUF calculation methods as stated above?
- Do you agree that a single round sealed bid auction as described above be adopted in the auctioning of the frequency blocks?
- Do you agree that there will not be any restriction or cap on the amount of spectrum that a bidder can acquire during the auction?

See Submissions to the Consultation
Source: Office of the Telecommunications Authority - OFTA

According to Reuters, Thailand's telecommunications regulator is expected to issue long-awaited licenses for the third-generation (3G) mobile services to private operators in May. It was in a process of drafting qualification criteria for licences by an advisor which should take about three months, National Telecommunication Commission (NTC) Chairman Choochart Promphrasid told Reuters.

See full article
Source: Reuters

ARCEP has combined in a new tool all the information on the use of the frequencies which it is responsible for managing. This database meets the needs of industry and the general public, and implements the regulatory provisions which aim to increase the frequency information made available to the public:

• at the Community level: the base helps to provide information on the use of frequencies for the wireless systems managed by ARCEP and the transfer of usage rights, in accordance with European Commission Decision 2007/334/EC regarding the harmonised provision of spectrum information in the Union.
• at the national level: it satisfies regulatory requirements which determine which information ARCEP must provide in the frequency bands open to the secondary market.

This "frequency register", listing the different usage categories with their specific conditions, is available via a search engine operating by frequency band, type of application and geographic area. The base also allows users to display authorisation transfer conditions for the various frequency bands open to the secondary market and to do searches on authorisations which are required to be published under the decree on the secondary market. In this way, it aims to increase the transparency on spectrum use and to stimulate the frequency authorisation secondary market.

See press release

Source: ARCEP

The symposium organized by WTO on 20-21 February 2008 in Geneva commemorated the 10^th anniversary of the entry into force of the 4^th Protocol of the GATS, more commonly known as the Basic Telecommunications Agreement (BTA). The two day event highlights the transformation of telecommunications over the past decade and the regulatory challenges governments have faced. It also explores the broader implications for the ICT sector, trade, economic development and growth, and prospects for the future.

The ITU Secretary General Dr. Hamadoun Touré gave opening remarks at the first day of the symposium. Ms. Susan Schor of the Regulatory and Market Environment Division of ITU-BDT gave a presentation on 10 Years Regulatory Trends. Ms. Vanessa Gray from the Market Information and Statistics Division, ITU-BDT presented ICT Market Trends, which have swept the sector over the last decade. Dr. Tim Kelly from the Standardization Policy Division, ITU-TSB provided an overview of Past and future regulatory challenges and their relevance for trade negotiators.   

Source: WTO and ITU

ictQATAR today announced that eight well-known companies from around the world are interested in entering Qatar's fixed line telecommunications market.
The operators have officially registered interest in applying for Qatar's second fixed telecommunications license. The international companies are applying alone or as part of consortia. It is expected that the winning operator will be announced in May 2008.

See Press Release
Source: Supreme Council of Information & Communication Technology

In Moldova, the Ministry of Information Development  announced that it is preparing regulations for WiMAX licences, 2.5 GHz spectrum. It hopes to raise around USD16 million from an auction, which may take place in August.

Source: Telegeography

The Bulgarian communications regulator is considering whether to sanction the launch of a fourth mobile network operator. The Communications Regulation Commission (CRC) is expected to invite opinions from interested parties and the public in February and will subsequently prepare a report on the issue.

See more

Source: Telegeography

Thailand’s National Telecommunications Commission (NTC)  to award both WiMAX and 3G mobile network operating licences in the third quarter of this year. The announcement follows a series of  promises to issue next generation concessions; last September the regulator said 3G licences would be allocated in the first quarter of 2008. In the latest announcement, an official from the watchdog said that five WiMAX and three 3G spectrum licences are likely to be offered in an auction - the choice of method – straight auction versus beauty contest – has still not been decided on.

Source: Telegeography

ARCEP is opening today the 3G authorisation issuance procedure on a first-come-first-served basis in the 2.1 GHz band for Overseas départements and collectivities. It is also presenting the manner in which the authorisations will be allocated for projects meeting IMT-2000 standards.
The opening of this procedure follows interest expressed by several players in deploying 3G networks in the Overseas départements and collectivities, interest expressed through the public consultation regarding the introduction of third-generation mobile communication systems in these areas. A summary of this public consultation was published by ARCEP on 16th October 2007. The consultation confirmed the relevance of attributing authorisations through a first-come-first-served process, it showed that attributing a first 5-MHz carrier would appear to be sufficient to launch a 3G commercial activity, and also showed strong demand from players to fill frequency assignments.

see Press Release
Source: ARCEP

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced the launch of a new, online resource for those in rural America looking to bring the benefits of broadband services to their communities.

This “Broadband Opportunities for Rural America” web site makes available the expertise and resources of the FCC and USDA in a single, easily-accessible location and user-friendly format.
The site provides information on the different technology platforms that can be used to provide broadband service, how to access spectrum necessary for delivery of wireless broadband services, government funding for broadband services, proceedings and initiatives, and data on broadband deployment.

See Website
See Press Release
Source: Federal Communications Commission (FCC)

The Australian Communications and Media Authority has announced three initiatives to promote increased consultation, transparency and accountability in its radiofrequency spectrum planning and management.

‘Demand for spectrum is increasing, the range of stakeholders we are dealing with is both increasing and becoming more varied, and spectrum issues themselves are becoming increasingly complex,’ said Chris Chapman, ACMA Chairman. ‘

1) Establishment of a new advisory group, the Radiocommunications Consultative Committee.
2) Consultation will be a radiocommunications conference, designed to enable broad participation by a wide range of stakeholders and to foster discussion of future trends and spectrum requirements for new services.
3) Development and annual updating of a five-year rolling spectrum strategy plan.

See Press Release
Source: ACMA - Australian Communications and Media Authority

Hong Kong's Telecommunications Authority (“TA”) published a consultation paper to solicit views from the industry and interested parties on the demand for the 900 MHz and 1800 MHz bands and how the demand may be met.

See document

20080118.pdf (139,52 KB)

Source: OFTA

PTS invites interested parties to participate in two spectrum auctions: one Internet auction to assign licenses in the 2.6 GHz band and one auction in the 1900–1905 MHz band. The last date to apply for both these auctions is 10 March 2008.

During the first half of 2008, PTS (The National Post and Telecom Agency) intends to assign licenses for wireless services in the 2500–2690 MHz band (2.6 GHz) and the 1900–1905 MHz band. The licenses are service neutral and within certain limitations technology neutral. The licenses may e.g. be used for mobile telephony or wireless broadband services.

See Press Release

Source: PTS

The Magistrate hearing the case concerning unlicensed broadcasting by Citizens' Radio ruled today (8 January 2008) that the current licensing regime under the Telecommunications Ordinance, Cap 106 and the charges based upon a failure to comply with that regime were unconstitutional. As a consequence of the ruling, he dismissed all the charges against the defendants.

See Press Release
Source: OFTA

A Document details ComReg’s response to consultation document 07/85,‘Utilisation of the 71-76 GHz and 81-86 GHz Spectrum Bands’, published on 25th
October 2007. In the consultation, ComReg put forward a proposal which would employ these bands for high capacity fixed point to point radio link deployment. It was proposed that radio links deployed within these bands would be licensed under the current licensing scheme for point to point links above 1 GHz, with technical conditions in relation to radio frequency channel arrangements, equipment and antenna specifications conforming to those set out in the applicable international recommendations.
ComReg received 12 responses to the consultation. All 12 respondents were supportive of ComReg’s proposal to open this spectrum for commercial applications. Included in the responses were suggestions to implement an alternative licensing structure, offer greater band plan flexibility and to adopt a technology neutral approach for the bands. After careful consideration of all responses received, ComReg has made the following decision for these bands.

See Decision
Source: ComReg

The Honourable Jim Prentice, Minister of Industry, today released details on how the auction for Advanced Wireless Services spectrum, to be held on May 27, 2008, will be conducted. Of the 105 megahertz of spectrum to be made available, 40 MHz will be set aside exclusively for new entrants to bid on. The other 65 MHz will be available to all bidders. The spectrum being set aside amounts to less than 14 percent of the total mobile spectrum that will be in use after the auction.

See Press Release

See Policy Framework

Source: Industry Canada

Ofcom announced details of proposals for the release of spectrum, suitable for a range of new services such as mobile broadband and advanced wireless services. Ofcom proposes to release the spectrum in the 2010-2025 MHz and 2500-2690 MHz bands (known as 2.6 GHz) on a technology and service neutral basis. This will allow organisations to decide how best to use the spectrum within certain minimum technical specifications to prevent harmful interference. In total 205 MHz will be available.There are a number of potential uses of the spectrum including mobile broadband wireless services. These can offer high-speed, high-capacity mobile data connections enabling the delivery of advanced mobile services using technologies such as WiMAX or evolutions of 3G technology. In 2000 this spectrum was identified internationally for the future development of these services.
The consultation closes on 1 February 2008.

See Press Release
Source: OFCOM

Sweden's telecoms regulator,  National Post and Telecom agency (PTS),  awarded licences in the 3.6-3.8 GHz spectrum to 44 operators. The auction is part of Sweden's  auctioning of spectrum for wireless broadband services. Next will be the auction of licences in the 2.6-GHz and 1.9-GHz bands.

See Press Release
Source : National Post and Telecom Agency

Ofcom  announced how the radio spectrum that will be freed-up through digital television switchover will be awarded for new uses for the benefit of citizens and consumers in the UK. The digital dividend spectrum is in the sought-after UHF band currently used by the terrestrial television broadcasters. Transmissions in this band cover large geographical areas with relatively few transmitters, and penetrate buildings well. This makes the digital dividend the highest quality spectrum likely to be released in the UK in the next 10 or 20 years. The digital dividend is suitable for a wide range of uses including:ultra-fast wireless broadband services;mobile television; more digital terrestrial television channels in either standard or high-definition; local television; wireless microphones; and low-power applications developed from wi-fi.

See Press Release and video
Source: Ofcom

The Royal Ministry of Transport and Communications has received an application for the vacant fourth licence to build and operate a third generation public mobile communication system (3G) in Norway, and announces today that the licence will be assigned in a sealed auction. The auction will take place 12th December this year and the auction is open to all interested parties.

The licence to build and operate a third generation public mobile communications system in Norway will be assigned following a sealed first-price auction. This means that each participant in the auction may only submit one single bid and the licence will be awarded the highest bidder.

See Press Release
Source: Ministry of Transport and Communications (Norway)

Amendment in conjunction with reallocation of the frequency band used for fixed radio communications for broadcasting business (3,456-3,600 MHz band) and securing of frequencies for the fourth-generation mobile communication systems In order to reallocate the frequency band that is currently used for fixed radio communications for broadcasting business (3,456-3,600 MHz band) and secure the frequencies for the fourth-generation mobile communication systems, MIC developed a draft MIC notice to partially amend the Frequency Assignment Plan (MPT Notice No. 746 of 2000).

MIC thus invites public comment on the draft notice from today to Friday, January 4, 2008.

See More

Source : MIC (Japan)

Ofcom  announced its decision, following consultation, to amend the radio spectrum licence held by UK Broadband Limited. The change will allow the company to offer internet connections to portable or mobile devices as well as to fixed locations across the UK.

UK Broadband’s current Wireless Telegraphy Act licence permits the company to operate broadband fixed wireless access in the 3.5 GHz band. The company had asked Ofcom to change its licence to make it technology and application neutral, giving it greater flexibility over how it can use the radio spectrum. It also sought an increase in its permitted power levels.

Ofcom believes that removing restrictions on the licensee will benefit consumers, encourage competition, optimise use of the spectrum and is therefore in the interests of citizens and consumers. Ofcom also believes that the likelihood of interference to other users is low.

See Press Release

Source: OFCOM

This draft Information Memorandum provides information for interested parties considering bidding for national block licences in the 26 GHz band for Point-to- Point (P2P) and Point-to-Multipoint (PMP) applications. ComReg is inviting comments from all interested parties on these proposals before it publishes the final Information Memorandum.

See document

Source : ComReg

Finland is joining the list of European countries pushing for the use of the 900 MHz GSM spectrum for 3G services. This follows approval by the country's regulator. The Finnish Communications Regulatory Authority said the decision would ensure the three main telecoms operators in the country have equal resources to develop their services.

See Press Release

Source: FICORA

Finland is joining the list of European countries pushing for the use of the 900 MHz GSM spectrum for 3G services. This follows approval by the country's regulator. The Finnish Communications Regulatory Authority said the decision would ensure the three main telecoms operators in the country have equal resources to develop their services.

See Press Release

Source: FICORA

As faixas destinadas ao Serviço Móvel Pessoal (SMP) podem ser usadas para a prestação da telefonia celular independentemente da tecnologia. Segundo o conselheiro José Leite Pereira Filho, com esse entendimento da Agência Nacional de Telecomunicações (Anatel), fica permitido o uso das freqüências destinadas ao serviço móvel para a tecnologia IMT-2000, conhecida como de terceira geração (3G).

Também em sua 458ª reunião, realizada hoje, o Conselho Diretor da Anatel decidiu submeter a consulta pública a revogação da Resolução 227/2000, que destina as faixas de 1,9 GHz e de 2,1 GHz ao uso exclusivo da IMT-2000. A consulta pública está prevista para receber contribuições no período de 6 a 26 de novembro de 2007. Full press release

Source: Anatel, Brazil

According to Telegeography, the government of Vietnam has given the Ministry of Information and Communications the green light to grant 3G licences and mobile WiMAX trial permissions. The decision follows more than a year spent to prepare 3G licencing criteria.

See more

Source : Telegeography

Biel-Bienne, 30.10.2007 - On instructions from the Federal Communications Commission (ComCom), the Federal Office of Communications (OFCOM) is launching a procedure for the award of licences for Broadband Wireless Access (BWA). Unlike the licences already awarded which may cover the entire national territory, the new licences will be limited to regions determined by the applicants.

The available frequency band has been split into two blocks of frequencies for regional use, each with a bandwidth of 2 x 7 MHz in total, in the 3.41 - 3.6 GHz range. These frequencies will enable licensees to provide fixed or nomadic (point-to-multipoint) services exclusively in the region(s) defined in applicants' submissions. "Nomadic use" means the use of a terminal at any location, as long as it is not moved while in use. In the medium term, mobile services are also envisaged. The licences, granted for two years, may be extended to 2016 at most. No radiocommunication technology is imposed. Full press release

Source: OFCOM, Switzerland

Ireland launches a consultation on the 71-76GHz and 81-86Ghz Spectrum Bands.

See the details

Source: ComReg

Prime Minister Dr. Ahmed Nazif witnessed, on the 17th of Oct. 2007, at the Smart Village the agreement signing between the National Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (NTRA) and Mobinil on granting the latter a license to offer 3G mobile services. The agreement was signed between both Minister of Communications and Information Technology Dr. Tarek Kamel and NTRA Chairman Dr. Amr Badawy and Mobinil Board Chairman Eng. Naguib Sawiris. The 15-year license identifies Mobinil as the third provider of 3G services in Egypt after Etisalat Misr and Vodafone Egypt with a total fee of LE 3.34 billion and 2.4% of its total annual 3G revenues. The LE 3.34-billion fee will go the public treasury based on law 10 for 2003, which regulates the communications sector. The license allows Mobinil to use UMTS, EDGE, HSUPA and HSDPA technologies and to provide services that include visual communications, video-messaging, high-speed data transfer and internet, MBMS services, Mobile TV, Push-to-View and GPRS, provided that the company has to get permissions for some of the services from the concerned authorities. Mobinil is to acquire a 10 MHz frequency spectrum for broadcasting its 3G services.

See Press Release

Source: NTRA

A "Proposta de Manutenção da Atribuição da faixa de 143,60 MHz a 143,65 MHz ao Serviço de Pesquisa Espacial (no sentido do espaço para terra) e sua destinação ao Serviço Limitado Privado para uso em aplicações de Pesquisa Espacial" está sob a Consulta Pública nº 829. De acordo com a proposta, por essa faixa estações terrenas receberiam sinais e informações do espaço permitindo a realização de estudos e pesquisas. A Consulta receberá comentários e sugestões da sociedade, até as 24h do dia 19 de novembro, pelo portal da Agência Nacional de Telecomunicações (Anatel), www.anatel.gov.br . Full press release

Source: Anatel, Brazil

L’Autorité de Régulation Multisectorielle (Niger’s telecoms regulator)  announced the planned award of a GSM concession and a technology-neutral mobile telecoms licence. The country currently has three mobile operators — Celtel, Telecel and SahelCom.

Source: Telegeography

The President’s chamber of the Federal Network Agency has issued a decision on the allocation of frequencies for providing nationwide mobile broadcast services based on the DVB-H standard. The frequencies required for technical broadcasting operations will be given to T-Systems Media&Broadcast GmbH (TSMB). "The allocation of DVB-H frequencies is another important step towards mobile television in Germany", the Agency’s President, Matthias Kurth, said in Bonn. The tenders were evaluated – and the decision taken – on the basis of evaluation criteria that had been pre-determined by the Agency. TSMB was able to prove that it is best suited to fulfil the statutory and technical requirements of the tender terms. By 2015, the network should cover 90 per cent of the German population. This presupposes that the DVB-H service will reach the usual market penetration rate by 2013.

The President’s chamber will publish detailed explanatory notes on its decision in the Agency’s Official Gazette on 17 October 2007.

Chile's telecoms regulator Subtel plans to auction spectrum for wireless broadband in the 700MHz band, watchdog head Pablo Bello told reporters.

Bello said licenses for the WiMax-type service would be offered in the upper part of the UHF band, which has traditionally been used for television broadcasting.

"In the US, spectrum has been awarded in the 700MHz band, which has a lot of advantages, as it can be used to penetrate closed areas and cover long distances, which facilitates the development of new connectivity services, Bello said. Full press release

Source: Business News Americas

According ARCEP, Free Mobile did not meet the criteria and requirements for the fourth 3G license.

See Press Release and access the decision

Source: ARCEP

A fin de definir con claridad el uso de las bandas de frecuencias del espectro radioeléctrico y ofrecer seguridad jurídica a los inversionistas y usuarios de telecomunicaciones, la Comisión Federal de Telecomunicaciones (COFETEL) envió a la Comisión Federal de Mejora Regulatoria (COFEMER) el anteproyecto de actualización del Cuadro Nacional de Atribución de Frecuencias (CNAF) 2007 para su revisión.

La COFETEL solicitó la exención a la Manifestación de Impacto Regulatorio, pues el anteproyecto aprobado por el Pleno del órgano regulador no genera costos ni obligaciones a los particulares. Full press release

 

Source: COFETEL, Mexico

 

OTTAWA-GATINEAU — The Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) today initiated a public process to handle the telephone number shortage affecting the area code 613 region, which may result in the introduction of a new area code.

According to the Canadian Numbering Administrator (CNA), area code 613 is expected to run out of telephone numbers by May 2012.

Full press release

Source: CRTC, Canada

Vietnam's mobile service operators have complained of problems when it comes to installing base station antennae due to complicated procedures in obtaining construction licences, and strong objections from local residents fearful of possible health problems. Hanoi and northern Ha Nam province project are significant problem areas. The number of stations to be installed has shot up this year with Vinaphone and MobiFone, both owned by state-run incumbent Vietnam Post and Telecoms (VNPT) planning 6,000 new stations between them.

See more

Source : Telegeography

ComReg has issued revised guidelines to licence applicants for Radio Spectrum Links - Point-to-Point (> 1GHz). This document replaces the previous guidelines which were issued in December 2002. The guidelines – ComReg 98/14R4 – are available here.

Source: CCR

The Australian Communications and Media Authority proposes to revoke additional licence conditions on Radio Larrakia’s community radio broadcasting licence in Darwin and invites submissions on the proposal. Radio Larrakia broadcasts on 94.5 MHz.

The additional licence conditions, which were imposed when the licence was allocated in 1998, require Radio Larrakia Association (the licensee) to include Top End Aboriginal Bush Broadcasting Association and Larrakia Nation on its board and sub-committees and to open membership to all Darwin residents.

Radio Larrakia has submitted a proposed constitution and requested that ACMA revoke the additional licence conditions. Full press release

Source: ACMA, Australia

Ofcom today announced proposals for consultation to open up the radio spectrum bands used by mobile phone operators to allow them to launch new services and technologies and to promote competition.

Mobile devices are now central to our everyday lives, with Ofcom research showing nearly 70 million active mobile subscriptions in the UK, and an increasing number of people using their mobile to access the internet.

The proposals for consultation are designed to allow more efficient use of the spectrum that underpins all mobile services. Allowing more flexibility in using this spectrum, and wider access to it, could bring many benefits to consumers, including:

• Greatly improved rural coverage
• Mobile broadband, including faster web browsing and faster downloads of video and music
• Greater interactivity
• Better quality indoor coverage
• Lower prices

See more

Source: OFCOM

Biel-Bienne, 20.09.2007 - The Federal Office of Communications (OFCOM) has launched a public consultation on the possibilities of allocating free UMTS (Universal Mobile Telecommunication System) frequencies. By doing so, OFCOM wishes to enable interested parties to give their comments and to determine the needs and intentions of the players concerned. The consultation period runs until 2 November 2007.

Verizon Wireless has launched an appeal against the Federal Communication Commission (FCC's) final rules for the upcoming radio spectrum auction, saying the US regulator’s proposed laws concerning so-called ‘open-access conditions’ are ‘arbitrary’ and ‘capricious’.

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Source: Telegeography

 sessão para o recebimento do Documento de Identificação, das Propostas de Preços e da Documentação de Habilitação para obtenção de autorização para exploração do Serviço Móvel Pessoa (SMP), a telefonia celular, no âmbito de Edital da Licitação 001/2007/SPV da Agência Nacional de Telecomunicações (Anatel), será realizada na próxima terça-feira, 18. Os interessados devem se credenciar entre 8h30 e 10h, no Espaço Cultural da Anatel (SAUS, Quadra 6, Bloco C, Brasília, DF). Full press release

Source: ANATEL, Brazil

FCC Establishes New Benchmarks and Procedures to Expedite Completion of the 800 MHz Rebanding Process. By this Public Notice, the Federal Communications Commission (Commission) announces supplemental procedures and provides guidance for completion of 800 MHz rebanding by National Public Safety Planning Advisory Committee (NPSPAC) licensees. As part of the rebanding process, NPSPAC licensees are being relocated to new frequencies in the 800 MHz band, with all rebanding costs to be paid by Sprint Corporation (Sprint). The Commission’s orders provide for the rebanding process to be completed by June 26, 2008.

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Source: FCC

WASHINGTON, D.C. – In a Report and Order (Order) released today, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) permitted Fixed Service (FS) operators in the 10.7-11.7 GHz (11 GHz) spectrum band to install and use smaller antennas.  This action will facilitate a range of fixed microwave applications – including those that support next generation mobile services – that are not accommodated under the existing rules for the 11 GHz band.  These rule changes were proposed in a March 2007 Notice of Proposed Rulemaking, which the FCC adopted in response to a Petition for Rulemaking filed by FiberTower, Inc., a wireless backhaul provider. 

 

The lower costs and enhanced benefits of smaller antennas will result in more efficient use of the 11 GHz band without harming existing users.  An applicant seeking to use a smaller antenna in the 11 GHz band will need to coordinate its proposed facilities with existing users in the band.  The FCC also stated that it expected FS applicants in the 11 GHz band to carefully coordinate their operations with the authorized feeder link operations of any licensed geostationary (GSO) Mobile Service Satellite (MSS) gateway earth station in the 11 GHz band so as to avoid harmful aggregate interference. Full Press release

Source: FCC,United States

With the publication of an Information Memorandum (IM) which sets out the detailed auction rules and conditions today (31 August 2007), the Government invites applications to bid for the radio spectrum for the provision of CDMA2000 mobile services (CDMA2000 services).

"CDMA2000 is one of the main mobile communications standards in the world capable of delivering high speed data services. There are over 350 million mobile subscribers in 85 economies, including 39 million in Mainland, adopting this standard," a spokesperson of the Office of the Telecommunications Authority (OFTA) said. Full Press release

Source: OFTA, Hong Kong

TRAI forwarded its recommendations today to the Department of Telecommunications (DOT), Ministry of Communications and Information Technology, Government of India on policies that should govern the licensing frame work for access service provision. The recommendations contain proposals on a wide range of inter connected issues that formed the basis of the reference from the DOT dated 13^{th April, 2007.}

DoT’s reference inter-alia required TRAI to make recommendations on key issues like entry regulation in access service market, review of guidelines on Merger & Acquisitions including the provisions relating to cross holding of a licensee company in the same service area, use of combination of technologies (CDMA, GSM & and/or any other) under the same license, roll out obligations etc. Full Press release

Source: TRAI, India

Fiji’s interim Commerce Minister, Taito Waradi, says that 15 companies including local and international firms, have applied for a licence to operate a mobile telephone network in Fiji. The minister’s announcement followed the closing of the deadline for submissions yesterday. The country’s Ministry director of communications Jale Curuki added that the nation could theoretically cater for up to nine mobile operators but conceded that the actual level would be ‘determined by the market.’

Meanwhile, Mr Waradi went on to point out that currently there were no mobile operators licensed in Fiji, with the only recognised companies being Telecom Fiji and FINTEL. ‘Both are paying about USD1.2 million each and Vodafone is riding on the back of Telecom Fiji's licence,’ the minister said. ‘Vodafone Fiji itself does not have a licence,’ he said. See full publication

Source: Telegeography

Despite a partial setback last month from FCC, CEO Eric Schmidt said Google is leaning toward bidding in upcoming U.S. mobile phone airwave auctions.

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Source: Reuters

The government of Senegal is inviting companies to tender for the licence to a third mobile operator. Deadline is set for 31 August. According to TeleGeography’s GlobalComms database, Senegal’s mobile market has 3.37 million mobile users (March 2007).

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Source: Telegeography

Some 12 companies have expressed interest in bidding for two mobile concessions licenses in Panama, the country's public services regulator Asep was reported as saying by local press.

The auction process is slated to start October 27 and be awarded in May.

The interested parties are Mexico's América Móvil (NYSE: AMX), France's Orange, Luxembourg's Millicom International Celular (Nasdaq: MICC), Jamaica-based Digicel, and Panama's Vtel, Global Star, Clarocom, Cable Onda, Advanced Communication, Innovation Wireless, Torres Troncales and Pan American Wireless. Full Press release

Source: Business News Americas

Ofcom intends to end the National Frequency Assignment Panel (NFAP) frequency coordination and the Working Group on Radio site clearance (WGRSC) processes.

When applying to use radio spectrum in the UK, applicants are currently required to complete NFAP frequency co-ordination and WGRSC site clearance processes, operated by Ofcom on behalf of the Cabinet Office.

These processes were originally designed to ensure effective coordination between different users of the radio spectrum and to protect certain radio services such as government spectrum users. However, following a review of these processes, Ofcom will remove the requirement for applicants to complete them to reduce the regulatory burden on spectrum users. Ofcom will continue to facilitate some clearance processes in order to protect against interference. Full Press release

Source: OFCOM, United Kingdom

Washington, D.C. – In a Second Report & Order (Order) adopted today, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) revised the 700 MHz band plan and service rules to promote the creation of a nationwide interoperable broadband network for public safety and to facilitate the availability of new and innovative wireless broadband services for consumers.

The 700 MHz Band spectrum, which runs from 698-806 MHz, currently is occupied by television broadcasters and will be made available for other wireless services, including public safety and commercial services, as a result of the digital television (DTV) transition. The Digital Television and Public Safety Act of 2005 (DTV Act) set a firm deadline of February 17, 2009, for the completion of the DTV transition. The DTV Act also requires the FCC to commence an auction of the previously unauctioned commercial spectrum in the 700 MHz Band no later than January 28, 2008. Full Press release

Source: FCC, Unites States

ANRCTI has allotted new numbering resources to S.C. COSMOTE ROMANIAN MOBILE TELECOMMUNICATIONS S.A., S.C. DIREKT TELECOM S.R.L., S.C. TELECAV S.R.L and to Mr. Alexandru Mihail Parseghian, an authorised natural person, for the provision of telephone services. In addition to the resources previously allotted, Cosmote requested and was granted the right to use 1,000,000 national non-geographic numbers within the 0Z=07 domain. Direkt Telecom, a first time requester of numbering resources, was granted the right to use 410,000 numbers for the provision of fixed telephone services on national level and 1,000 non-geographic national numbers within the 0Z=08 domain for services provided by means of prepaid cards. As well, the company received the individual indicative 1065 for carrier selection. Full Press release Source: ANRC, Romania

Washington, DC – Today, the FCC released a new DTV Table which provides television stations across the country with their final channel assignments for broadcasting following the DTV transition on February 17, 2009. The new DTV Table specifies channels for over 1,800 stations. This is a significant and necessary step towards completing the transition to digital television. DTV provides consumers with better quality television picture and sound, and can make new services available through multicasting. The switch from analog to digital technology will also make valuable spectrum available for public safety uses and expanded wireless competition and innovation. Full Press release

Source: Federal Communications Commission (FCC), USA

ICP-ANACOM - Autoridade Nacional de Comunicações has approved the 2007 version of the National Frequency Allocation Plan (NFAP), as well as the report on the public consultation that was launched to sound out the market on this subject.

The version of the NFAP now approved, contains alterations compared to the previous version (NFAP 2005/2006). It makes provision for refarming in the 900 MHz bands, strikes the provision which reserves the GSM spectrum in the 900 and 1800 MHz bands for current mobile operators in the event of proven need, and further considers the placing of the 450 MHz band of the spectrum in the market. Full Press Release

Source: ANACOM, Portugal

The Macedonian telecoms regulator, the Agency for Electronic Communications (AEC) yesterday published details on its website asking interested parties to submit an expression of interest for assignment of radio frequencies no later than 1 September 2007.

The AEC’s announcement reads: ‘Pursuant to the commitments of the Government of the Republic of Macedonia for introduction of 3G IMT-2000/UMTS, as well as in accordance with the plan of radio frequencies assignment and utilisation, adopted by the Agency for Electronic Communications and posted on its website www.aec.mk, the radio frequency bands allocated for mobile systems of 3G, IMT 20000/UMTS are not assigned yet.’

The frequency bands on offer are:

• IMT-2000/UMTS (3G):
o 1920MHz-1980MHz/2110MHz-2170MHz UMTS FDD
o 1900MHz-1920MHz/2010MHz-2025MHz UMTS TDD
o 1980MHz-2010MHz/2170MHz-2200MHz Satellite Mobile UMTS.

Source: Telegeography

The radio spectrum is a highly valuable immaterial asset of the State. Its efficient use is of major concern for both French society and the economy. The Commission’s report on the immaterial economy states that the income generated by the use of radio spectrum is estimated at over €200 billion per year in Europe, and close to 2% of European GDP.

However, the radio resource is being used intensively and is becoming a scarce resource. Currently, the development of innovative technological solutions for the entire country is hampered by restricted access to the radio spectrum. Full Press release

Source: ARCEP, France

A Agência Nacional de Telecomunicações (Anatel) disponibilizou ontem, 31 de julho, o edital de licitação para exploração do Serviço Móvel Pessoal (SMP). A licitação permitirá a expedição de autorizações do serviço em todo o território nacional, além de possibilitar às atuais operadoras expandir seus serviços. Ao todo, serão licitados 105 lotes em 28 áreas de prestação.

Os preços mínimos estabelecidos variam de R$ 9,3 mil - lotes 90 e 91, correspondentes à área de prestação 25, que abrange o município de Paranaíba, no Mato Grosso do Sul - a R$ 106,4 milhões - lote 5, correspondente à área de prestação 16, que abrange a Região 1 (veja a tabela ao lado) do Plano Geral de Autorizações (PGA), área de concessão da Telemar. Full Press release

Source: Anatel, Brazil

Argentine telephony cooperative associations Fecotel and Fecosur need not worry about obtaining mobile spectrum to offer services, local telecommunications regulator CNC's head Ceferino Namuncurá told BNamericas.

On July 24, telecommunications ministry SeCom authorized Fecotel and Fecosur to provide mobile telephony. However, the cooperatives now need to request spectrum and there has been some concern about how much spectrum is available and speculation about whether other telcos may compete for that spectrum. Full Press Release

Source: Business News Americas

 

Washington, D.C. – In a Second Report & Order (Order) adopted today, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) revised the 700 MHz band plan and service rules to promote the creation of a nationwide interoperable broadband network for public safety and to facilitate the availability of new and innovative wireless broadband services for consumers.

The 700 MHz Band spectrum, which runs from 698-806 MHz, currently is occupied by television broadcasters and will be made available for other wireless services, including public safety and commercial services, as a result of the digital television (DTV) transition. The Digital Television and Public Safety Act of 2005 (DTV Act) set a firm deadline of February 17, 2009, for the completion of the DTV transition. The DTV Act also requires the FCC to commence an auction of the previously unauctioned commercial spectrum in the 700 MHz Band no later than January 28, 2008. Full Press Release

Source: Federal Communications Commission (FCC), United States

América Móvil (NYSE: AMX) unit Claro Perú and digital trunking operator Nextel Perú have won mobile concession licenses after presenting offers on Friday (Jul 27), Peru's state agency for promoting private investment ProInversión said in a statement.

According to the report Claro picked up the B band license, equating to 835-845MHz, 880-890MHz, 846.5-849MHz and 891.5-894MHz spectrum blocks, for US$22.2mn, which was US$20,000 more than the minimum bid, a ProInversión official told BNamericas.

The D and E bands were awarded to Nextel Perú, owned by US mobile holding company NII Holdings (Nasdaq: NIHD), for US27mn, which was US$1.5mn more than the minimum bid, the official said. The D band covers the 1,865-1,870MHz and 1,945-1,950MHz blocks, and the E band covers 1,882.5-1,895MHz and 1,962.5-1,975Mhz. Full Press Release

Source: Business News Americas

ANACOM - Autoridade Nacional de Comunicações has approved the designation of the National Numbering Plan (NNP) ''92'' numbering range for the mobile telephone service. This decision follows a request made by TMN in April. The Portugal Telecom operator sought the allocation of rights to use new blocks of 10,000 numbers for the mobile telephone service, affirming that over 60% of the total resources allocated have already been assigned to active customers - a condition of accepting the request.

Given these circumstances and given the fact that the ''91'', ''93'' and ''96'' numbering ranges have already been exhausted, ANACOM will have to find the reserves necessary in the adjacent ranges ''92'', ''95'', ''97'', ''98'', ''99'' and ''90'' - note that the ''94'' range already incorporates codes for the Mobile trunking service and the mobile maritime service. Full Press Release

Source: ANACOM, Portugal

La Comisión Nacional de Telecomunicaciones, CONATEL, en ejecución de las políticas de universalización del servicio de telefonía móvil que promueve el Ministerio del Poder Popular para las Telecomunicaciones y la Informática, las cuales propician el aumento de la penetración, la mejora en los niveles de calidad de los servicios y la comercialización justa de los mismos, inició los procedimientos de oferta pública de las bandas 1700, 1800 y 1900 MHz para servicios de telefonía móvil.

La oferta pública se realiza ante la necesidad de las operadoras móviles de ampliar su capacidad espectral en virtud del notable crecimiento experimentado por la telefonía móvil en los últimos años, y particularmente en el segundo trimestre de 2007, donde se incorporaron 1.572.413 nuevas líneas móviles. Full Press Release

Source: CONATEL, Venezuela

The Commission today proposes measures to make it easier and more lucrative for mobile operators in Europe to offer and develop innovative wireless technologies. By opening radio spectrum for advanced mobile data and multimedia services (such as 3G services that allow video streaming and fast downloads on a mobile handset), the Commission proposals, if they become law, will increase the number and choice of wireless services available, and will expand their geographic coverage to the benefit of all European citizens. The new EU measures will also reduce network deployment costs for Europe's wireless communications industry. Full Press Release

Source: European Commission

Por la cual se modifica el Capítulo II del Título XIII de la Resolución CRT 087 de 1997, se establecen algunas disposiciones relativas a los Planes Técnicos Básicos y a la administración de Códigos de operador para el servicio de Telefonía Pública Básica Conmutada de Larga Distancia y se dictan otras disposiciones.

Así mismo se publica el documento de respuesta a comentarios recibidos al proyecto de Resolución. Full Press Release 

Source: Comisión de Regulación de Telecomunicaciones (CRT), Colombia

 

 

The Nigerian Communications Commission published a Public Notice on its decision to award three (3) Carriers in the 800 MHz spectrum band through an auction process. The decision of the Commission was based on requests by interested Licensed Network Operators that require the spectrum to meet planned roll out of services. Subsequently, an Information Memorandum was issued, in which Bid Applications for the available spectrum slot were invited. 

Source: Nigerian Communication Commission, Nigeria

Paris, 13rd July 2007

The radio spectrum is a highly valuable immaterial asset of the State. Its efficient use is of major concern for both French society and the economy. The Commission’s report on the immaterial economy states that the income generated by the use of radio spectrum is estimated at over €200 billion per year in Europe, and close to 2% of European GDP.

However, the radio resource is being used intensively and is becoming a scarce resource. Currently, the development of innovative technological solutions for the entire country is hampered by restricted access to the radio spectrum.

However, mobile electronic communications services are on the brink of experiencing the same development as fixed services in recent years with the development of ADSL, that is, an accelerated transition towards high speed data rates. Indeed, mobile access to high speed should naturally become an extension of fixed Internet offers in order to provide consumers, wherever they are in the country, with access continuity to their Internet services, whether at home, work or elsewhere.

Source: ARCEP, France

The rapid reuse by third-generation mobile services (3G) of frequency bands currently used by 2G represents a major stake for the extension of 3G coverage.

This is why ARCEP held a public consultation from 4 May to 4 June 2007 as part of the analysis and discussion process initiated in the spring of 2006 with sector players to establish the means of reusing for 3G the 900 and1800 MHz frequencies which are currently used for 2G.

ARCEP is now reporting the results of the public consultation and the directions it has chosen for the implementation of 3G in the 900 and 1800 MHz bands.

ARCEP is providing visibility to the sector’s players—both operators and industrialists—on the regulatory approaches which may be chosen for the reuse of the 900 and 1800 MHz bands for 3G, so that they can initiate preparatory technical works for the rapid introduction of 3G in these bands.

Furthermore, this press release aims to enlighten parties interested in participating in the application procedure launched on 8 March 2007 for the assignment of the fourth 3G licence regarding the availability timetable of 900 and 1800 MHz frequencies for a new entrant. ARCEP had announced this in the reasoning for its decision no. 2007-0177 describing the application procedure.

Nine players contributed to this public consultation. There were five electronic communications network operators, one equipment manufacturer, two companies using GSM services and one government administration.

The contributions confirmed the major outlines proposed by ARCEP in its public consultation in the two configurations corresponding to whether or not there will be a fourth 3G operator. Moreover, the contributors raised questions regarding fees and compatibility in adjacent bands which should be taken into account.

Given these elements, ARCEP has decided on the directions which are described in the attached document.

The main consequences of these measures are as follows:

• As early as 2008, 2G-3G operators wishing to do so may reuse 900 MHz spectrum for 3G
• Any 3G new entrant authorised following the application procedure for the fourth 2.1 GHz UMTS licence would also have access to the 900 MHz spectrum once it has been returned by the existing 2G operators. The spectrum would be made available in late 2009 outside densely populated areas, and in late 2012 for the rest of the country.

Directions chosen by ARCEP for the reuse of 900 and 1800 MHz bands for 3G

This document describes the means which will be used for the reuse of the 900 and 1800 MHz bands. These means will be different depending on whether the market will be composed of three or four 3G mobile operators.

Reuse of 900 and 1800 MHz bands in a configuration with three 3G operators

This case corresponds to the situation where the fourth 3G authorisation available in the 2.1 GHz band is not assigned.

In this situation, the current assignment of the 900 and 1800 MHz frequencies would not have to be changed except for some minor adjustments regarding guard bands.

The frequency use authorisations of each of these three 2G/3G mobile operators would be modified when they would request it, to allow each of them to use the frequencies which are assigned to them in the 900 and 1800 MHz bands according to their choice for 2G or 3G.

The use of the frequencies by 3G will be reviewed in March 2011, at the stage review on the frequency assignments planned for the renewed usage authorisations for the 900 and 1800 MHz frequencies.

Reuse of the 900 MHz band in a four 3G operator configuration

This case corresponds to the situation where the fourth 3G authorisation is assigned.

In this situation, the frequency usage authorisations for the 900 MHz frequencies of the three existing 2G operators would be modified as quickly as possible.

The purpose of this modification would be to:

• to authorise each of the three 2G/3G operators to use the frequencies assigned to it in the 900 MHz band as it chooses for 2G or 3G
• to plan for the return of frequencies in the 900 MHz band in order to assign 5 MHz duplex to the 3G new entrant as proposed in the public consultation and as reviewed below. The 2G/3G operators would then keep about 10 MHz duplex each.

The target distribution scheme of the frequency assignment in the 900 MHz band on the entire Metropolitan territory would be as follows:

The frequency return timetable for existing 2G operators will differ according to whether or not they are located in heavily populated areas, as defined in the specifications of the existing 2G operators.

If a license is issued by the spring of 2008, the new entrant would have 5 MHz duplex in 900 MHz freed in late 2009 outside heavily populated areas for the operation of its 3G mobile network, then in late 2012 in heavily populated areas.

The reuse of the 1800 MHz band in the four-operator configuration will be examined at a later date, with a timetable adapted to market demands.

ARCEP has contacted the Minister of Electronic Communications regarding the question of applicable fees for the use of frequencies.

Source: ARCEP, France

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ANACOM has set out the timings and indicative model for making frequencies available for BWA (Broadband Wireless Access) applications. The 3400-3600 MHz, 3600-3800 MHz and 5725-5785 MHz bands are seen as the most likely candidates for the exploitation of this kind of application.

Following the publication of the report on the public consultation into BWA, ANACOM is due to launch a public consultation on the limitation of rights and selection procedures in the third quarter so that a decision can be taken, leading to approval of the regulation of selection procedures in the last quarter of the year. It is expected that the allocation of frequencies in the 3400-3600 MHz and 3600-3800 MHz bands will take place in the first quarter of 2008.

The consultation, to which contributions were received from 19 respondents, addressed technology neutrality and it is therefore neither limited to nor does it exclude the use of WiMax type systems.  From the analysis carried out it was possible to identify the principle processes underlying the allocation of spectrum for BWA, given the number of manifestations of interest in its use and also taking into account the objectives, as set out in law, of ensuring effective and efficient use of frequencies and of ensuring conditions necessary for effective competition in the relevant markets.

In view of the international framework and according to the responses received, ANACOM intends to make the 3400-3600 MHz, 3600-3800 MHz bands available for fixed, nomadic and mobile applications, limiting the 5725-5875 MHz band to fixed and nomadic.

Regarding the 3400-3600MHz and 3600-3800 MHz bands, ANACOM is considering the possibility of associating each right of spectrum use with a quantity of 2x28 MHz of spectrum, favouring a model of usage right allocation by zone over a national model of allocation.

It is ANACOM’s position that the allocation of frequency usage rights should be limited, particularly in the 3400-3600 MHz and 3600-3800 MHz bands, given the strong interest shown in the public consultation and the quantity of spectrum available.  The law sets out that the selection process may be by public tender or by auction, and ANACOM considers that the latter method is the more appropriate way forward for selecting the undertakings which will be allocated frequency usage rights.

The auction option for frequency allocation is seen as being more transparent for interested parties, causing less of an interference to the operators’ business plans and creativity, stimulating the efficient and effective use of the spectrum and diminishing the motivation for unproductive allocation of this resource.

BWA’s immaturity, the technology neutral allocation approach and the possibility of reaching a correct assessment of the allocated spectrum’s market value were further grounds for the option taken.

It is ANACOM’s position that the introduction of BWA constitutes an opportunity to promote competition among the provision of networks and services, opening up the way for new operators to enter the market, especially with regard to the exploitation of the technology in its mobile form.  It is therefore considered that the auction should have two phases.  In its first phase, restrictions of access to the frequencies concerned should be placed on those undertakings which already have spectrum allocated to them in the 3400-3800 MHz band, which have been designated as undertakings having significant power in the broadband market or which hold rights to use frequencies for the provision of public terrestrial mobile services.  The second phase will cover those frequencies left unallocated after the first phase and will have no restrictions of access.

The 5725-5875 MHz must be used in full accessibility regime.

Finally it should be noted that FWA operators in the 3400-3800 MHz will be able to start providing their services in a technology neutral perspective, even though this does not cover the mobile mode.  The provision of services based on the mobile mode will become possible once frequencies in the 3400-3800 MHz band have been allocated.   

The detail of the model described will, at an opportune moment, be submitted to public consultation by the regulator

Source: Anacom, Portugal

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Honduran telecoms regulator Conatel has launched an auction for a spectrum license for a third mobile operator to enter the market and fixed July 2 for the prequalifying process to start, the watchdog said in a statement.

Bidding rules will be available through July 27 with an entry fee of US$500 for the prequalifying round. The regulator will auction spectrum in the 1,870-1,890 MHz and 1,950-1,970 MHz bands.

The announcement by Conatel came as a surprise to many, including local telecoms engineer and independent consultant Oscar Andino, who expected the government to wait on the country's state-owned fixed line incumbent Hondutel to enter the mobile market first.

Andino told BNamericas that Hondutel has had full permission to offer mobile services for two years, but has yet to do so due to a lack of funding.

However, regardless of whoever enters the mobile market a new entrant will have an uphill task ahead of them due to the strength of the country's current duopoly, the market leader Tigo, owned by Luxembourg's Millicom International Cellular (Nasdaq: MICC), and Claro, of Mexico's América Móvil (NYSE: AMX).

"Tigo has almost 11 years in the market and Claro almost five... and they have competitive prepaid plans... whoever comes will have to do something very creative," Andino said.

The strong position of two of the largest regional mobile conglomerates means that for a real impact in the market, another giant, perhaps Spain's Telefónica (NYSE: TEF), would have to enter the process.

Despite the prospects, Andino said that an existing local company, such as fixed line operator Multifon, which currently offers a fixed mobile solution, could also be a viable candidate. However, while the company could create a viable business plan by complementing its fixed line service, it would have difficulty competing with the regional players on a massive scale, Andino said.

Source: Business News Americas

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The Australian Communications and Media Authority has accepted formal undertakings from Harbour Radio Pty Ltd, the licensee of commercial radio service 2GB Sydney, concerning new training procedures on vilification in response to a number of breaches of a provision of the Commercial Radio Codes of Practice 2004 (the code).

In three investigations over the last six months, ACMA has found the licensee in breach of the vilification provision of the code for broadcasts that occurred between May and December 2005. Clause 1.3(e) of the code provides that a licensee must not broadcast a program which is likely to incite or perpetuate hatred against or vilify any person or group on the basis of a number of attributes, including ethnicity.

In response to these findings, 2GB will introduce a comprehensive training program on vilification intended to ensure its future compliance with the code. These procedures will supplement the revised regime that the licensee of 2GB introduced in mid 2006 and means the licensee’s approach on this matter should better align with the code.

The new training is to be provided to all presenters, producers and on-air staff to the satisfaction of ACMA.

The 2GB Board of Directors will formally review and approve the compliance program for implementation and the licensee will report to ACMA throughout the process on the development and application of the new regime.

If ACMA is not satisfied at any time that the new arrangements will ensure compliance with the code, ACMA will revisit the matter to consider the heightened compliance options available to it.

2GB accepts this position and has reiterated its commitment to meeting its responsibilities under the code.

ACMA welcomes the considered and constructive approach taken by 2GB in developing a program of activities that specifically addresses ACMA’s concerns.

Source: ACMA, Australia

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The government of Venezuela plans to award mobile spectrum in the 1,800 MHz and 1,900 MHz bands in a move to expand mobile penetration in the country, newspaper El Universal reported.

The process is due to start July 11 with winners of the spectrum expected to start operating on it by November 13, according to the press report. Concession licenses for 15-year periods will be awarded and the initial bidding price is US$120mn.

According to telecommunications minister Jesse Chacón, the mobile market has reached maturity with current penetration over 75%, a number that is expected to reach 90% by 2011.

The government said it will take into consideration quality of service, coverage and the value of the bid.

Moreover, the government will also take into account all the infrastructure already deployed by participating operators, which is a clear advantage for Movistar, a unit of Spanish giant Telefónica (NYSE: TEF) and Movilnet, the mobile unit of fixed line operator Cantv, which are both saying they need more spectrum to offer more services to their clients.

The government also expects all towns with more than 500 inhabitants to have access to telecommunications services by 2011.

Source: Business News Americas

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Jamaica's government has awarded mobile startup Solutrea Jamaica a mobile license effective June 1, local newspaper The Jamaica Gleaner quoted the minister of commerce, science and technology Phillip Paulwell as saying.

The government granted the license after the company carried out a process of due diligence with the country's ministry of finance and planning. The company will pay J$500mn (US$7.33mn) for the license.

According to the report, the company was one of two that had approached the government for a license. Solutrea will use CDMA2000 1x technology, according to the website of the CDMA Development Group.

Jamaica currently has three mobile operators, Digicel, Cable & Wireless Jamaica and MiPhone.

Source: Business News Americas

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ANRCTI has allotted new numbering resources to S.C. AIR BITES S.R.L., S.C. CARRIER 1 NETWORKS S.R.L., S.C. EUROWEB ROMANIA S.A., S.C. GBA NETWORK GROUP S.R.L., S.C. HES COMMUNICATIONS S.RL., S.C. NETPOINT S.R.L., S.C. ORION COMMUNICATION S.R.L. for the provision of telephony services and granted, as well, a new licence to S.C. VESSA TELECOM S.R.L., at the titular’s request, due to the change of its address.

Air Bites, Carrier 1 Networks and GBA Network Group, which requested numbering resources for the first time, were granted each the right to use 410,000 geographic national numbers within the 0Z=03 domain for the provision of fixed telephone services in 40 counties and in Bucharest. As regards the numbers within the 0Z=08 domain, GBA Network Group requested and was granted 1,000 numbers for prepaid cards, while Carrier 1 Networks was granted 3,000 numbers for tele-voting services, for services provided through Green Numbers, universal access service and prepaid cards. Moreover, Carrier 1 Networks was allotted 3,000 numbers within the 0Z=09 domain and received the individual indicatives 1662 and 1062 for carrier selection. The indicatives received by Air Bites for carrier selection are 1661 and 1061, while the indicative received by GBA Network Group is 1063.

According to the licence granted by ANRCTI, Euroweb Romania requested and was granted the right to use 90,000 national numbers within the 0Z=03 domain for the provision of telephony services in Bucharest.

HES Communications, a first time requester of numbering resources, was granted the right to use 70,000 numbers for the provision of fixed telephony services. Furthermore, the company was allotted 2,000 numbers within the 0Z=08 domain for the provision of services through Green Numbers and prepaid cards, as well as 3,000 national numbers within the 0Z=09 domain for Premium Rate services. The indicatives received by HES Communications for carrier selection are 1664 and 1064.

Netpoint was allotted 400,000 more national numbers within the 0Z=03 domain for the provision of telephony services in 40 counties of Romania. Orion Communication, a new entrant on the market, was granted the right to use 10,000 national numbers from the 0Z=03 domain, as well as 2,000 numbers for services provided through prepaid cards and Green Numbers; the company received the indicatives 1660 and 1060 for carrier selection.

Following the request of Vessa Telecom whereby it announced the company’s change of address, ANRCTI granted a new licence, without allotting additional numbering resources.

So far, ANRCTI has allotted more than 76.7 million numbers based on the procedure of granting licences for the use of numbering resources. 57.2% of these have been allotted for fixed telephone services, while 41.7% have been assigned for the provision of mobile telephone services.

Further details on the numbering resources allotted by ANRCTI are available here

Source: ANRC, Romania

LEADING WIRELESS INDUSTRY ENTREPRENUERS SEEK OPEN ACCESS
FOR PART OF 700 MHZ SPECTRUM TO BE AUCTIONED
‘Just Do It’ Versus ‘Just Ask the Big 4’
NEW YORK CITY, June 7, 2007 – The Wireless Founders Coalition for Innovation, a new group of wireless entrepreneurs who are behind numerous industry “firsts” in the U.S. market, is calling on the FCC to apply wireless Open Access rules to a single swathe of spectrum in the upcoming 700 MHz auction. This core group of innovators told FCC Chairman Kevin Martin, in a letter filed today, that the 700 MHz auction provides an historic opportunity, allowing the Openness of the wireline Internet to be applied for the first time to the wireless world and unlocking a new wave of wireless entrepreneurial activity.

To this end, these entrepreneurs – who have developed groundbreaking mobile content, services, applications and platforms that have transformed the U.S. mobile industry – are urging the Commission to adopt Frontline Wireless’s proposed requirements for Open Access for a single block of 700 MHz spectrum. “One does not have to ask Comcast or Time Warner Cable or even Verizon’s
DSL division for permission to launch a new product, service or device,” the letter said. “To borrow the Nike slogan, you can ‘just do it. In wireless, on the other hand, you can ‘just ask the Big 4.’”

‘Real World’ Perspective
The Coalition is a new group of veteran wireless entrepreneurs. They have come together to bring an on-the-ground perspective as developers and innovators to the question of why wireless Open Access rules are needed for the proposed E Block of 700 MHz spectrum. Open Access is critical for this limited slice of spectrum to move beyond the current walled gardens of wireless operators, which stymie U.S. competitiveness, innovation and economic growth. The group consists of members who have developed innovations that have shaped today’s wireless market, including: (1) John Tantum and Amol Sarva, who co-founded Virgin Mobile USA, the first mobile virtual private network
operator in the U.S.; (2) Fabrice Grinda, founder of Zingy, which built the market for ringtones and mobile entertainment in the U.S.; (3) Jason Devitt, founder of Vindigo, which publishes more than twenty different applications for mobile
phones including its famous city guide; (4) Pat McVeigh, former CEO of Omnisky and former CEO of PalmSource; (5) Sam Leinhardt, founder of Penthera, which created one of the first software platforms for mobile TV broadcasting; (6) Martin Frid-Nielsen, founder of Soonr, which gives consumers access to PC data from any mobile device or network; (7) Alex Asseily, who founded Aliph, which created audio technology for wireless phones and the Jawbone headset.

Real-World Problems
In the letter to the FCC, the Coalition describes the time-consuming and costly roadblocks that would continue to stymie wireless innovation without E block Open Access requirements, including a need for developers to obtain approval
from carriers before deploying new devices or services on a network. This could take months of waiting for “compliance testing,” even when a device is a small variant to a previously tested device. In other cases, carrier Terms of Service
may prevent deployment of innovative applications that require passing data traffic “over the top” of carrier networks.
The “mother may I approach” to innovation embraced by the Big 4 carriers can slow time to market and increase risks and costs for the entrepreneur. In addition, applying Open Access to the E Block represents just a small portion of
the 700 MHz spectrum and only about 2.7 percent of the spectrum that will be allocated for commercial use following this auction.

Need for Openness

The Coalition is calling for three forms of Open Access in the E Block:

Open Services: The only limits on new services ideas should be the imaginations of developers, not terms of service of wireless operators,
who block basic Internet-style applications such as VoIP and webcams.

Open Devices: There is no need to subject entrepreneurs, or customers, to needless bottlenecks. An Open Device rule would ensure users may
connect any device they choose to a wireless network as long as it met certain specified technical standards. This would create a “a wave of
opportunity in the device space, including the evolution of cell phones toward ‘broadband communicators.’”

Open Auction: Frontline and Google got it right when they said recently that part of the E Block wholesale capacity should be made available to all comers via an open auction. This would lead to important new innovations, including the possibility of someone offering a less expensive
wireless service alternative subsidized by location-based advertising. “Over time, the provision of Open Access services by at least one carrier in the market could apply competitive pressure to the others to open up as well,” the Coalition said. “A slight regulatory nudge could result in a major push by market forces.”

Source: Wireless Founders Coalition for Innovation 

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After long negotiations for more than six months with the three mobile operators in Egypt, and after resorting to NTRA in search for a decisive and fair solution for the problem of national roaming, the efforts were finally realized and NTRA successfully managed to devise a fair commercial agreement that works for the benefit of all the stakeholders and that is in alignment with the fair competition concept sought after by the NTRA.

The signing of the agreement and the launch of the national roaming service has been finally realized on Thursday 7/6/2007, in the NTRA premises in the Smart Village.

According to this agreement the two operating mobile operators are required to supply the national roaming service to the third operator in the areas that are not covered by its network. As well as the responsibility of the third operator to do exactly the same for the other two companies in areas which their networks are not covered.
The national roaming agreement has been already included in the three operators’ licenses, which was one of the reasons behind the increase to almost the double of the expected value of the third license.

The importance of such and agreement is basically because it manages to solve a huge dilemma, as it is increasingly hard to find a middle ground agreement that works for the benefit of both the consumer as well as service provider. Therefore this agreement serves in covering a wider geographical area covered by the networks of the companies, without interfering with the quality of service, which on another hand generates higher profits for the service providers.

Source: NTRA, Egypt

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Brazil's telecoms regulator Anatel has granted the country's second largest mobile company TIM (NYSE: TSU) a license to supply fixed line telecoms services, TIM said in a statement.

Telecom Italia's (NYSE: TI) unit TIM Brasil already offers TIM Casa, a service with some 400,000 subscribers to make calls from a mobile phone while paying fixed line rates.

Until now, TIM has been the only major mobile operator without a sister fixed line unit. National operators Oi (NYSE: TNE) and Brasil Telecom (NYSE: BRP) have fixed line operations. Spain's Telefónica (NYSE: TEF), which owns Movistar, also has a fixed line operation Telesp in São Paulo, while Claro of América Móvil (NYSE: AMX) is linked to Telmex's (NYSE: TMX) fixed line operation Embratel.

According to Brendan Conroy, senior telecom consultant at US consultancy IDC, the TIM Casa service has been a good complement to TIM's mobile offering but it is not a good long-term plan for competing in the fixed line market because the company has to pay costly interconnection fees.

Having a license to offer fixed line telephony will help TIM Brasil get into the triple play market and offer fixed-mobile convergence services at a time when the market is heading toward number portability or having the same number for fixed and mobile services, Conroy told BNamericas.

Source:Business News Americas

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The Telecommunications Authority (TA) today (4 June 2007) announced the adoption of the National Standard as the technical standard for the digital terrestrial television (DTT) service in Hong Kong.

"The Government has adopted a market-led approach which allows the free-to-air television broadcasters, namely Asia Television Limited (ATV) and Television Broadcasts Limited (TVB), to propose the DTT technical standard of their choice for assessment by the TA. The two broadcasters unanimously indicated their preference for the National Standard. After considering their proposals and having regard to the satisfactory outcome of the laboratory tests and field trials with the proposed standard, the TA has decided to adopt the National Standard as the transmission standard for DTT in Hong Kong," a spokesperson of the Office of the Telecommunications Authority (OFTA) said.

Following the adoption of DTT transmission standard, the TA will publish the technical specification for DTT receivers within this month so that manufacturers will be able to produce and supply the appropriate DTT set-top boxes and integrated TV sets (DTT receivers) for the Hong Kong market.

"The receiver specification, which will consist of a basic-tier and a higher-tier, is to cater for the different business plans of the two broadcasters and the versatile needs of consumers," said the spokesperson.

The basic-tier receivers will allow consumers to receive the four existing local free-to-air television programme channels transmitted in digital format. The higher-tier receivers will allow consumers to enjoy all DTT programmes, including new programmmes and high-definition television (HDTV) programmes.

According to the stipulation of the Government, two broadcasters shall simulcast both digital and analogue terrestrial television before the end of 2007.

"By that time, members of the public can still enjoy the analogue television programmes and satellite television programmes without the need of any additional equipment. If members of the public would like to receive the new DTT programmes, they will need to procure DTT receivers in compliance with the specification set out for the Hong Kong market. As to management offices / incorporated owners of multi-storey buildings, they will need to upgrade their communal aerial broadcast distribution systems so that the DTT service is receivable by individual residents of the buildings. OFTA will, via a variety of channels, remind the building management offices / incorporated owners to upgrade their aerial systems before the launch of DTT service," said OFTA's spokesperson.

"No DTT receivers are available in the market yet. Consumers who wish to receive the DTT programmes need not rush to buy receivers now. We expect that such receivers will gradually be available in the market for consumers' choice in the coming three to six months. DTT will be launched in phases and when DTT is first launched by end 2007, only 50% of Hong Kong will be covered by digital signals. Hence, consumers shall also check whether their residences are covered by DTT service and their aerial systems are able to receive such service before making the purchase decision," said OFTA's spokesperson.

"Existing television sets and displays currently on sale in the market can work with the future DTT set-top boxes. Those television sets which are high-definition ready (HD-ready) with a set-top box connected in future can enjoy HDTV services when DTT is launched. On the other hand, integrated TV sets (with built-in digital decoders) will be available at a later stage," the OFTA's spokesperson explained.

The Government and the broadcasters will mount publicity in relation to DTT and consumer tips for the purchase of DTT receivers nearer the time of the launch of DTT service. For further enquiries, members of the public may surf the Government's website for DTT (http://www.digitaltv.gov.hk) or call OFTA's hotline (2961 6333).

Source: OFTA, Hong Kong

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At a meeting, held on 23.05.2007, the Communications Regulation Commission (CRC) decided to announce an intention for the issuance of an individual license for carrying out telecommunications through the public telecommunications mobile network with national coverage under TETRA standard.
CRC took the decision N 863 on the grounds of article 61, paragraphs 1 and 3 and in connection with article 55, paragraph 1 of the Telecommunications Act. CRC announced its intention for issuing an individual license with national coverage for carrying out telecommunications through the public telecommunications mobile network under TETRA standard at its initiative and taking into account the available free scarce radiofrequency spectrum resource 2 x 1.5 MHz in the frequency bands 412.5 – 414 MHz and 422.5 – 424 MHz.
The European standard for mobile radio-network TETRA (Trans European Trunked Radio) is directed mainly towards satisfying the needs of professional business customers by providing access to a wide scope of voice and data transmission services.
The entities, wishing to be licensed for carrying out telecommunications through the public telecommunications mobile network under TETRA standard with national coverage should apply personally or through a representative, authorized explicitly by a notarized power of attorney, each working day from 9.00 till 17.30 h in the general administrative office of CRC or by post – registered letter to address: Sofia 1000, 6 “Gurko” Str. up to 02.07.2007.

Source: CRC, Bulgaria

On April 27, 2007, the Commission released a Report and Order and Further Notice of Proposed
Rulemaking which addresses rules governing wireless licenses in the 698-806 MHz Band (herein, the
“700 MHz Band”).1 This spectrum currently is occupied by television broadcasters in TV channels 52-69
and is being made available for wireless services, including public safety and commercial services, as a
result of the digital television (“DTV”) transition. On May 21, 2007, Google Inc. (“Google”) filed an ex
parte letter asking that the Commission seek immediate comment on certain proposals regarding the
service rules for the 700 MHz Band spectrum that is to be auctioned.2 By this Public Notice, the Wireless
Telecommunications Bureau seeks comment on those proposals as well as any other alternative
approaches for conditioning the licenses that will be auctioned.

DA-07-2197A1.pdf (156,68 KB)

Source: FCC

Panama's public services regulator Asep plans to launch an auction for two mobile concession licenses in October and award them in 2008, local and international press quoted Asep official Víctor Urrutia as saying.

Bids for the 30-year concessions are expected to be above US$30mn.

The move is aimed at increasing mobile penetration to 70% from 50% today.

The new licenses could draw interest from some of the regional operators not already operating in Panama, namely Mexico's América Móvil (NYSE: AMX), or the Caribbean's Digicel.

Currently Panama has two mobile operators, Movistar, of Spain's Telefónica (NYSE: TEF), and the local unit of the UK's Cable & Wireless.

Surce: Business News Americas

Mobile communications markets in the French territories of the Caribbean and Indian Ocean have developed rapidly over the past few years to reach a similar maturity level to that of mainland France. This can be asserted through the comparison between mobile penetration rates (as of march 31^st 2007, average penetration rate in the overseas areas was 96%, against 81.9% in the mainland) and through the growth of mobile multimedia services on GPRS and EDGE networks.

In mainland France, wideband mobile services are now thriving on 3G UMTS networks, which offer higher bitrates. Three operators are currently licensed for 3G, and a tender for a fourth license is open.

Overseas populations must also be able to benefit from the new possibilities enabled by UMTS. Therefore, 3G networks must be implemented rapidly, and must take into account the specific conditions of the overseas markets.

For these reasons, ARCEP is publishing a request for comments to prepare the licensing conditions in the 2 GHz band, which is the international standard band for 3G services.

ARCEP invites all parties likely to launch 3G networks in the overseas areas to express their interest within the framework of this consultation, in order to set up an effective licensing plan, and in particular to confirm the feasibility of a first come first serve process.

All parties interested in participating in the consultation are invited to send their contributions to ARCEP before July 6^th 2007 at 5 PM CET.

Source: ARCEP, France

UKE announced tender for two frequency reservations in the 1800 MHz spectrum band to be used  in public telecommunications network.

On 21 May 2007, the President of UKE announced the start of a tender for two frequency reservations within the 1710 – 1730 MHz and 1805 – 1825 MHz spectrum bands, each covering 49 radio duplex channels (duplex channel means a dual frequency channel consisting of two single frequency channels, each of the bandwidth of 200 kHz, forming a logical whole) with duplex space of 95 MHz.

The frequencies in question may be used in the public telecommunications network (i.e. mobile and fixed telephony, radio access to the Internet etc.) on the entire territory of Poland until  31 December 2022.

Each bidder is allowed to submit not more than two bids. Each bid will be considered independently. A minimum amount of one-off fee for frequency reservation is of PLN 1.960.000 in the case of one bid, which constitutes 50% of annual fee for the right of disposal of 49 radio channels during the first year of the frequency reservation for mobile network.

The bid should be submitted in the form specified in the Terms of Reference of the tender not later than 24 August 2007, during weekdays between 9 am and 3 pm in the Chancellery UKE [Kancelaria Główna], 18/20 Kasprzaka Street, Warsaw.

The criteria of evaluation are as follows:

• the amount of a declared one-off fee for making the frequency reservation (110 points),
• preserving competitive conditions (200 points),
• financial credibility  (6 points),
• commitments undertaken by the bidder within the tender (24 points).

The most important criterion is the preservation of competitive conditions. The evaluation of the impact on the competition will be carried out based on the whole frequency resources for mobile telephony systems which are of the disposal of the bidder as well as the opinion of the President of the Office for Competition and Consumer Protection.

The maximum number of points that may be obtained in the tender is 340. The President of UKE has not defined a qualifying minimum, i.e. a minimum number of points to be obtained by a bid so that the bidder could qualify as an entity selected within the tender.

  

The notice on the tender as well as tender documentation - see attached files.

Radio spectrum users will soon benefit from greater clarity on what spectrum is available and how this may be used across Europe. Such information helps industry to make informed decisions when developing business opportunities, and so will stimulate investment. It is also essential for secondary trading of rights to use spectrum, which is also a Commission objective. The Decision, adopted today, builds on existing requirements in the EU Telecom Rules and defines a common format and level of detail for information that Member States should provide. (…)

 

Source: European Union.

The Office of the Telecommunications Authority (OFTA) today ( 11 May 2007 ) issued a consultation paper to invite public views on the proposed allocation of spectrum for the provision of broadband wireless access ("BWA") services.

BWA is a technology that supports high-speed wireless access to mobile user devices for voice, video, Internet access and other applications. BWA is also an alternative to the wireline technologies for access to buildings and individual customers at fixed locations. Some local fixed network operators have expressed interest to deploy BWA technologies in their customer access networks.

"User devices employing BWA technologies meeting open standards are expected to be commonly available in the market in the next couple of years. These technologies have the potential of supporting innovative services and offering more choices to users in the market. In order to maintain Hong Kong 's position as a telecommunications hub in the Asia Pacific region, OFTA sees it necessary to make available sufficient spectrum in a timely manner to address prospective market needs and to facilitate the introduction of new technologies and innovative services," a spokesperson of OFTA said.

"In this consultation, we have put forward specific proposals for the allocation of 2.3 GHz band for the deployment of BWA. We also seek feedback from interested parties to assess the potential demand for spectrum in the 2.5 GHz band so that consideration could be given to including such spectrum in the future assignment of spectrum. To be in line with the guiding principles under the Spectrum Policy Framework recently promulgated by the Government, we propose to assign the BWA spectrum using a market-based approach which is based on auction. The auction is planned to be conducted in 2008," the spokesperson said.

The industry and any interested parties are invited to submit views or comments on this consultation paper on or before 11 July 2007. Parties who are interested to invest in services operating in the spectrum concerned are also invited to express their intention to OFTA by the same deadline.

Source: OFTA, Hong Kong

In the spring of 2006, ARCEP initiated an analysis and discussion process with sector players to establish the means of reusing 900 and 1800 MHz frequencies, which are currently being used for 2G, for 3G. The goal of this process was to meet a need expressed by Orange France and SFR, as permitted by their licences.

• Why deploy 3G in low bands? In order to provide geographical coverage of areas with low populations at a low cost and for better coverage inside buildings in urban areas

The principle of reusing these frequency bands for 3G services, beyond the deployments done in the 2.1 GHz band, had already been planned since the first UMTS applications procedures.

3G operators have requested the reuse of low bands. The 900 MHz band offers wave propagation characteristics which make their deployment much more attractive than the 2.1 GHz band. Because the 900 MHz frequency band is lower, it offers much greater ranges and better penetration within buildings.

• Available resources, players’ needs, possible frequency distribution diagrams: ARCEP prepares the conditions for reusing 900 MHz bands for 3G

So, it is within this framework that ARCEP is launching a public consultation today based on the results of the process underway for the past year.

In it, ARCEP presents available resources and an analysis of market needs, and requests the comments of interested parties on the possible division of 900 MHz frequencies among players.

This work takes into account the 8^th March 2007 launch of the application procedure for the assignment of the fourth 3G licence. Two scenarios are proposed: the first hypothesis is that the fourth 3G licence will be assigned and will be based on a division among four 3G operators. The second is based on a use of 900 MHz frequencies by the current three 3G operators.

ARCEP will finalise the plan based on the responses it receives, and will announce the timetable and the chosen means for introducing 3G in the 900 MHz and 1800 MHz frequency bands.

• Providing visibility to operators and equipment manufacturers

This method is based on discussion and aims to give sector players—both operators and industry—good visibility on the regulatory means which might be chosen for the reuse of the 900 and 1800 MHz bands for 3G. This should allow them to initiate preparatory work so that 3G can be introduced in these bands as quickly as possible.

• Specifying the quantities of spectrum to be assigned to a fourth 3G operator in these bands

This public consultation also meets another objective.

If a fourth 3G candidate is designated, the frequency assignments of the existing three operators in the 900 and 1800 MHz bands will have to be modified in order to free up part of the spectrum for the new arrival, as is stipulated in their respective licences.

Therefore, parties interested in participating in the application procedure launched on 8^th March 2007 for the assignment of the fourth 3G license need to be informed of this. ARCEP had indicated in the reasons for decision no. 2007-0177 that it would provide further information on the frequency provision timetable prior to the application deadline.

Source: ARCEP, France

Washington, D.C. – Today, the Federal Communications Commission’s (FCC) Wireless Telecommunications Bureau (Bureau) completed its review of the applications for the Advanced Wireless Services (AWS) licenses won in Auction No. 66, which closed on September 18, 2006.  With the Public Notice released today, the Bureau has granted all of the 1,087 licenses won in the auction, with the exception of one license subject to a September 29, 2007 deadline for the applicant to file a certification to qualify for a Tribal Land Bidding Credit.  The Bureau completed its review of AWS applications in just over six months from October 4, 2006, when the winning bidders in the auction submitted their long-form license applications to the FCC. 

 

The grant of these licenses will promote the further deployment of broadband services across the United States, as they can be used to provide a wide array of innovative wireless services and technologies, including voice, data, video, and other wireless broadband services.  Fifty-eight of the 107 applicants receiving AWS licenses are small and very small businesses that qualified for a designated entity bidding credit.

 

The $13.7 billion in auction revenue collected from Auction No. 66 nearly equals the approximately $14 billion in total revenue from all other FCC auctions combined and nearly doubles the amount of auction revenue transferred to the U.S. Treasury.   This revenue also will fully fund the estimated cost of relocating the federal government operations currently occupying the lower half of the AWS band (1710-1755 MHz), as required by the Commercial Spectrum Enhancement Act (CSEA).

Source: FCC, USA

The Telecommunications Authority ("TA") today (27 April 2007) announced the plan to release spectrum through open auction to enable the provision of Code Division Multiple Access 2000 (CDMA2000) services in Hong Kong from November 2008.

The necessary subsidiary legislation will be tabled in the Legislative Council to impose spectrum utilisation fee on the use of the relevant spectrum and to prescribe the method of determining the spectrum utilisation fee by auction. The auction is expected to be held in the last quarter of 2007 after which the TA will grant one licence for use of the spectrum.

The CDMA2000 standard is one of the main mobile communications standards in the world that is capable of providing high-speed data services with data rates comparable to the existing 3G services available in Hong Kong.

"At present, mobile services based on the CDMA2000 standard are provided in 85 economies, including the US, Korea, Japan and the Mainland. Altogether, there are 325 million CDMA2000 subscribers worldwide. In the Mainland, there are over 30 million CDMA2000 subscribers. The licensing of a new mobile service using the CDMA2000 standard will contribute to the harmonization of popular mobile services with the Mainland as well as other parts of the world, thereby strengthening Hong Kong's strategic position as a world city and the gateway between the Mainland and the world," a spokesperson of the Office of the Telecommunications Authority ("OFTA") said.

"Any interested party, including incumbent fixed/mobile carriers, is welcome to bid for the spectrum. Details of the auction rules, including the reserve price, will be released nearer to the time of the auction," continued the spokesperson.

This will be the second spectrum auction held by the Government, following the first one held in 2001 for the deployment of spectrum in the 1.9 - 2.2 GHz band for the provision of the third-generation mobile services.

Source: OFTA, Hong Kong

Washington, D.C. – Today, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) adopted a Report and Order (Order) and Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (Further Notice) that address rules governing wireless licenses in the 698-806 MHz spectrum band, commonly referred to as the “700 MHz Band.”  This spectrum is currently occupied by television broadcasters during the digital television (DTV) transition and will be made fully available for wireless services, including public safety and commercial services, when the DTV transition is completed on February 17, 2009.

 

The FCC has been considering rules related to the use of the 700 MHz Band spectrum in three ongoing proceedings:  (1) the 700 MHz Commercial Services proceeding, (2) the 700 MHz Guard Bands proceeding, and (3) the 700 MHz Public Safety proceeding.  Today’s Order and Further Notice address issues in all three proceedings.  These decisions and proposals will allow the FCC to offer a variety of licenses in the 700 MHz auction and facilitate the provision of new and innovative services to consumers across the country, as well as clearing the path for nationwide, interoperable wireless broadband services for the public safety community.

 

The FCC took several actions related to the commercial services portions of the 700 MHz Band in today’s Order.  The FCC adopted a mix of geographic area sizes for licensing the spectrum – including Cellular Market Areas (CMAs), Economic Areas (EAs) and Regional Economic Area Groupings (REAGs) – and established rules related to power limits and other technical issues, as well as initial license terms.  In addition, the FCC applied 911/E911 and hearing aid compatibility rules to all commercial mobile radio services (CMRS) providers, regardless of the spectrum being used, to the extent the service meets the scope requirements in the FCC’s current rules.  In the Further Notice, the FCC sought comment on performance requirements for the unauctioned licenses in the 700 MHz Band.  In particular, the FCC sought comment on the use of geographic build-out requirements. Comment is also sought on several proposals to modify the 700 MHz band plan, including proposals recently filed by Frontline Wireless, LLC, and various public interest groups.

 

With regard to the 700 MHz Guard Bands, the FCC adopted provisions to encourage the efficient and effective use of the Guard Band spectrum.  The FCC replaced the existing Guard Band Manager leasing rules with the spectrum leasing policies established in the FCC’s Secondary Markets proceeding, providing Guard Band licensees with greater flexibility.  In addition, the FCC tentatively concluded that it would not adopt certain Guard Band proposals advanced by parties seeking a restructuring of the existing Upper 700 MHz band plan, and sought comment on a proposal recently filed by Access Spectrum/Pegasus.

 

With regard to the 700 MHz Public Safety spectrum, the FCC tentatively concluded that the current public safety wideband allocation should be revised such that only broadband applications consistent with a nationwide interoperability standard should be deployed on a going forward basis.  The FCC also tentatively concluded that it should consolidate the 700 MHz Public Safety spectrum, by combining the narrowband spectrum at the upper portion of the public safety allocation and the broadband spectrum at the lower portion.  Today’s proposals, in conjunction with the FCC’s proposal in the 700 MHz Public Safety Ninth Further Notice to establish a national public safety licensee, further the FCC’s goal of establishing nationwide interoperable wireless broadband for public safety.

Source: FCC, USA

Kurth: „Important step for mobile television in Germany“

The Federal Network Agency has launched the frequency assignment procedure for the nationwide offer of mobile multi-media broadcasting services in the DVB-H standard. „We have now taken a crucial step towards mobile television in Germany. With it, the Federal Network Agency has created another precondition for the creation of an innovative and forward-looking mass market marked with a high growth potential. The frequency asignment procedure is also deemed suitable for reaching a very high percentage of the German population and for stimulating numerous investments in the medium term. New creative offers will emerge, especially where terminal equipment and new innovative multi-media services are concerned. From a European viewpoint, with the launch of the assignment procedure we are also in the top league and as such demonstrate the innovative capacity of our market for media services,“ said Matthias Kurth, President of the Federal Network Agency in Bonn.

The frequency asignment procedure is based on a joint decision taken by all 16 federal states on the nationwide need for coverage of the German population with mobile multi-media broadcasting applications in the DVB-H standard.

These broadcasting applications are scheduled to be introduced spaced out over time in many of Germany's regions. In 2008, the network will be installed in the 16 federal states' capitals. Starting in 2009, the network will be extended to all German cities with a population of more than 150,000 and at least in each federal state to the four most populous towns with more than 100,000 inhabitants.

The Federal Network Agency is responsible for the telecommunications-related legal side of transposing this coverage requirement. This means that the frequencies needed for the installation of the transmitter networks will be made available on time and assigned to the transmitter network operators to be selected by the Agency.

This approach corresponds to the frequency asignment procedure for the terrestrial television mode DVB-T which is now available to about two thirds of the German population. The Federal Network Agency has also created the prerequisites for the installation of the transmitter networks needed for mobile TV under the transmission standard DMB. Hence several independent platforms are available to suppliers for the distribution of multi-media contents. The Agency is also keen on increasing the available capacity for the existing platforms on a technology-neutral basis. In experts' estimation, the associated enhancement will add to the new offering's attraction.

Source: Bundesnetzagentur, Germany

The Government today (April 24) announced the policy framework for the management of radio spectrum in Hong Kong, after taking into consideration the views collected during a public consultation exercise.

The policy framework covers six areas, namely spectrum policy objectives; guiding principles in spectrum management; spectrum rights; spectrum supply (including spectrum trading and liberalisation); spectrum for government services and spectrum pricing.

Among the spectrum policy objectives, a new objective is to strengthen Hong Kong's strategic position as a world city and the gateway between the Mainland and the world. This is considered particularly important in the light of increasing economic integration between Hong Kong and the Mainland.

The framework also sets out clearly the guiding principle in spectrum management that a market-based approach should be used for spectrum when there are likely to be competing demands from providers of non-government services. If there are overriding public policy reasons requiring a departure from this guiding principle, the relevant public policy reasons will be published for transparency.

To provide certainty to spectrum assignees, the framework states that before a spectrum assignment expires, the Telecommunications Authority (TA) will normally invoke his powers under the Telecommunications Ordinance (Cap 106) to vary or withdraw any spectrum assigned only in exceptional circumstances, including where the public interest or international obligations of the Government so require, there is a serious breach of spectrum assignment conditions or serious interference between legitimate spectrum users has to be resolved or minimised. The TA may set out minimum notice periods for different types of spectrum assignments, which he will give as far as practicable to the affected spectrum assignees. Upon the expiry of a spectrum assignment, if the TA intends to vary that assignment or not to renew that assignment, the TA will, as far as practicable, also give minimum notice periods.

To provide more information to the industry on the potential supply of spectrum to the market, the TA will publish spectrum release plans showing the potential supply of spectrum through an open, competitive bidding or tendering process in the following three years. Such plans will be updated every year on a rolling basis or as necessary.

The framework makes clear the policy intention that spectrum trading should be introduced in Hong Kong in the long term, subject to a feasibility study on the implementation issues. However, because of doubtful benefit in Hong Kong's circumstances, spectrum liberalisation will not be introduced in the short term.

While spectrum for government services will continue to be managed administratively, the TA will review the efficiency of the use of those spectrum every three years.

Since spectrum is a scarce public resource, the framework establishes the principle that spectrum utilisation fee (SUF) should be applicable to all non-government use of spectrum. Where spectrum is not released through market means, the SUF should be set to reflect the opportunity costs of the spectrum. However, if spectrum is assigned to support public interest purposes, the SUF may be adjusted accordingly.

The Deputy Secretary for Commerce, Industry and Technology (Communications and Technology), Mrs Marion Lai, said that the policy framework would provide the communications industry with greater clarity and predictability of spectrum management decisions, and provide policy guidance for the regulator in making regulatory decision.

"The framework will be reviewed and updated from time to time to reflect the latest technological, market and societal developments in Hong Kong and internationally, as well as further deliberations in key issues related to spectrum policy and management.

"To allow time to align the existing spectrum management arrangements with the new policy framework, in the interim, the TA would continue to discharge his spectrum management responsibilities under the TO with a mix of the existing command and control approach and the new market-based approach," Mrs Lai said.

The spectrum policy framework is available at the website of the Commerce, Industry and Technology Bureau (www.citb.gov.hk/ctb) and Office of the Telecommunications Authority (www.ofta.gov.hk)

Source: OFTA, Hong Kong

Head of the German regulator BNetzA, Matthias Kurth, said it was ready to allocate frequencies for the mobile TV standard DVB-H and that a call for bids would be published on Wednesday. The European Union is pushing member states to adopt a single standard for mobile TV and its telecoms chief supports DVB-H (Digital Video Broadcasting-Handheld). 17 of the 22 member states that have mobile TV use DVB-H. The other five use the DMB (Digital multimedia broadcasting) standard. In Germany both standards are in use in different regions, because of the limited availability of spectrum — DVB-H uses the same frequency range as terrestrial digital television. Many network operators and MVNOs already sell mobile television over their third generation networks, but picture quality and the number of channels are limited. Cellcos are hoping that additional income from mobile TV services will compensate for declining sales of voice calls.

Source: Telegeography

The National Post and Telecom Agency (PTS) intends to award licenses in the 1900-1905 and 2500-2690 MHz bands during the spring of 2008.

The frequencies are, among other things, considered to be interesting for mobile telephony and broadband wireless access.

Through this interest survey, PTS will provide market stakeholders with an opportunity to notify their interest in a licence in these frequency bands.

PTS also encourages all interested parties, whether notifying their interest or not, to submit views regarding the licensing in the 1900-1905 och 2500-2690 MHz bands. This will provide PTS with useful information when packaging the licences and designing a potential auction.

Notification of interest and/or views regarding licensing should be delivered to PTS no later than 2 May 2007.

Source:PTS, Sweden

Chairperson of the Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (ICASA), Paris Mashile summarised the deliberations remarking that the stakeholders in the ICT sector made invaluable contributions and profound insights as evidenced by their written and oral submissions on how scarce frequency spectrum could be equitably assigned. He asserted emphatically that the spectrum should be conceived as the coal which can set ablaze the ICT sector and bring the greatest benefit to the majority of the population.

Mashile said this at the close of three day public hearings into the procedures and criteria for awarding radio frequency spectrum licences held at ICASA offices in Sandton. The hearings were in respect of the Electronic Communications Act of 2005. The Act compels ICASA to prescribe a methodology for the assignment of radio frequency spectrum licences in instances where there exists competing applicants for access to the identical frequency spectrum, and in instances where there is spectrum scarcity relative to the demand for such spectrum. The authority has identified two bands where demand exceeds the available bandwidth and these are the 3400-3600 MHz (3.5GHz) and 2500-2690 MHz (2.6GHz).

The 3.5GHz band has been subdivided in terms of the International Telecommunications Union -ITU-R F1488 and the duplex spacing is 100 MHz. Three operators have been licenced in this bandwidth i.e. Sentech and Telkom and Neotel. These assignments leave a total of 60 MHz available for further assignments.

Currently there are two licensees with access to the 2.6GHz bandwidth and they are Sentech and WBS. This leaves a total of 126 MHz available for further assignments.

Source: ICASA, South Africa

The Norwegian Post and Telecommunications Authority (NPT) have received an application for a national spectrum licence for broadcasting channel 12D valid from 01.01.2011. The frequency band is planned for broadcasting and land mobile services. The use of the frequencies shall be in accordance with the GE06-agreement. The frequencies are currently used for DAB. In order to give all interested parties an opportunity to express their interest for making use of this band, the NPT asks all interested parties to submit competing applications before 10 April 2007.

 

Source: The Norwegian Post and Telecommunications Authority (NPT).

Berne, 22.03.2007 - Press release on the occasion of the ComCom press conference on 22 March 2007. The Federal Communications Commission (ComCom) has decided to renew the Orange, Sunrise and Swisscom Mobile GSM mobile telephony licences, which expire at the end of May 2008. The new licences make it possible to operate UMTS in a frequency range which has to date been reserved exclusively for GSM.

• The context

In November, ARCEP collected the opinions of all concerned players on the development prospects of fixed-satellite service applications through a consultation. ARCEP received 11 responses to its consultation, and is publishing a summary of it today.

The aim of this consultation was to:

- estimate the needs and uses of the spectrum for fixed-satellite service applications

- evaluate the conditions of sharing between these systems and fixed-satellite service within the framework of the development of future terrestrial high-speed wireless systems

• The lessons learned from the public consultation

The Ku band is of great interest to the satellite industry. Most players have stated that this frequency band is particularly well suited to certain needs of fixed-satellite service, especially for corporate communications, Internet access via satellite and audiovisual broadcasting services. One of the concerns for the Ku band will reside in the coexistence of fixed service, primarily the infrastructure networks of telecoms operators, and fixed-satellite service.

Congestion on the Ku band should encourage the development of use of the Ka band in coming years. Some contributors felt, however, that the use of the Ka band for non real-time applications would not see strong growth in the short or medium term.

The C band is used for a specific need, that is, serving countries in tropical areas and Overseas territories. Satellite service providers are planning, but did not quantify, a few service development projects. Mobile telecoms operators have expressed strong interest in using this entire band for future high-speed access systems, and mobile in particular.

Finally, sector industry representatives consider that terrestrial access systems and fixed-satellite service earth stations in the 3.6-4.2 GHz band can coexist and suggest frequency or geographical sharing.

• ARCEP’s conclusions: prospects for fixed-satellite service in the C band

High-speed wireless services are currently the subject of works at the European and Community level aiming to identify the 3.4-3.8 GHz band for high-speed wireless, both roaming and mobile. Future high-speed mobile services (IMT Advanced –"4^th generation") will be discussed (point 1.4 of the agenda) at the next World Radiocommunication Conference (WRC), to be held from 22^nd October to 16^th November 2007 in Geneva, Switzerland. The 3.4-4.2 GHz band could be one of the candidate bands for these services.

Then, in order to optimise spectrum use, in coherence with European (medium term) and global works (long term), and to allow the development of new services:

- For Metropolitan regions, satellite players are invited to use the 3.8-4.2 GHz band for the development of new stations and the extension of existing stations

- The 3.6-3.8 GHz band will be frozen for fixed-satellite service, and ARCEP will study the possibilities of migrating earth stations in the 3.6-3.8 GHz band to the 3.8-4.2 GHz band, as well as of implementing mixed solutions (Ku band, C band) for creating satellite links

ARCEP is also in favour of identifying the entire 3.4-4.2 GHz band for future high-speed mobile terrestrial services (4G) at the next WRC. ARCEP thinks that this identification could include conditions aiming to study the sharing and compatibility of future mobile services and earth stations of fixed-satellite service.

Last, we cannot consider deploying any terrestrial access systems in the Overseas départements or the territorial units of Mayotte and Saint-Pierre-et-Miquelon, because of the number of earth stations authorised in the entire 3.6-4.2 GHz band and the current lack of alternative solutions or frequency bands to cover these areas.

Source: ART, France

The Board of Directors of ICP-ANACOM has approved the 2007 version of the National Frequency Allocation Plan (NFAP). The new plan, which is currently undergoing public consultation, makes a range of important changes to the previous version.
  
Within a framework of progressively adopting the principles of technological neutrality, the compulsory use of the 900 MHz band for GSM technology has been abolished, allowing the spectrum to be used more efficiently, especially with respect to UMTS technology. As well as efficiency gains, this change is also expected to lead to wider coverage and ultimately to benefits for final consumers.
  
NFAP 2007 includes a sounding out of the market as to possible expressions of interest in the use of the part of the spectrum with frequency bands reserved for use by terrestrial mobile services (450 MHz, 900 MHz and 1800 MHz bands), while maintaining a perspective of technological neutrality.
  
Additionally, the new version ends the provision which previously reserved the GSM spectrum in the 900 and 1800 MHz bands for current operators of terrestrial mobile services where such operators could demonstrate necessity. This part of the spectrum is now included for purposes of expression of interest. This approach allows an assessment of whether this part of the spectrum should remain reserved for allocation to current operators, or whether it should be made available to the market in accordance with the condition set out by the Electronic Communications Law.
  
The 2007 version of NFAP updates the information on the reserved frequency bands that are to be made available this year, most importantly for terrestrial television broadcasting (DVB-T). Is should be noted that the frequency bands (channels) reserved for this service have been indicated, although the allocation and usage model is still being defined.
  
The new version goes on to introduce revisions that update the information on usage with reference to 30 November 2006 (e.g. rectification of the number of FWA blocks in use and their respective use; revision of the number of channels in use by fixed point-to-point services, Sound Radio Broadcasting and use by fixed satellite service, GMPCS, AES and Amateur Service). It also updates the section on spectrum use that is exempt from radio licensing.
  
Finally, it can be seen in the section of the NFAP on the frequency band reservation for each year that, as a rule, the process of spectrum allocation is performed according to full access. This allows for more rapid access by spectrum users, maximising the benefit for consumers, promoting competition and making a contribution to the development of the market.
  
Due to the significant impact that this document will have on the market, it is subject to the general public consultation procedure. A period of 20 working days (ending on 10 April 2007) has been set aside for this process, during which all interested parties can comment. 
  
The adoption and annual publication of the NFAP is governed by the Electronic Communications Law. Under the terms of this law ANACOM is given the remit, within the general scope of spectrum management, to plan frequency use in line with the following criteria: a) availability of the radio spectrum; b) guarantee of conditions for effective competition in the relevant markets and c) effective and efficient use of frequencies.

Source: Anacom, Portugal

The Iranian government has begun a study into the future of 3G and 4G mobile services in the country. The state’s Islamic Majlis Research Centre is undertaking research into consumer demand and technical feasibility following a request from the head of parliament’s Telecom Commission, Ramezan-Ali Sadeqzadeh. Taliya News quotes the research centre’s initial report, which states: ‘Some countries that have been the initiators of this technology have very valuable information in the field and it must be surveyed why they made huge investments based on vast scale surveys that led to adopting of the decision.’ Cellular use is growing quickly in Iran, but mobile data services are still in their infancy, with the country only just seeing the launch of the first GPRS-enabled networks.

Source: TeleGeography.

The National Telecommunications Communications says it expects to issue licences for the fourth generation of wireless broadband service, known as WiMax, by the end of this year.

NTC director Prasit Prapingmongkolkarn made the comment after a recent forum to hear opinions from Internet service providers about WiMax and the spectrum standard for wireless connectivity.

He said the NTC now had 2.5-Gigahertz and 3.5 GHz spectrums available for WiMax service, while authorities were studying whether the 5 GHz spectrum would affect Shin Satellite's iPSTAR broadband satellite, which was allocated the spectrum for use. (...)

Source: IPCommunications.

Saudi Arabia's telecoms regulator announced Saturday it has received 10 applications for licences to offer fixed services in the country.

In a statement the Communications and Information Technology Commission (CITC) listed the consortia in the order the applications were received. Led by Verizon's Optical Communication Company, submissions have also been received from Qatar Telecom; a group including Indian operator MTNL; a China Telecom-led consortium; a group headed by Korea Telecom; and Saudi mobile operator Etihad Etisalat. (..)

Source: TMC Net.

 

The French government has published licensing terms for the country's fourth 3G licence in the Official Journal. The deadline for submissions is 31 July. Telecommunications regulator Arcep's proposal to the minister in charge of electronic communications and an opinion on financial terms accompany the official launch of the licensing process. The move follows expressions of interest received during a public consultation on the re-use of the 900 MHz and 1800 MHz frequencies for the fourth 3G licence in the 2 GHz band. The basic conditions are identical to the first two 3G licencing rounds of 2000 and 2001. The earlier UMTS licences cost EUR 619 million.

Source: Telecom Paper.

The European Space Agency (ESA) has awarded a contract to develop commercial IP multicast services over satellite to a consortium led by Inmarsat Global Limited that includes inter alia EMS Satcom, LogicaCMG, GateHouse A/S and Livewire Digital Ltd. (…)

 

IP-Multicast over satellite has many key markets including the maritime, military and broadcast sectors. Key applications include:

• Netted voice (push to talk net radio)
• Situational awareness provision
• Netted data services, supporting data-intensive collaborative tools, cash server updates, and software and database updates to remote devices.
• Weather & Chart updates (…)

Source: IT Backbones.

The application procedure for the assignment of the fourth 3G license was launched today by the Minister of Industry. This launch follows ARCEP’s adoption on 20 February of Decision no. 2007-0177 proposing to the Minister the means and conditions of assigning a fourth 3G license in Metropolitan France.

The general conditions of the beauty contest are defined in the decision annex and the financial conditions are established in the opinion, which was published today by the Minister of Industry, regarding the financial means of assigning an authorisation in Metropolitan France for a third-generation mobile system.

This application procedure is similar to the previous two procedures conducted in 2000 and 2001 for the first three licenses. It provides measures in favour of the fourth mobile operator, which cover among others the reuse by 3G of frequencies currently used by 2G, national 2G roaming and site sharing.

ARCEP’s decision defines the application timetable. So, in accordance with the application procedure, application files must be submitted to ARCEP headquarters by noon on 31 July 2007.

In the meantime, as announced in its decision, ARCEP will provide fuller details on how the fourth operator will be provided with 900 and 1800 MHz frequencies reused for 3G, so that applicants are able to consider this information when preparing their applications.

Source: ARCEP, France

Peru's state agency for promoting private investment ProInversión has published bidding rules for an auction for a license in the 800Mhz spectrum band B and set a deadline for bids of May 1, the agency said in a statement.

Bidding rules and the project requirements are now available through the agency and interested parties have until March 19 to inquire about the terms of the contract. Bidding rules for the 20-year license cost US$1,000.

The government reclaimed the license for the 800Mhz spectrum band B as part of its approval of the 2005 merger between Movistar and Comunicaciones Móviles, which Movistar's Spanish parent company Telefónica (NYSE: TEF) bought from BellSouth in 2004.

The country's transport and communications ministry MTC prohibits any mobile operator from holding a license to operate in both the A and B bands and from possessing more than 25MHz in the 800MHz band.

That automatically rules out Movistar and Claro Perú, the local unit of Mexico's América Móvil (NYSE: AMX), which both already operate in the A band, and leaves digital trunking company Nextel Perú, a unit of US mobile holdings company NII Holdings (Nasdaq: NIHD).

However, Liliana Ruiz, president of consultancy Alterna Perú and former head of regulator Osiptel, told BNamericas she doubts if 800Mhz would be of any interest to Nextel because its push-to-talk technology cannot use that band.

Furthermore, Nextel said in its recent earnings conference call that it would continue to focus on its business in Brazil and Mexico rather than Peru.

While continued demand for mobile telephony and a growing economy would imply an opportunity for a new operator to enter the mobile space, Ruiz doubts if there will be any serious interest from new competitors to start a greenfield operation due to the strength of Movistar and Claro.

Source: Business News Americas

A trade body representing CDMA mobile operators on Monday cautioned against further delay in announcement of spectrum policy for Third Generation mobile services, saying such a delay would put India behind other countries and deprive its citizens of better services. A delay would create more uncertainty in the timing of the launch of 3G services, deprive Indian consumers and businesses of the benefits of these services, and keep India behind other countries, CDMA Development Group (CDG) said in a statement on Monday. 3G services allow mobile companies to offer real-time interactive services like high speed Internet, video streaming and financial trading. To release 3G spectrum for mobile players, the Defence Ministry is supposed to release 45 Mhz of spectrum by the end of this year in the IMT 2000 band and 1800-1900 MHz band. CDG said the announcement of the 3G Spectrum Policy should not in any way be linked to the delay in the release of the spectrum in the 1800 MHz band, which was part of the 45 MHz of spectrum that was to have been freed.

The TRAI Recommendations finalised last year were the second set of recommendations in as many years, and the CDG hopes that the policy announcement will be made by March 2007, as publicly stated by the Government, said Perry La Forge, CDG's Executive Director. CDG recommended that to create a level playing field amongst operators and restore parity from the economies of scale that the 2100 MHz band will offer GSM operators, CDMA operators in India should be allowed to offer CDMA2000 1xEV-DO services (3G services) in their existing 800 MHz band. The Department of Telecom should seriously consider TRAI's recommendations regarding the feasibility to deploy and release 1900 MHz to the CDMA operators concurrent with the release of 2100 MHz Spectrum. The bone of contention between CDMA and GSM players have been the allocation of 1900 Mhz band. As per the TRAI recommendations, the 2.1 GHz (2100 Mhz) spectrum is for both GSM and CDMA operators. While CDMA operators have been allotted spectrum on 800 MHz, the 900 and 1800 Mhz bands are for GSM. TRAI has proposed to introduce 2.1 GHz for both CDMA and GSM and 450 MHz for CDMA. As per a relocation plan given to the Defence Ministry by DoT, the Ministry will release 45 Mhz of spectrum by the end of this year for providing 3G services in the IMT 2000 band and 1800-1900 MHz band. Finally, the CDG encourages DoT to make the entire spectrum allocation and management Technology Neutral so that all future allocations of spectrum are made in equal measure to both of the deployed technologies.

Source: The Hindu.

The Russian government says it has received eleven applications for the three 3G licences on offer, with another offer expected to be confirmed soon. As expected, bids have been received from the country’s three main cellular operators, MTS, Vimpelcom and MegaFon. Applications have also been submitted by Network Telecommunication company (a consortium of smaller cellcos which includes Tele2 and SMARTS), Chelyabinsk Cellular Communications (which is a subsidiary of Tele2), SMARTS (bidding independently), New Telephone Company, Astelecom, Avrora-Telekom, Investelektrosvyaz and Summa Telecom. Prime Tass reports that a minor player known as Komtel Plus has also filed an application, although this has not yet been received by the regulator, the Federal Communications Agency. The results of the tender are expected to be announced on 20 April.

Meanwhile, Vimpelcom says that if its own bid succeeds it will invest between USD300 million and USD350 million on its 3G networks in 2007 and 2008. The spend will cover equipment costs and network rollout, but does not take into account the fees necessary for converting military wireless spectrum to civil use. Market leader MTS has already announced that it plans to spend USD200 million on its 3G network rollout if its bid is successful.

Source: Telegeography

 

Meeting today’s wireless communication needs: A boost for more innovative use of radio spectrum was given today when the Commission unveiled its strategy for introducing more flexible radio frequency usage in reaction to evolving market demands. The strategy provides concrete steps for reducing access and usage restrictions on this critical resource for wireless communications, allowing new ideas to flourish, and removing potential barriers to innovation, economic growth and consumer choice. “Europe must fully exploit the potential use of certain spectrum bands by new wireless products and services, so as to encourage market development,” said Viviane Reding, EU Commissioner for Information Society and Media. “We seek to provide new opportunities for industry through less restrictive regulatory conditions that strengthen competition and increase consumer choice. However, this is a gradual process which will not happen overnight.” Radio spectrum is used by a broad cross-section of European industry for its communication services, with a total turnover estimated to have been between €240-260 billion in 2006. However, existing spectrum regulations are increasingly inadequate for keeping pace with the convergence of mobile, television and internet services, all of which use wireless communications. The introduction of market-based spectrum management combined with flexible spectrum usage rights could yield a further gain of €8-9 billion per year across Europe. Today’s Commission Communication on "Rapid access to spectrum for wireless electronic communications services through more flexibility" builds on the Commission's close cooperation with Member States within the Radio Spectrum Policy Group. It sets out practical steps for a more flexible approach to spectrum management, starting with the identification of several spectrum bands in which current regulatory restrictions need urgent investigation. Some steps will fall under current telecom rules, because immediate solutions are required and can be pursued as part of the Commission’s existing forward-looking radio spectrum policy for Europe (see IP/05/1199). These include opening up the frequency bands formerly reserved for GSM mobile communications, e.g. for 3G mobile services, and giving new products and services access to the frequencies released by digital broadcasting’s more efficient use of spectrum (the so-called "digital dividend"). Both of these cases have the potential to further develop Europe's economy and provide real benefits to citizens. Other steps are aimed at making authorisation conditions in Europe less restrictive with coherent application in all member States across the identified spectrum bands. Such measures will take more time to implement. Discussions with Member States will take place between now and the implementation of the new EU telecom rules (see IP/06/874). More freedom to spectrum rights holders to determine for themselves how they will use these rights - requires a more pro-active role be taken by industry. Industry will therefore have greater responsibilities for avoiding radio interference, for delivering seamless consumer services, and for coordinating with other players across converging markets that were once separate i.e. amongst the broadcasting, mobile and IT industries. See http://europa.eu/rapid/pressReleasesAction.do?reference=IP/07/205&format=HTML&aged=0&language=EN&guiLanguage=en

The Honourable Maxime Bernier, Minister of Industry, today announced the launch of a public consultation on a framework to auction spectrum in the 2-GHz range, including spectrum for advanced wireless services. This consultation is the first step in a process leading to an auction of spectrum licences, anticipated to occur in early 2008. A total of 105 MHz of spectrum will be made available.

"Advanced wireless services are vital communication resources for building a strong networked economy in Canada," said Minister Bernier. "This consultation solicits input that will assist my department in developing a framework to foster a fair, efficient and competitive marketplace and ensure that the Canadian wireless industry remains in step with international developments."

The notice announcing the publication of this paper entitled, Consultation on a Framework to Auction Spectrum in the 2 GHz range including Advanced Wireless Services, will be published on February 24, 2007, in the Canada Gazette. The paper is also available on Industry Canada's Strategis website.

This consultation paper addresses competition issues in the provision of high-mobility services such as whether to adopt measures to enable market entry by new players and whether existing operators should be mandated to offer roaming on their existing networks, and technical issues for the use of the spectrum, proposed conditions of licences, the size of spectrum blocks and geographic areas, licence terms, and conditions for licence renewal. Stakeholders are invited to address these issues and make proposals for any measures they consider appropriate. The consultation process will also include a "reply comment" phase, which will give an opportunity to challenge the positions and assertions of other parties.

"Our role is to help foster a healthy and competitive telecommunications market that encourages and rewards innovation, and from which consumers will benefit the most. I invite all interested parties to make their views known," said Minister Bernier.

Source: Industry Canada.

The national telecom regulator has issued an assurance that it is working at full speed to complete licensing regulations for third-generation (3G) wireless broadband technology.

In a statement yesterday, the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) said it fully supported the use of 3G cellular technology.

Telecom operators are eager to obtain 3G licences so they can use the blazing speed of the new technology to provide wireless services like video calling and interactive wireless games, thereby earning more revenue.

The NTC statement appeared to be a reaction to comments by the Information and Communi-cations Technology Ministry that it should speed up its drafting the 3G licensing regulations.

"We're speeding up the process and will soon organise public hearings on the draft again," said NTC secretary-general Suranan Wongvithaya-kakjorn. The NTC has taken many factors into account while drafting, including limited 3G spectrum resources, relevant laws, and benefits to consumers, he said.

The commission remains uncertain about its ability to allocate the 3G licences, because frequency-allocation laws provide that the job of managing and prescribing the use of telecom and broadcasting spectrums must be shared by the NTC and the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC), Suranan said.

However, the selection of 14 candidates for the NBC was nullified in court in 2005 on the grounds it was unconstitutional. The NBC does not yet exist.

Suranan said operators who own 3G spectrums could go ahead and develop services, but they must first inform the NTC.

On a separate matter, the NTC board yesterday approved a commission plan to draft licensing regulations for the 5GHz spectrum for operating the wireless broadband technology WiMax.

Source: The Nation.

Bringing together regulatory authorities from all around the world, the 7th Global Symposium for Regulators (GSR) has identified best practice guidelines needed to facilitate the migration of Next Generation Networks (NGN). The 38-point roadmap is designed to encourage regulatory frameworks that foster innovation, investment and affordable access to NGN. "Our goal is to encourage the design of regulatory frameworks that foster innovation, investment and affordable access to NGNs and that facilitate the migration to NGN and ultimately lead to bridging the digital divide," said Dr Hamadoun I. Touré, ITU Secretary-General. "We believe the best practices adopted at this meeting will ultimately offer the possibility of delivering real benefits to providers and consumers, through cost reduction as well as offering innovative new services". The best practice guidelines underscore the importance of embracing the principles of a clear and transparent regulatory process including the adoption and enforcement of rules; technology-neutral and competitive network provision under a coherent approach that address the issues raised by convergence. The guidelines also call on regulators to adopt forward-looking regimes subjected to regular reassessments to ensure that undue regulatory barriers to competition and innovation are removed. This on-going monitoring would also ensure that users and providers are able to migrate to future networks whenever market conditions are met. Mohamed Al Ghanim, Director General of the TRA of the UAE and Chairman of GSR 2007 said, "GSR is the industry’s premiere symposium for ICT regulators and we are delighted that it has concluded on such a high note. We at the TRA of the United Arab Emirates are firmly committed to adopting the best practices identified at this symposium and tailor them for the UAE market", Al Ghanim added. "We encourage all to reap the benefits of these guidelines in order to collectively raise the standards of the telecommunications industry." Regulators are also urged to adopt investment friendly regulation considered as of paramount importance for the success of NGN network deployment, while maintaining a level playing field and protecting consumer interests. The adoption of flexible but accurate interconnection models are also encouraged to allow smooth transitioning to NGNs. In particular, participants agreed that regulators should take steps to ensure that the market suffers no undue distortion of competitiveness. In view of the high level of convergence both at the transport and service level, participants felt that there was a risk that NGN providers and operators could be in a position to restrict service level competition to their own advantage. There was therefore agreement that regulators should be vigilant and monitor any incident that could require a regulatory response in a way that would not act as a deterrent for NGN service providers and operators. Regulators are also asked to keep in mind the need to create regulatory certainty for both incumbent and competing or alternative providers. "NGN is seen as somewhere between the telecom and Internet worlds, creating a whole new range of issues to be tackled by regulators," said Mr Sami Al-Basheer Al-Morshid, Director of ITU Telecommunication Development Bureau (BDT)". "The best practice guidelines endorsed by over 100 CEOs and board members of national regulatory authorities come a long way in addressing the issues and provide the way forward for all regulators around the world," he added. Because the deployment of NGN will not happen overnight, the best practices encourage regulators to define policies that allow for the co-existence of legacy and IP networks, alternative voice services such as VoIP or bundled services that can offer voice together with TV and Internet also called triple play. In doing so, regulators are to consider applying the same obligations to all operators and providers of telephony services whether traditional irrespective of how they are delivered to consumers, under the symmetrical regulatory approach. Commenting on the success of the Symposium, Professor Ibrahim Kadi, Senior Advisor of the Communications and Information Technology Commission (CITC) of Saudi Arabia said, "GSR 2007 met its set objectives of providing networking opportunities and the symposium format facilitated the sharing of knowledge and experiences amongst regulators from all over the world." The best practice guidelines cover all aspects of service provision including authorization, access, interconnection and interoperability, numbering and NGN identification systems, universal access, quality of service, consumer awareness, security and protection. This year’s event introduced a new feature, Speed Exchanges, to provide additional opportunities for participants to meet informally and exchange views. Topics discussed in the Speed Exchanges included interconnection, the enabling environment, consumer protection, quality of service, regulatory implications of VoIP, why holding public consultation on NGN, international roaming, regulatory issues for convergence and what to do with regulatory bottlenecks. Speed Exchanges were also held on building confidence and security in the use of ICT as called for by the Action Plan of the World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS) and on the next steps in the negotiations of the World Trade Organization (WTO). "The Speed Exchanges proved extremely useful and came at the right time," expressed Roxanne Maria McElvane, Senior Counselor of International Development at the US Federal Communications Commission International Bureau. "After two days of high-level presentations and discussions, the exchanges allowed us to address specific topics and areas of interest with other regulators from around the world providing greater interaction and networking opportunities." The Symposium was organized by ITU and hosted by the Telecommunications Regulatory Authority of the United Arab Emirates (TRA). More than 470 participants took part in the Symposium, with Heads and Board Members from 100 national regulatory authorities as well as private sector representatives and international organizations. http://www.itu.int/ITU-D/treg/Events/Seminars/GSR/GSR07/index.html

With authority based in Article 9, cf. Article 11 of the Electronic Communications Act, no 81/2003, the Post and Telecom Administration (PTA) will grant frequency authorisations for the operation of two new mobile telephone networks in accordance with recognised GSM standards, following an advertisement and a selection from among applicants that will be chosen based on the terms specified below. A maximum of two tenderers will receive frequency allocations. (…)

Source: The Post and Telecom Administration in Iceland.

The Australian Communications and Media Authority has released guidelines (PDF 244 kb) relating to its use of enforcement powers under the Broadcasting Services Act 1992.

‘In developing the guidelines ACMA has attempted to strike a balance between providing certainty and clarity to the broadcasting industry and allowing ACMA the capacity to take a responsive, proportionate and flexible approach to regulatory action,’ said Chris Chapman, ACMA Chairman. ‘ACMA will review the guidelines on an annual basis to ensure to they remain relevant and appropriate.’

Draft guidelines were released for public comment on 13 December 2006. Submissions received on the draft have been incorporated in the final guidelines.

The guidelines set out the matters that ACMA will take into account in making enforcement decisions, and the principles ACMA proposes to apply in using some of its broadcasting enforcement powers. These principles are as follows:

• ACMA recognises the importance of encouraging and facilitating compliance by all industry participants with statutory obligations;
• ACMA’s compliance activities may be both proactive and reactive;
• Enforcement decisions must not be influenced by bias, conflicts of interest or irrelevant considerations (such as gender, race, religion, political views or affiliation);
• Enforcement action should be proportionate to the impact of the breach or risk of future breach;
• Any enforcement action should, so far as possible, seek to address any systemic or ongoing element that may give rise to future breaches; and
• The circumstances of each breach will be separately considered.

Source: ACMA, Australia

On 6 February 2007, OFCOM officially launched the consultation on the Federal Council directives concerning the use of frequencies in the VHF and UHF bands for radio and television. The consultation lasts until 23 February 2007.

The Ministry of the Communications in Brazil has launched another public consultation for the auction of WiMAX radio spectrum.

The auction for 3.5 GHz spectrum was set to launch several times in 2006 however numerous irregularities and scandals prevented the auction.

Following responses to the public consultation, the regulator Anatel will prepare the final auction rules, including what minimum and maximum prices are expected and what companies are eligible to participate.

Source: WiMax Day.

Biel-Bienne, 01.02.2007 - Swisscom is the only company to have submitted a candidature dossier with a view to the award of the next universal service licence.

The Norwegian Post and Telecommunications Authority (NPT) has decided to postpone the planned frequency auction in the 2.6 GHz band, which initially was scheduled to commence 23 April this year. More time is needed than previously anticipated to lay down terms and conditions for the frequency licences. This concerns among other things issues which are dealt with by other authorities than NPT. Furthermore, NPT is relocating to Lillesand in May, and the NPT staff is going to be more occupied with the relocation process than foreseen. Therefore, NPT postpones the auction in order to ensure a proper awards procedure.

Source: Norwegian Post and Telecommunications Authority.

[...] On behalf of the President of India, sealed tenders are hereby invited from existing Basic Services Operators (BSO), Cellular Mobile Telephone Service (CMTS) Providers, Unified Access Services Licensees (UASL) and Shortlisted Infrastructure Providers Category-I (IP-Is) for the scheme of “Support from USO Fund for Setting up and Managing Infrastructure Sites and Provision of Mobile Services in specified rural and remote areas of the country”. Support from USO Fund shall be provided to the successful bidder(s) on the Representative Rate arrived through a multi stage bidding process. This Representative Rate shall be provided each year on quarterly basis in arrears for a period of five years. [...]

Source: DoT, India.

Russia’s State Radio Frequency Commission is planning a tender of wireless spectrum covering a number of regions, including the Far East Federal District, Prime Tass reports. The tender will be an opportunity for the country’s second largest cellular operator Vimpelcom to gain spectrum in the Far East. It resorted to legal action last year after the regulator repeatedly turned down its applications for spectrum in the region, an area which is home to around six million people. Vimpelcom currently has frequencies in four of the District’s 13 regions, while its main rivals, MTS and MegaFon, have spectrum covering the entire territory.

Source: Telegeography

The Commission, in a bid to facilitate entry into the telecommunications market in the country and ensure that Nigeria becomes an information rich society, has reviewed its licensing policy by adding new services to its Class licence category. 

Consequently, with effect from date of this advert the following undertakings now fall under the Class Licence category.

1.	Sales and Installation License; including; Mobile Cellular Phones & HF/VHF/UHF Radio
2.	Sales and Installation Permit; including; Fixed Telephone sets, Modem, Cordless phones, Fax machines and PABX and switches not exceeding 30-line capacity.
3.	Repairs and Maintenance; including
		Category A-For an individual technician operating small workshop
		Category B-For companies operating small & medium workshop
		Category C-For companies operating comprehensive workshop
4.	Cabling services; includes;
		Category A-For an individual technician (cabling within premises only)
		Category B-For companies (cabling within premises and/or estate)
		Category C-For companies (including underground cabling)

These are in addition to existing class licenses; Payphone, Cybercafe and Telecenters.

Further information on Class Licence and the terms and conditions to operate as a class licensee are published on the Commission’s Web-site @ www.ncc.gov.ng.

Source: NCC, Nigeria

Ofcom proposes:

• to change the packaging of the 10 GHz band, offering ten lots of 2x10 MHz, but subject to a requirement that each bidder bid for at least two such lots (i.e. a minimum of 2x20 MHz);
• to include the 40 GHz band in the award; and
• to award licences through a simultaneous multiple-round combinatorial clock auction (‘combinatorial clock auction’ for short).

This discussion document explains Ofcom’s rationale for its revised proposals. It examines the options for packaging the bands. It sets out the proposed usage rights for 40 GHz and 10 GHz to reflect the revised packaging. It explains the key features of the combinatorial clock auction format and how it would work in practice. It also compares the relative strengths and weaknesses of the simple SMRA and combinatorial clock auction formats.

Ofcom will take account of any comments it receives in response to this discussion document in finalising its decisions on the award of these bands. It is asking for comments by 8 February 2007.

Source: Ofcom, UK.

In a bilateral agreement, as part of a broader development of economic relations between Nigeria and United Arab Emirates, the Nigerian Government has offered a Unified Access Service Licence to the Mubadala Development Company of the United Arab Emirates. The Licence includes a mobile licence and spectrum in the GSM 1800 and 900 MHz bands at a price of $400million (Four Hundred Million U.S. Dollars). The terms of the offer specify that Mubadala will be required to pay the full license fee on or before 19th January 2007, failing which the offer shall automatically lapse. Mubadala has accepted the terms of the offer in full.  The NCC will carry out its role in implementing this agreement on behalf of the Nigerian government. 

The Board of the NCC is also pleased to announce its intention to continue with the licensing of radio spectrum in the 3G and 450 MHz bands. These new licences will encourage the deployment of advanced technology to build on the positive development of the telecommunications sector in Nigeria. 

Importantly, the release of more spectrum supports the Government's policy of improving access to communication services and extending coverage, especially into rural areas. Subscribers can also expect to receive an increased range of services, improved quality of service and better value for money.

The process for awarding new licences has included the appointment of PA Consulting Group, a leading firm of international management and telecommunications consultants.

Source: NCC, Nigeria

The Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) has confirmed that a new licensing regime has finally ended MTN and Uganda Telecom’s (UTL) five-year duopoly on fixed line telephony, paving the way for the entrance of new players. According to the Ugandan press, while a policy governing the new licensing regime is not yet ready, guidelines have been issued by the minister which state that there will be just one type of licence for infrastructure rollout, irrespective of geographical coverage or technology. Three categories of service licences will be available: public service provider licence, infrastructure provider licence and general licence permits.

Source: Telegeography

The Office of the Telecommunications Authority (OFTA) issued today ( 28 December 2006 ) a consultation paper to solicit views from the public and the industry on its proposal of reviewing the universal service obligation (USO) arrangements.

The purpose of the USO is to ensure that basic service, which consists essentially of telephone line service and public payphone service, is available and affordable to all people in Hong Kong on a non-discriminatory basis irrespective of where they live or do business. PCCW-HKT Telephone Ltd. (PCCW-HKTC) is currently the only service provider being charged with the obligation to provide universal service in the territory.

Under the USO scheme, PCCW-HKTC is compensated for the net cost that it has to incur for providing services to unprofitable customers and public payphones. The net cost is shared by all licensees who provide external telecommunications service (ETS), commonly known as IDD service, based on the traffic volume which the individual licensee handles.

"The present USO regulatory framework has been in place since 1998. Although it was updated in 2000, the telecommunications market has since then experienced rapid changes, such as more households being served by alternative network operators, declining profits in the IDD service and emergence of new technologies such as voice over Internet protocol (VoIP). In view of the fast-changing telecommunications landscape, the existing USO regulatory framework may not be sustainable in its present form. There is therefore a need to review the regulatory framework to ensure that it may keep pace with the market and technological developments," a spokesperson of OFTA said.

"At present, 76% of households have already had alternative local fixed network operators serving their buildings. All local fixed network operators also provide ETS and therefore need to bear the costs of PCCW-HKTC serving unprofitable customers. We have to examine whether alternative fixed network operators should continue to subsidise the costs incurred by PCCW-HKTC in serving unprofitable customers when the operators themselves are able and willing to serve these customers without subsidisation. As such, we would like to seek the views of the public and the industry on the proposed exclusion from the USO scheme of areas or buildings with alternative fixed network coverage," the spokesperson added.

"The profit margin of ETS operators has been significantly driven down by the intensive competition since the liberalization of the ETS market in 1999. The advent of VoIP technology and broadband network access has also made possible the provision of international voice service outside the traditional public switched telephone network. We therefore see also the need to review the current sharing mechanism and explore other alternatives in order that we may put in place a fair, sustainable and effective arrangement," elaborated the spokesperson.

Other issues identified in the consultation paper include the scope of the universal service, how the cost for the USO should be assessed and whether competition should be introduced for the provision of the universal service.

Interested parties are invited to submit their comments on the consultation paper on or before 28 February 2007 . The paper can be downloaded from OFTA's website at www.ofta.gov.hk.

Source: OFTA, Hong Kong

Following a request by Vodafone Portugal, ANACOM has granted the company authorisation to carry out, until 24 December 2006, technical trials for demonstrating UMTS technology on the 900 MHz frequency bands and using the frequencies on the band already allocated to the company for the exploitation of GSM.

The granting of this authorization does not imply any commitment, obligation or constraint regarding future authorisations regarding this type of system in Portugal, nor does it in any way imply any right, expectation, or protected interest on the part of Vodafone Portugal with regards to the future use of UMTS systems on the 900 MHz band in Portugal.

ANACOM will accompany the trials and have access to their technological conclusions.

Source: ANACOM, Portugal

Ofcom and the Commission for Communication Regulation in the Republic of Ireland (ComReg) today announced plans to hold two coordinated auctions of radio spectrum licences. This is the first coordinated spectrum auction between the two regulators.

The two licences, one to operate in each jurisdiction, will use the same spectrum band: 1785 MHz - 1805 MHz. This part of the spectrum is largely unused.

The block of 20MHz of spectrum will be released on a technology and service neutral basis. This will allow organisations to decide how best to use the spectrum subject to coordination with adjacent spectrum users. Ofcom and ComReg aim to hold the two separate, but coordinated, auctions in spring 2007.

Ofcom’s research into the bands has identified a number of potential uses for the spectrum including:

• wireless broadband access;
• mobile broadcast, such as wireless cameras for outside broadcasts;
• video or closed-circuit television links; and
• extra capacity for the delivery of mobile services.

The licences will be auctioned through a sealed bid process. [...]

Source: Ofcom.

The government of Indonesia has awarded new licences to Bakris Telecom and Mobile-8 Telecom allowing them to provide nationwide fixed wireless access (FWA) services based on code division multiple access (CDMA) technology, as part of a shake up in the allocation of mobile frequencies, writes The Jakarta Post. The new concessions are by way of compensation for the operators having their frequency bandwidths reduced to make room for new 3G mobile operators, said Information and Communications Minister Sofyan A. Djalil. Publicly listed operators Bakrie Telecom and Mobile-8 Telecom will now be able to go head-to-head across the country with former monopoly PT Telekomunikasi Indonesia (Telkom), which offers FWA services using CDMA under the banner TelkomFlexi. Until now, Bakrie Telekom has been limited to offering services on Java where it has 1.3 million customers. Mobile-8 Telecom welcomed the decision which it says will enable it to up its capacity to 30 million customers.

Source: Telegeography

Information and Communications Technology Minister Sitthichai Pokai-udom wants regulators to recall all radio frequencies allocated to mobile phone operators for redistribution. Dr Sitthichai did not give a timeframe for the reallocation, as the authority rests with the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC). But he said the NTC should do so in order to resolve disputes among mobile phone operators.

DTAC was allocated much more frequency bandwidth than rival Advanced Info Service (AIS). It later sold part of it to True Move and Digital Phone. Last month, market leader Advanced Info Service (AIS) complained that it had less bandwidth than DTAC, after the latter griped about unfairly high access charges.

Private operators have welcomed a telecom reform plan proposed by the ICT ministry, saying it would solve disputes and pave the way for further industry changes that are planned next year. AIS said the ministry was on the right track to resolve differences. True Move, however, said that although reforms would mean more payments by AIS, the higher payments would not benefit either True Move or DTAC. AIS president Wichien Mektrakarn said company executives accepted the expected change in the concession agreement it had with TOT.

The executives agreed that under the reform deal telecom operators reached with Dr Sitthichai, AIS would be better off, Mr Wichien said. Although the company would pay 20% to 25% more revenue to TOT from prepaid services, it would benefit from fairer payment procedures, he added. Significantly, the higher payments made by AIS would not benefit the company's rivals, Mr Wichien said. They would only reduce longstanding conflicts.

However, he said, AIS should be treated fairly on payment procedures because it still must pay revenue based on amounts before value-added tax, whereas other operators share revenue after tax. In addition, AIS wants payments made on the same schedule as other operators, and fairer bandwidth allocation, he said.

Mr Wichien also asked TOT to set a timeframe to prepare for industry changes, as its heavy reliance on revenue from private operators would prove devastating when private operators switch to a licence-based system. AIS has a customer base of 19 million. Seventeen million are prepaid, accounting for 60% of revenue, he added. True Corp chief executive Supachai Chearavanont said the reforms were the clearest development for the industry since the Telecom Business Law was introduced five years ago.

However, he wants to see what will happen when interconnection charges become effective while access charges are also applied. Because revenue from interconnection charges is significant, he said, the NTC and all operators must figure out rules for collecting the money.

If TOT and CAT collect revenue from interconnection based only on incoming traffic while offsetting all outgoing traffic, it could become a heavier burden for operators than the access charges, he said. This is because some operators might have heavier outgoing traffic than incoming traffic.

Source: Bangkokpost, Thailand

ANACOM - National Communications Authority is issuing redesigned titles of rights to use frequencies for the operation of FWA systems to AR Telecom, Novis, Oni, Vodafone, WTS, PTC, and Broadnet.
 
At the same meeting in which the decision on the issue of titles was taken, the regulator approved also the report of prior hearing of holders of the right to use frequencies for the operation of FWA systems.
 
The issue of titles completes Phase I of the action plan outlined by the regulatory authority to redefine the whole process of FWA systems operation. In the course of Phase I, ANACOM heard the entities with FWA licences, in order to resize their rights to use spectrum taking into account the interest and needs properly justified by entities concerned.
 
The redefinition of the system implied the transformation of a national coverage system which included several geographical areas, regarding which licensed entities pointed out the ones in which they still had an interest, and those which they no longer intended to operate. This translated into a redefinition of the respective titles, which are now issued after having been redesigned.
 
This process led also to the release of some spectrum - namely spectrum released by entities that lost interest in certain zones during this process - which shall be made available during Phase II of the process. In fact, Phase II has already been initiated, but only as far as the 24,5 GHz - 26,5GHz frequency band is concerned. It was determined that the granting of rights to use frequencies in this band would take place by means of the full accessibility regime, depending on the presentation of some elements.

Source: ANACOM, Portugal

The President of the Federal Network Agency, Matthias Kurth, launched the auction of frequencies for broadband wireless access (BWA) in the 3.5 GHz band in Mainz today. Six companies had applied for participation in the auction. "I hope that with these frequencies the companies will be able to place new and interesting telecommunications products on the German market as well", said Mr Kurth. The regulator also hopes that competition will increase on the broadband market and that broadband accesses such as wireless Internet access will be offered in hitherto insufficiently served regions. "The regulatory goal of improving broadband coverage is to be achieved by a coverage obligation linked to the frequency award. By 2009 in 15 per cent and by 2011 in 25 per cent of all communes in an auction area at least basic coverage must be assured", according to Mr Kurth. It was not a frequency auction’s goal to increase state revenues but to determine, in an open, transparent and non-discriminatory auction which applicants were best suited to efficiently use the scarce frequencies, explained Mr Kurth. "By means of the auction frequencies will be awarded to capable and suitable companies which are prepared to invest the necessary funds to establish the requisite infrastructure. Even if not all six companies will be active in all regions, this still does not render the auction proceedings superfluous since the frequency packets in the regions are not equivalent as far as their availability is concerned. With this in mind I deem it in line with market conditions that adaptation and consolidation processes already took place prior to the auction. The market is obviously capable of reacting quickly and flexibly to events and changing conditions", said Mr Kurth. The auction is structured as an open, simultaneous, multiple round action. For each action round 120 minutes are initially envisaged. At the end of each round each bidder and the public are told which bidder has made the highest bid for which frequency packet in which region. 28 auction regions have been created which cover the whole of the Federal Republic of Germany. In each region four frequency packets are due to be auctioned. However, each bidder may only buy one frequency packet per region on the condition that he has been issued a bidding authorisation for this region. Certain incremental principles apply to the bids, called minimum increments. The minimum increment is initially 15 per cent und may be decreased in the course of the auction. The auction is being conducted electronically. To this end "auction PCs" have been installed in six separate offices which are connected to the auctioneer PC installed in yet another office. The bidders are not allowed to communicate with each other and any such communications has been prevented by suitable precautions. The bidders may contact decisiontakers in their company and the auctioneer by telephone. The bidders have all taken part in a one-day software training course at the Federal Network Agency’s system in Mainz and are familiar with the technology and the rules of the game. Auctioneer is the Federal Network Agency’s Presidential Chamber. The auction software is controlled by an experienced, inter-disciplinary team consisting of legal experts, economists, technicians and auction theorists, ensuring the smooth execution of the auction. The auction proceeding is officially monitored by a notary public. Source: Federal Network Agency, see http://www.bundesnetzagentur.de/media/archive/8216.pdf 

The two day Executive Level Training organized by the ITU Telecommunication Development Bureau (BDT) and infoDev, in cooperation with the Office of the Telecommunications Authority (OFTA), Hong Kong, China, ended on 3 December 2006. More than 50 Senior Executives from 27 countries gathered in Hong Kong, China to participate in this event.

The training focused on New Technologies, New thinking, ICT Regulation in a Changing World and highlighted how the joint ITU-infoDev ICT regulation toolkit could help regulators and policy makers. The ICT Regulation Toolkit and the training programme were designed to enable regulators and policy makers to identify solutions to their real world challenges. Nearly ninety percent of the participants expressed a high level of satisfaction and the wish to continue such training. The joint ITU infoDev ICT Regulation Toolkit was very well received and generated a lot of positive feedback. To learn more about this event, click here. To access the ICT regulation toolkit, click here.

Ofcom today announced proposals for the UK’s largest single release of radio spectrum, which could be used for a range of new services such as mobile broadband and advanced wireless services.

The consultation document seeks views on proposals to auction licences to use three spectrum bands: 2500-2690 MHz, 2010-2025 MHz and 2290-2300 MHz. In total 215 MHz will be available. The award of these bands would form an important part of Ofcom’s approach in securing the optimal use of this finite and valuable natural resource.

Ofcom proposes to release the spectrum on a technology and service neutral basis. This will allow organisations to decide how best to use the spectrum within certain minimum technical specifications to prevent harmful interference.

The proposals are part of a wider Ofcom programme to release around 400 MHz of prime spectrum to the market over the next few years, creating major opportunities for extra innovation and competition in wireless services. The programme includes a dozen different bands including the spectrum freed up by digital television switchover, or Digital Dividend, in which Ofcom will publish proposals shortly.

Source: Ofcom.

The National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) has confirmed it will introduce licensing regulations for the third-generation (3G) broadband cellular business next year, despite the absence of a National Broadcasting Commission (NBC).

NTC chairman Choochart Promphrasid yesterday said the telecom sector could not wait too long to adopt the new technology. "I think it's time for the commissioners to make a decision on the matter," he said. Choochart said the NTC would act on a ruling from the Council of State that the NTC "might be able" to refer to the frequency table of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) as a guideline for managing the telecom industry.

The ITU is an international organisation under the United Nations in which governments and private companies work together to coordinate the operations of telecom networks and services and advance the development of communications technology. The Council of State's ruling came after the NTC asked whether it could issue the new frequency licences in the absence of the National Broadcasting Commission.

Telecom operators are eager to obtain the 3G licences so they can use the blazing speed of the new technology to provide wireless services like video calling and interactive wireless games, thereby earning more revenues. Choochart said operators whose existing frequencies could be developed to offer 3G services could immediately submit applications for  consideration by the NTC.

The NTC was expected to formulate 3G licensing regulations some time last year, before the Central Administrative Court nullified the selection process for 14 candidates for seven seats on the NBC in November 2005. Telecom law requires both the NTC and the NBC jointly to create the national frequency table, manage the broadcasting and telecom spectra and prescribe rules for their use.

Coincidentally, the five-day Telecom World 2006 forum held by the ITU in Hong Kong and which ends today discussed expansion of the forum's theme to include both broadcasting and telecommunications, because of the convergence of the two technologies. Currently, only state-run Thai Mobile owns a 1900MHz spectrum band that can be used to develop 3G services. The now-defunct Frequency Allocation Committee gave the bandwidth to Thai Mobile in the pre-NTC era.

Source: The Nation, Thailand

On behalf of the Federal Communications Commission (ComCom), the Federal Office of Communications (OFCOM) is launching the invitation to tender for 2 country-wide licences for Broadband Wireless Access (BWA). If there are sufficient candidates, the licences will be awarded by auction.

Chief Executives from around the globe will gather from 2-3 December in Hong Kong (just prior to the ITU World Telecom events) for an executive level training programme organized by ITU and infoDev in cooperation with the Office of the Telecommunications Authority (OFTA), Hong Kong, China. The training is reserved exclusively for the heads of national regulatory authorities and senior executives of national policy-makers. The programme will focus on New Technologies, New Thinking: ICT Regulation in a Changing World. Rapid technological changes are taking place in the ICT sector, led by the vast deployment of IP networks, the convergence of fixed and mobile networks and services, and the advent of next generation networks. These developments call for new thinking and informed and sound policy/regulatory decisions. More information can be found on http://www.itu.int/ITU-D/treg/Events/Seminars/2006/ceotraining/index.html 

Today, ARCEP presents the responses to its two public consultations launched on October 5^th regarding:

- the reuse for 3G of the 900 and 1800 MHz frequencies, currently used by 2G, and the authorisation available in the 2.1 GHZ band for a third-generation mobile network ("fourth 3G license")

- the renewal of Bouygues Telecom’s 2G authorisation.

Source: Arcep.

Responding to the urgent need for reliable and interoperable communications in the U.S.-Mexico border area, senior telecommunications officials of both countries recently signed a spectrum sharing agreement to support first responders and other state and local public safety organizations. The agreement also supports the operations of commercial entrepreneurs who are expected to deploy advanced wireless services along the border.

For public safety licensees in the U.S., the agreement provides access to twelve megahertz of primary spectrum in the border area. For commercial services, the agreement provides certainty regarding network operations for new broadband wireless service providers once broadcasters complete their conversion from analog to digital television (DTV) in spectrum now used for TV channels 52 to 69. A portion of the commercial spectrum is already in the hands of commercial licensees awaiting the completion of the DTV transition. The remainder will be auctioned by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to meet a congressionally mandated deadline of January 28, 2008. With the agreement, these wireless broadband service providers will have more certainty for deploying their networks near the Mexico border.

The agreement became effective on November 8, when it was signed by Ambassador David A. Gross, U.S. Coordinator for International Communications and Information Policy in the Bureau of Economic and Business Affairs, while attending a meeting with Mexican officials in Antalya, Turkey at the Plenipotentiary Conference of the International Telecommunication Union. Senior Mexican telecommunications officials had signed the agreement on November 1 in Mexico City so that it could become effective as soon as possible.

The signing comes after the U.S.-Mexico High Level Consultative Commission on Telecommunications last July issued a Joint Statement expressing its intent to sign the agreement subject to completion of certain final reviews.

The agreement will be implemented by the FCC in the United States and by the Ministry of Communications and Transportation and the Federal Telecommunications Commission in Mexico.

The agreement takes the form of a protocol under a 1994 U.S.-Mexico framework agreement covering terrestrial non-broadcasting radio communication services.

The signed protocol can be found at http://www.state.gov/documents/organization/76000.pdf
and http://www.fcc.gov/ib/sand/agree/files/mex-nb/698_806.pdf.

Source: USA Department of State, USA

ANACOM has granted authorisation to Refer Telecom – Serviços de Telecomunicações, to use channels 878.6-923.6 MHz and 879-924 MHz for the purposes of carrying out technical trial and demonstrations of GSM-R technology, which will take place in Sacavém and Oriente Station in Lisbon. This authorisation follows a request made by the company and is applicable until the end of 2006.
 
The granting of this authorization does not imply any commitment, obligation or constraint regarding the future allocation by ANACOM of rights to use frequencies in Portugal reserved for GSM-R technology.
 
ANACOM will accompany the trials and have access to their conclusions, both from a technological standpoint and also in terms of the effective market potential of services based on these technologies.

Source: ANACOM, Portugal

Malaysia will issue two licenses to telecommunication operators next year to provide fourth generation wireless high speed Internet services, a senior minister has told AFP. Lim Keng Yaik, energy, water and communications minister said the government hoped the winning bidders will roll out the WiMAX network nationwide in 2007.

The government in July cancelled the original tender for the WiMAX 2.3 gigahertz spectrum, saying that the specifications were not in line with the ministry's policy. Lim has said the government hopes to issue up to four licences.

The original tender had attracted bids from 17 companies, including Malaysia's top communications firm Maxis Communications and DiGi Telecommunications Sdn Bhd.

Source: Yahoo News Asia.

ARCEP is asking players to express their views on the major changes underway on the market for fixed service via satellite. [...] ARCEP is using this consultation to collect the views of all players concerned, especially in the space sector, on the prospects for the development of fixed service via satellite applications.

This consultation aims to:

• evaluate demand from players concerning the needs and use of the spectrum for fixed service via satellite applications
• evaluate sharing conditions, if required, which take into account both frequency resources and player needs

Russia’s State Radio Frequency Commission has awarded WiMAX wireless broadband frequencies to number two mobile operator Vimpelcom. The firm has won spectrum in the 3.4GHz-3.45GHz band and the 3.5GHz-3.55GHz band. Prime Tass, citing local newspaper Kommersant, reports that Vimpelcom has also applied for spectrum in the 2.3GHz-2.5GHz range covering 92 cities and so far it has been granted use of the spectrum in 34 markets. Meanwhile, third-placed cellco MegaFon has also applied for frequencies which would allow it deploy a WiMAX network although it has not elaborated on its plans. Russia already has a number of commercial WiMAX networks operated by the likes of Enforta and Synterra. TeleGeography’s WiMAX Market Tracking service offers full coverage of global WiMAX trials and deployments.

Source: Telegeography

Taiwan’s telecoms regulator has published details of its plans for WiMAX wireless broadband licensing. The National Communications Commission (NCC) says it will offer nine six-year WiMAX concessions in the second quarter of next year. DigiTimes reports that three 90MHz bands will be available in each of three regions: northern, central and southern Taiwan. Companies can apply for several licences but will be awarded a maximum of one, although mergers and co-operation with other licence winners will be allowed to enable operators to create a national footprint. Networks must be built out within one year of licensing.

Source: Telegeography

The government of Hong Kong announced yesterday that it will launch a public consultation on proposals to auction a new third-generation mobile licence. The state plans to allow the Special Administrative Region’s existing W-CDMA operators to bid for a CDMA2000 1xEV-DO standard licence, said Director-General of Telecommunications Au Man Ho. Hong Kong has four existing 3G operators using W-CDMA platforms: Hutchison Telephone Company (3), SmarTone (SmarTone-Vodafone), CSL New World Mobility and PCCW Mobile (Sunday Communications). According to TeleGeography’s GlobalComms database, there are around a million 3G users in Hong Kong, where Hutchison leads the market with 600,000 subscribers at end-June.

Source: Telegeography

This notice announces Industry Canada's spectrum licence fee proposal for the frequency band 4940-4990 MHz, and requests further comment on the proposed fee and related service standards.

Source: Industry Canada.

From today, interested companies can apply to the Federal Network Agency to register for its auction of Broadband Wireless Access (BWA) frequencies. The frequency auction is due to begin in December 2006 at the Federal Network Agency office in Mainz. The President’s Chamber of the Federal Network Agency has decided on the procedure for the award of frequencies in the 3400-3600 MHz range in consultation with the Agency’s Advisory Council. In future, this frequency range will be available for BWA applications. The use of these frequencies is primarily intended to facilitate the provision of radiobased broadband connections to the population. “We now have an opportunity to expand the broadband market with additional services and make it possible for regional and small and medium-sized firms to start operating in areas where the availability of fixed-line broadband connections – DSL in particular – is insufficient. The terms for the assignment of the frequencies have been drafted as flexibly as possible in order to accommodate future technological developments as well. At the moment, no one can predict with any degree of certainty how the balance between fixed-line connections and radio-based broadband connections will develop over the next few years. This is why we want to mobilise the creativity of the private sector in Germany and improve the range of options open to customers. The assignment of the frequencies will promote both innovation and effective competition, enabling consumers to have the widest possible choice of reasonably priced services. Against this background, alternative radio-based access technologies of the kind that are used in BWA, as well as in other fields, could significantly help to improve broadband penetration in Germany,” said Matthias Kurth, the President of the Federal Network Agency.[...]

Source: Federal Network Agency.

Commonwealth of Independent States alternative operator Golden Telecom is to launch a trial WiMAX network in Moscow, in partnership with Nortel, according to press reports. The 4G technology will enable connection speeds of between 1 Mbps and 25 Mbps. Population density in Moscow is around 9,000 per square kilometre, and as such a single base station could potentially grant internet access to hundreds of users.

Source: Global Insight.

The Singaporean government said it planned to cover most of the country with public wireless internet access by next year and provide nearly 10,000 subsidised computers to low-income students to offer digital opportunities to all its citizens, according to Dow Jones reports citing Singaporean Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong. Lee said the government would increase the number of public wireless hot spots from 900 to 5,000 by next year as part of the plan. Lee said about 10,000 households with school-going children would qualify for subsidised computers, and efforts would be made to help the elderly and disabled use the internet.

Source: Global Insight.

The Malaysian government plans to issue up to four WiMAX licences to boost broadband coverage and penetration rate, the Business Times reports, citing Malaysian Minister of Energy, Water and Communications Lim Keng Yaik. However, the minister added that the government might issue two licences first before giving out the rest. He said that the ministry, along with the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC), was in talks with a consultant on the cost of operating a WiMAX service, which would run on the 2.3 GHz spectrum. He also said that the government might not re-tender the WiMAX spectrum but evaluate the applications already submitted by the candidates. On the price of the WiMAX licence, the minister said it would be much lower than that which companies paid to get a 3G spectrum, which was between 50 million ringgit and 55 million ringgit.

Source: Global Insight.

Information Development Minister Vladimir Molozhen has announced that the country’s third GSM licence will be put out to tender in the next two months. The asking price will be USD8 million, half to be paid within 30 days and the rest within two years. According to TeleGeography’s GlobalComms database, the existing mobile operators Voxtel and Moldcell had 1.1 million sunbscribers between them at the end of June 2006, 64% of whom were with Voxtel.

Source: Telegeohgraphy

According to the Bulgarian national daily Dnevik a.m., four companies have bought tender documents for participation in the auction of a 26GHz point-to-multipoint licence. The new concession will allow national coverage and a 15-year term of validity. The quartet – Trans Telecom, Cosmo Bulgaria, Nexcom Bulgaria and Mobiltel – have until 28 November to notify the regulator of their intention to bid. All but one of the bidders – Cosmo Bulgaria – already hold licences in the 3.5GHz band.

Source: Telegeography

Bharti Airtel, India's biggest mobile phone company by subscribers, has handed back CDMA spectrum covering Madhya Pradesh to the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) for reassignment. The regulator is requesting operators return unused frequencies to help plug a shortfall in spectrum and pave the way for the launch of new wireless services. Airtel received the CDMA frequencies when it was first licensed in 1997, and is only returning the spectrum under duress. It claimed that it was asked to pay inflated licence fees for the CDMA spectrum following the conversion to a Unified Access Services Licence (UASL) scheme in 2003, and instead opted to transfer its 20,000 CDMA users to its GSM network, before reluctantly returning the frequencies. State-owned Mahanagar Telephone Nigam Ltd (MTNL) is among other operators to have been asked to give up excess CDMA spectrum.

Source: Telegeography

The Global VSAT Forum said there's a worldwide threat to the extended C-band frequencies of 3.4-3.7 GHz, increasingly targeted for wireless broadband. The group said the ITU is examining use of the band for advanced wireless services including 4G. "Obviously this band is in use by the satellite services community for FSS services, feeder links and MSS services," the forum said: "Where WiMAX services have been introduced, there have been significant interference issues and services interruptions for satellite ground stations and their related services... Interruptions have occurred in Bolivia, in the Caribbean, China, Russia, throughout Africa and they have been particularly disruptive in Hong Kong, Australia, Fiji and Indonesia." The group plans a special meeting Fri. in D.C. at the U. Club to take up the matter.

 

Source: Washington Internet Daily.

The Jordanian telecoms regulator, the TRC, has announced that it is preparing to award spectrum for broadband fixed-wireless access (BFWA) services. There are a total of 16 lots of spectrum available, which will be licensed in three phases. The first phase, due to kick off during October, will see the licensing of lots in the 3.5 GHz band, the second in the 3.6GHz band, and the third in the 5.4 GHz band. The minimum bid for a lot in the 2.5 GHz and 3.6 GHz bands has been set at 5 million Jordanian dinars (US$7.1 million), and for lots in the 5.4 Ghz band at 3 million dinars, according to the Jordan Times newspaper.

Source: Global Insight.

The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has shortlisted four frequency bands for the allocation of spectrum for WiMAX services, in its bid to ensure that India keeps pace with the rest of the world in WiMAX introduction, the Economic Times reports. The four shortlisted bands include the 2.5-2.69 GHz, 3.4-3.6 GHz, 2.3-2.4 GHz, and 700 MHz bands. However, the newspaper said that the DoT plans could face challenges; the Department of Space (DoS) opposed the allocation of WiMAX spectrum in some of the above bands. For instance, regarding the 2.5-2.69 GHz band, the DoS has said that this is currently used for various satellite-based mobile and broadcast applications, including disaster-warning dissemination, radio, and networking. The DoS added that the 3.4-3.6 GHz band has been used for fixed satellite-service downlink for the past seven years, and that there were contractual commitments to continue this in the long term.

Source: Global Insight.

India’s Reliance Infocomm has confirmed that it has applied to the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) for GSM spectrum in 21 of the country’s 23 telecoms circles. Operating under the IndiaMobile brand, Reliance offers CDMA services in twenty circles, and GSM services in eight, mainly in the east of the country. The application for more GSM spectrum comes amid increasing complaints from Reliance about the level of royalties it pays Qualcomm for the purchase of CDMA handsets, arguing that high costs have restricted its ability to compete with operators offering cut price GSM handsets. It has applied for permission to roll out GSM networks in some regions where it already offers CDMA services.

Source: Telegeography

   

Venezuela's telecoms regulator Conatel this week launched a public consultancy on wireless spectrum allocation strategy. Conatel is opening up frequency blocks in the bands 1710MHz-1850MHz, 1850MHz-1990MHz and 2110MHz-2170MHz, currently used by the government for mobile, mobile by satellite, fixed signals and special research operations. The watchdog will accept contributions to the debate until 20 September via its website, and will then hold a public hearing to discuss the findings.

 

Source: Telegeography

The Colombian telecoms regulator, the Ministerio de Comunicaciones (Mincomunicaciones), will push ahead with plans to auction WiMAX licences in the 3.5GHz spectrum band at the end of this month, despite complaints of irregularities in the bidding process, reports BNamericas. Mincomunicaciones had come under fire from several participants accusing it of accepting a proposal from Comcel after the 4pm deadline on 14 August. The ministry will announce the winners of the licences by 30 September.

 

Source: Telegeography

The ongoing saga of Brazil’s auction of 3.5GHz and 10GHz spectrum licences for WiMAX services took a fresh twist yesterday when the federal accounts court (TCU) ordered a halt to the process citing ‘inconsistencies’ in the tender. Although the regulator Anatel had received 100 preliminary bids from interested parties, the TCU ruled that an economic feasibility study carried out before the auction contained several flaws, not least in using an out of date exchange rate to set the minimum price for spectrum blocks in some regions. According to the TCU’s statement, Anatel set a minimum price of BRL655.71 (USD308.80) for 7MHz blocks in the 3.5GHz band for the cities of Santos and Ribeirão Preto. However, the price is well below the average price of BRL200,000 used for other cities of a similar size. The watchdog has now been given 15 days to amend the minimum price in its licence rules. The courts have also highlighted errors dating back to November 2004 in the exchange rate used for the real and euro currencies. Based on the figures used as against the current exchange rate, the TCU said that there would be a premium of 76% on the price forecast in the auction ruling.

According to BNamericas, around 100 companies, including fixed line operators Brasil Telecom, CTBC Telecom, Telemar, long-distance operator Embratel and Sercomtel, presented preliminary bids on Monday. Other bidders include TIM, Oi, Telemig Celular, Amazônia Celular, GVT and Nextel.

Source: Telegeography

Local Brazilian media report that Brazil's fixed-line incumbents, Brasil Telecom, Telemar, and Telesp, have been given the go-ahead to participate in the auction of licences in the 3.5 GHz and 10 GHz bands. According to the sources, Judge Naiber Pontes de Almeida of Brasilia's regional federal tribunal took the decision on 31 August 2006 to allow the incumbents to bid for licences within their current operating regions. This was one of several issues behind a government attempt to suspend the upcoming auction, which is due on 18 September.

Source: Global Insight.

According to BNamericas citing local press reports, Brazil’s fixed line operators have won the right to participate in the country’s forthcoming auction of 3.5GHz and 10GHz spectrum licences for WiMAX services on 18 September. In his ruling of 31 August, Judge Naiber Pontes de Almeida of Brasilia's regional federal tribunal decided that fixed line licence holders can compete for licences in regions where they already hold concession contracts.

Source: Telegeography

The US government’s wireless spectrum auction is set to begin again today after the weekend break, with total bids standing at USD13.75 billion at the close of bidding on Friday. T-Mobile USA has, as expected, held the top position, with USD4.16 billion on the table for 116 licences. The German-owned firm is in desperate need of extra frequencies to enable it to roll out 3G services. The next highest bidder, Verizon Wireless, has offered USD2.8 billion for four concessions, while the SpectrumCo consortium, which includes the cable operators Comcast, Time Warner and Cox Communications alongside the cellular operator Sprint Nextel, has so far bid USD2.34 billion for 133 licences. The government has 1,122 advanced wireless services (AWS) licences on offer, with total bids expected to reach around USD15 billion.

 

Source: Telegeography

The US government’s spectrum auction is coming to an end, with the FCC attempting to speed up the closing stages by adding two extra rounds of bidding each day and halving the length of each round to 30 minutes. The advanced wireless services (AWS) auction has raised USD13.6 billion after 15 days of bidding. T-Mobile has been the most active bidder, so far offering a total of nearly USD4.2 billion for 118 of the 1,122 available concessions. The firm is keen to gain additional spectrum which will enable it to roll out 3G services. Verizon Wireless is the second largest bidder, with a total of USD2.8 billion offered for four licences, while a consortium of cable operators and number-three cellco Sprint is in third place. The auction runs until all bidding is exhausted.

Meanwhile, equipment suppliers are expecting some major new contracts once the dust has settled, with T-Mobile alone expected to spend up to USD4 billion on its next-generation infrastructure.

Source: Telegeography

Bahrain’s Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (TRA) is preparing to launch an auction for two licences to provide fixed-wireless voice and data services, with a starting price of BHD20,000 (USD53,000) each plus annual fees of BHD28,000. An official invitation to take part in the tender will be published on 5 October, according to the TRA. Successful bidders will be able to offer voice telephony and internet access using wireless technology, bypassing the fixed line network of incumbent operator Batelco. The licences will include spectrum in the 3.5GHz band. An memorandum issued on the TRA website provides interested parties with preliminary information about the auction and a draft of the proposed licence. New licensees will also have the right to use Batelco's infrastructure in order to reach end-users, on the basis of commercial agreements between themselves and Batelco. The TRA will be accepting comments on the published memorandum until 21 September.

Source: Telegeography

Following the recent drafting of a bill which would have Russia's major mobile operators' tariffs regulated by the state, the country's IT and Telecommunications Ministry has hinted that it may reject such a move, according to Prime-Tass. The bill, a proposed amendment to an existing law, had been drafted by Maxim Korobov, a deputy in the lower house of parliament. Currently, the Federal Service for Communication Oversight regulates the tariffs set by fixed-line operators with over 25% of the total amount of telephone numbers, or at least 25% of telecommunication traffic capacities, in a certain area or nationwide. Korobov's amendment seeks to expand this ruling to encompass mobile operators, as well as satellite communications, data transmission, and television and radio transmission companies.

 

Source: Global Insight.

The modern networked world would be severely impaired if the Patent & Trademark Office (PTO) finds that electromagnetic signals aren't eligible for patents, commenters told the agency in a proceeding. In tones from diplomatic to indignant, they told the PTO it lacks knowledge of basic scientific concepts, as evidenced by PTO's proposed guidelines classifying signals as "a form of energy, and therefore... not a composition of matter" that is patentable. PTO had asked, among other things, for analysis of how ISPs, satellites, Wi-Fi and "carriers of signals" would be affected if signals "per se" are found eligible for patents. [...] A change in signal patentability "would constitute a policy reversal," as PTO had previously said that signals were patentable, Hickman said. Changing course would have "the effect of retroactively invalidating thousands of issued claims," he added.

Source: Greg Piper, Warren's Washington Internet Daily.

FCC Commissioner Robert M. McDowell believes in a "wait-and-see" approach that allows for market resolutions when it comes to the net neutrality debate or proposed a la carte mandates for video service providers, he told reporters during an Aug. 8 briefing at his Washington office. The wait-and-see approach is one he also favors for issues where Congress might shortly weigh in, such as video franchising reform or universal service support for broadband deployment. Commissioner McDowell said his overall regulatory approach could be distilled down to one word: freedom. "As far as the role of government goes, first of all clear out any unnecessary regulatory underbrush. Let's let free markets and free people team up together as best they can. "But should there be market failure, the government should act in a narrow fashion, [providing a] narrowly tailored cure to any perceived illness in that free market that's preferably if possible sunsetted or at least [put on] a glide path to a sunset provision [so] that once that market failure is cured then we can revert back to having a more deregulatory framework in place," he added. He predicted another major theme during his FCC tenure - his term expires June 30, 2009 - would be the "incredibly powerful consumer demand that has developed just in the past few years of consumers' wanting to pull the content of their choice through the pipe of their choice at the time and place of their choosing and manipulate that content or perhaps create their own and post it and have others pull it. I want to make sure the FCC helps facilitate that demand and ... remove any barriers to entry and any unnecessary regulatory underbrush." His own residential video and broadband communications service options are limited. His five-acre farm in the rapidly congesting Virginia suburbs of Washington, D.C., is too far from the local telco's central office for digital subscriber line service, and there are too many trees in the southern sky for direct broadcast satellite service, Mr. McDowell said, so he subscribes to analog, expanded basic cable service with cable modem Internet service from Cox Communications, Inc. Regarding the debate over net neutrality, Mr. McDowell said, "Net neutrality is a Rorschach term - it depends on where you sit what it means to you, so it's really not yet defined. At this point it's difficult for government to prophylactically try to address an illness that has not yet occurred. ... Let's wait and see. Let's continue to be vigilant." He added, "Where do you draw the line between legitimate network management issues and what may be determined as discriminatory anticompetitive conduct against your competitors? We'll watch and wait and be vigilant." Asked about concerns expressed by third-party content providers that broadband Internet service providers might "cut them out," the Commissioner said, "They're worried it's going to happen? Let's see if it happens and then we could go from there. Would we have the authority? Yeah, we would. But if it hasn't happened yet, let's see if it happens and go from there." He said that consumer demand "is a terrifically powerful check and balance. If a network owner is going to start restricting folks from either plugging in on the content side or a consumer from plugging in on the consumer side, [it will] eventually go out of business." In that same vein, in response to a reporter's questions about concerns that broadband Internet service subscribers might block or provide inferior service to content and application providers that don't pay extra, he said, "Don't you think if you couldn't get to Google - you and millions of others in this country - [that] there would be pitchforks and torches in the streets and government policy would change overnight - and/or private sector policy?" Asked whether the lack of FCC response to consumer concerns about wireless early termination fees (ETFs) was because consumers had failed to take to the streets with pitchforks, Mr. McDowell said, "That's certainly not the standard. ... We certainly wouldn't want any issues to rise to that level. ... We've had a few meetings on ETFs. It's a very interesting issue to me. I'm still looking into it," he added, citing his wireline focus before joining the Commission and his short time in office thus far.

Regarding video franchising - an area in which the FCC has a pending proceeding to consider whether to intervene to speed the local franchising process - Mr. McDowell said, "Let's see first what Congress does. ... It's Aug. 8 and I don't necessarily want to count out [the possibility that Congress may yet enact communications legislation this year]. ... I don't want to underestimate Sen. [Ted] Stevens [(R., Alaska), the chairman of the Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee]," who is working to gather enough supporters to force a vote on legislation in the Senate. He added, however, that "should Congress not be able to address that issue this year, I think the Commission does have the authority, under section 621 [of the 1934 Communications Act, as amended] in particular and other parts, and I think there is something the Commission can do to help clear out unnecessary regulatory underbrush. I also want to be sure we don't go too far. If there's a cable coax line down in your backyard and you live in Wyoming, should you be calling Washington or writing Washington to get that fixed?" He said he was still "thinking through" whether there should be a "shot clock" imposed on local franchise negotiations. As for the possibility of using universal service mechanisms to support broadband deployment, the Commissioner said that section 254(b)(3) of the 1996 Telecommunications Act, which calls for advanced information and telecommunications services in rural areas "reasonably comparable" to those available in urban areas, addresses that possibility. However, he said the FCC "will wait for Congress to act." One provision of the Senate's version of HR 5252, known as the Advanced Telecommunications and Opportunities Reform Act, calls for a separate rural broadband support fund. He said there were four principles he would like to see implemented with respect to universal service: "(1) Slow the growth of expenditures in the fund - and that does not mean a cap per se; (2) in that there is waste, fraud, and abuse, let's take a look and ferret that out; (3) expand the contribution base - right now we're under this system where we take a lot from a few, the pool of the few, the shrinking, evaporating before our eyes actually; (4) everybody pays less." With respect to proposals for requiring or encouraging cable TV operators to offer video service programming on an a la carte basis, Mr. McDowell said, "It may be that consumer demand forces a private sector resolution to that question, so let's wait and see how that resolves."

ICC, Wireless Issues Discussed

As for the pending intercarrier compensation "Missoula proposal" developed under the auspices of the National Association of Regulatory Utility Commissioners, Mr. McDowell said, "I certainly welcome that proposal if for nothing else than to kick off a discussion. There's certainly some meritorious arguments made in that proposal. Certainly I think intercarrier compensation is something that needs to be addressed. You know it's again very complex, some argue arcane, and I will look forward to a refreshed record and rolling up my sleeves and looking at it as we go forward." Regarding the ongoing advanced wireless service spectrum auction and the upcoming 700 megahertz auction, the Commissioner said he expected them to lead to "the construction of new delivery platforms that will help spur new technologies, [and] hopefully offer more affordable services with more powerful technologies, so I'm very, very excited." In general, he said, "The wireless industry has been a terrific model of competition for the most part creating a self-regulating atmosphere. ... We want to continue to regulate with the lightest touch possible. Competition in the wireless industry has been a good example of how we can have competition with other technologies." Asked when the FCC would act on wireless carriers' requests for waivers of enhanced "911" rules with respects to handset compliance, which have been pending since last year, Mr. McDowell said, "Certainly I'd like to see some closure on that. ... It's always fair to give industry some certainty, and we'll be following up on that."

Recusal in Mergers Undecided

Asked whether he would be recusing himself from consideration of applications for approval of license and authorization transfers associated with the proposed merger of AT&T, Inc., and BellSouth Corp. the Commissioner said that under law recusal decisions are made by the FCC's general counsel. "In an adjudicatory proceeding such as a merger review or a petition for forbearance or petition for declaratory ruling where there are specific parties involved, should CompTel, my former employer, file in any of those kinds of proceedings for one year from June 1 of this year to June 1 of next year I would be automatically recused. So for that particular merger it remains to be seen," he said. "The recusal period ... actually lasts for a lifetime on rulemakings, if I was substantially involved in a rulemaking - not if CompTel filed, but if I was substantially involved in CompTel filings, which I haven't been for years," because his professional activity has been focused on Congress and the White House, he said. "The way I'm approaching it is if I'm recused, I'm not even looking at the filings," he said, adding that so far he hasn't been reading the filings and parties have not been coming in to make ex parte presentations about the proposed merger to him. He said that he didn't think parties were making such presentations to other Commissioners either right now, suggesting that the focus is still on the antitrust review at the Justice Department.

Source: Lynn Stanton, Telecommunications Reports.

Mexican mobile operators Telcel, Iusacell and Telefónica Móviles México (Movistar) have filed injunctions seeking the abolition of annual wireless spectrum fees for frequencies won in mid-2005, according to BNamericas quoting local daily El Universal. Additionally, the operators have appealed against the requirement that spectrum fees are set according to coverage area, with spectrum in Mexico City attracting far higher charges than that of a provincial region due to the inherent commercial potential of the capital. The trio have suspended payment of the second and final instalment of their one-off spectrum licence fees, pending the results of the appeals.

Brazil's telecom regulator Anatel was asked by 4 entities to cancel an auction of 3.5 GHz and 10 GHZ spectrum launched on July 17. The request, by fixed line operators association Abrafix, plus individual operators Sercomtel, CTBC and Brazil Telecom, takes issue with a bidding rule clause that bars them from bidding for WiMAX spectrum in their existing operating areas. The rule "is an obvious restriction of competition, which could harm society in the long run by impeding the evolution of the telecoms sector," Abrafix said. A group of competitive telecom operators, Telecomp, asked Anatel to keep the rule because WiMAX is an alternative to traditional copper networks and cable TV networks for offering local telephony. The deadline for bids is Sept. 4.

Source: Warren's Washington Internet Daily.

The Brazilian telecoms regulator Anatel has published the tender rules for its proposed auction for licences in the 3.5GHz and 10.5GHz bands. The spectrum can be used to offer WiMAX-based wireless broadband services and will be valid for 15 years, with the option of an extension. Interested bidders must submit their proposals by 4 September. The new licences will be allocated across three Brazilian regions, although incumbent fixed line operators Telefônica Brazil, Telemar and Brasil Telecom will not be allowed to purchase blocks of spectrum for areas where they already have fixed line operating licences. Anatel hopes to stimulate competition and broadband penetration by keeping prices low. Local analysts predict that broadband growth will reach around 40% per annum for the next four years.

Source: TeleGeography.

Regulator ANRT plans to sell three licences.

Four companies have submitted bids for the three third-generation mobile licences up for grabs in Morocco, according to the country's national telecoms regulator.

The ANRT said on its Web site that the four bidders are incumbent operator Maroc Telecom, which is controlled by French media group Vivendi; local company Maroc Connect; Meditel, in which Spain's Telefonica and Portugal Telecom own a combined majority stake; and Nejma Telecom Maroc, a subsidiary of the Kuwaiti Wataniya telecoms group.

"The presence of the four operators in this tender process shows the interest and the potential of the Moroccan telecoms market, as well as the strategy adopted," said ANRT in a release.

The regulator said it will announce the winners as soon as possible. Each 3G licence-holder will have to pay 360 million dirham (US$41.23 million). (…)

Source : Total Telecom.

Chinguitel SA, which is partnered with the Sudanese operator Sudatel, has won the auction for the third Mauritanian GSM licence. Chinguitel won the auction with a bid worth US$101.98 million, according to L’Autorité de Régulation (ART), the Mauritanian regulator, beating rival bids from Orange Mauritanie (France Télécom), Wataniya Télécom Mauritanie, Mauritel, and Access Télécom from Côte d’Ivoire. Orange Mauritanie submitted a bid worth US$34.773 million and Wataniya Telecom Mauritanie a bid worth US$31.246 million. Amongst its neighbours in West Africa, Mauritania has by far the highest cellular penetration rate. In 2003 Mauritania had a cellular penetration rate of 13.0%, compared with 5.7% in Senegal, 2.1% in Mali, and 1.9% in Burkina Faso.

Source: Global Insight.

Georgia's National Communications Commission is to auction licences for 3G services in September 2006, according to press reports. While MagtiCom, Argotex, and Telecom have already acquired 3G licences, around 25% of the 2000 MHz frequency range for WCDMA services has yet to be distributed.

Source : Global Insight.

Morocco’s telecoms regulator the ANRT reported last Friday that four companies had entered bids for three 3G mobile licences it is planning to award as part of a drive to increase competition in the telecoms sector. The bidders include a trio of domestic operators – Maroc Télécom, Maroc Connect and Medi Télécom (Meditel) – alongside Nejma Telecom Maroc, a subsidiary of Kuwait mobile firm Wataniya Telecom. A statement from the ANRT read: ‘The presence of the four operators in the tender process shows the interest and the potential of the Moroccan telecoms market… The offers will be assessed on the basis of the bidder commitments on infrastructure, cover [sic], service quality, diversification and cohesion of the offer… The tender process aims at awarding a maximum of three licences.’ The regulator has priced the concessions at MAD360 million (USD41.23 million) each, and will name the winners ‘as soon as possible’, although no precise date was given.

Source: TeleGeography.

Industry Canada today announced the launch of a licensing initiative to authorize the development of Canadian satellites. Given that up to 29 satellite licences may be assigned, this will be the largest spectrum licensing initiative ever undertaken in Canada. A comparative competitive licensing process will be used in which applicants will be required to submit proposals to Industry Canada.

"We need to increase satellite capacity over the next few years, and this announcement is about securing and allocating satellite orbital resources," said the Honourable Maxime Bernier, Minister of Industry. "This initiative will lead to new investments in Canada, and to new and more accessible telecommunications services for Canadians of all regions."

As a result of this initiative, Canadian commercial satellite operators are expected to provide the capacity needed to fully implement high-definition television in Canada and to carry other important new and advanced telecommunications services that are essential for connecting all regions of Canada, especially in the North, where satellites are the vital link to provide public safety, national security and government services.

Industry Canada expects that some satellites resulting from this initiative may be providing services as early as 2009-2010. The satellite industry will invest several hundred million dollars in building, launching and insuring satellites for each licence issued. Selected applicants are expected to direct 2 percent of their future operating revenues to fund special initiatives to improve access to telecommunications services in underserved communities.

In a new development for competitive satellite licensing in Canada, Industry Canada will be inviting comments from the Canadian satellite industry — particularly Canadian satellite users, i.e., those that would use the new satellites to deliver their value-added services — on plans from applicants for serving the Canadian market. Applicants will be selected based on the proposals that best benefit Canadians, and other criteria.

The licensing initiative will proceed shortly with the publication of a call for applications through a link on Industry Canada's Strategis website. Additional information is available on the website. A backgrounder is attached to this news release.

Source: Industry Canada.

Sri Lanka plans to issue 3G spectrum to all four domestic mobile network operators next week, according to the Director General of the Telecommunications Regulatory Commission (TRC), Kanchana Ratwatte. The UMTS licences cover the 2GHz band and are priced at USD5 million each. Cellular market leader Dialog Telekom launched a 3G testing programme under a trial concession back in March 2004, and subsequently rolled out a pilot W-CDMA service spanning twelve base stations in Colombo. It hopes to offer a full-blown service later this year. The island’s third largest cellco Mobitel, run by dominant fixed line operator SLT, also holds a trial UMTS permit, whilst second placed Celltel and smallest operator Hutchison Telecommunications Lanka are expected to gain 3G spectrum as part of their expansion plans. Celltel has announced that it will roll out a GPRS/EDGE data platform this year as a stepping stone to 3G.

Source: TeleGeography.

Bahrain’s Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (TRA) has launched a public consultation on the possible award of additional mobile licences, as part of the TRA Plan 2005/06. The consultation addresses whether to issue one or more licences and the type of new entrants to license – mobile network operators and/or mobile virtual network operator (MVNOs); the consultation period is scheduled to close on 3 August 2006. TeleGeography’s Globalcomms database notes that Bahrain is home to two cellcos, Batelco and MTC-Vodafone; Batelco leads the market with 72% of the Kingdom’s 808,000 subscribers at the end of March 2006. Source: TeleGeography.

French telecoms regulator ARCEP has indicated that it is considering issuing a fourth 3G mobile licence. Commenting in ARCEP’s 2005 annual report, the regulator’s president Paul Champsaur said that the regulator will  launch an investigation to ascertain interest in a fourth licence. Meanwhile, ARCEP said that it would launch a public consultation later in the year, on the use of the GSM 900 MHz band for 3G services – something that current 3G providers Orange and SFR have been demanding.
Source: Global Insight.

Regulator launches consultation period until 3 August. Bahrain's Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (TRA) said it is considering the issue of more mobile licences following the expiry of the exclusivity period for the country's existing two mobile operators in April. The TRA said it has now launched a public consultation on the matter as part of its 2005/2006 plan. The regulator said it is faced with two main decisions: whether to issue one or more new licences; and whether such a licence or licences should be for a mobile network operator or a mobile virtual network operator (MVNO), or both. The consultation will review the current state of the mobile market in Bahrain and sets out the analytical framework within which the TRA will make its decisions, the regulator added. "The possibility of allowing additional mobile operators in Bahrain has always been a source of debate," said the General Director of the TRA, A. Andreas Avgousti. "We have always said that the TRA will consult publicly before making the final decision," Avgousti added. Interested parties should submit their comments to the TRA by 3 August by going to the Web site: www.tra.org.bh MTC-Vodafone won the second GSM licence for the Kingdom of Bahrain in April 2003, breaking the monopoly of incumbent operator Bahrain Telecommunications Company (Batelco).

Source: Total Telecom.

Moldtelecom, Moldova’s fixed line incumbent, has secured a 3G licence from the National Regulatory Agency for Telecommunications (NRATI) with a bid of USD8 million. The concession, which is based on the CDMA2000 standard, is valid for 15 years.

Source: TeleGeography.

A partir de hoy, puede accederse en el sitio web «Tu voz en Europa» (http://ec.europa.eu/yourvoice), a una consulta pública sobre cómo puede contribuir la Comisión Europea a garantizar que el uso creciente de los dispositivos de identificación por radiofrecuencias (radio frequency identification devices (RFID)) mejora la competitividad de la economía europea y la calidad de vida de sus ciudadanos, salvaguardando al mismo tiempo sus derechos fundamentales y, en particular, el derecho a la intimidad. Viviane Reding, Comisaria de Sociedad de la Información y Medios de Comunicación, ha señalado: «Tenemos que alcanzar un amplio consenso social acerca del uso de los RFID. Debemos garantizar que la tecnología RFID produce los efectos económicos previstos y crear oportunidades para su uso al servicio del bien común, asegurando al mismo tiempo que los ciudadanos sigan teniendo el control de sus datos personales.

En una Comunicación prevista para diciembre de 2006, la Comisión Europea tiene la intención de asumir ambas responsabilidades. Invito a todos los agentes interesados a participar en este debate.». A fin de evitar un acercamiento fragmentado a los RFID en Europa, la Comisión Europea ha establecido un plazo ambicioso para la adopción de un marco político que promueva el uso de la tecnología RFID, sin dejar de garantizar la protección de los datos personales.

En una primera fase, de marzo a junio de 2006, la Comisión ha organizado cinco seminarios para evaluar las posibilidades que ofrecen los RFID a las empresas y a la sociedad en su conjunto y examinar cuestiones relacionadas con el derecho a la intimidad y la seguridad (véase IP/06/289). Asimismo, en estos seminarios se abordaron asuntos como las normas y la interoperabilidad, la compatibilidad internacional, la atribución del espectro radioeléctrico y el futuro de la tecnología RFID. Despertaron un vivo interés entre todos los agentes, incluidos ciudadanos, asociaciones comerciales y representantes del mundo empresarial. Además, adquirieron reconocimiento mundial, ya que en los distintos grupos de trabajo participaron expertos de alto nivel y responsables de la toma de decisiones procedentes de terceros países no europeos.

A los cuatro meses de ponerse en marcha la iniciativa, el lanzamiento de la consulta pública en línea hoy marca el inicio de la segunda fase con un debate abierto e interactivo.

Ahora se invita a los representantes del sector y al público en general a que respondan al cuestionario que figura en el sitio web «Tu voz en Europa». La Comisión espera que esta consulta desemboque en un amplio consenso acerca de si, y en qué medida, Europa necesita un marco político estable para incitar a empresas de todo tipo a invertir en tecnología RFID y para armonizar las normas tecnológicas y la atribución de radiofrecuencias, salvaguardando al mismo tiempo la intimidad y seguridad individuales. En una conferencia final, que se celebrará en octubre de 2006, se presentarán las principales conclusiones de los seminarios y de la consulta en línea a una audiencia compuesta por expertos y responsables de la toma de decisiones. En ese momento, la Comisión presentará su evaluación de los resultados de la consulta y recogerá las observaciones finales de los agentes interesados, con vistas a preparar la Comunicación al Parlamento Europeo y al Consejo.

Fuente: Comisión Europea.

UK regulator Ofcom has published proposals to open up new spectrum in the 10GHz, 28GHz and 32GHz bands, to be distributed in a simultaneous multiple round auction. Ofcom suggest the frequency could be used for a range of new broadband, wireless and broadcast services, including high capacity, high speed data connections for mobile and fixed broadband networks. Ofcom has proposed offering twelve licences in the bands in the following proposed packages: a single nationwide 10GHz licence of 2x100 MHz; two nationwide 28GHz concessions of 2x112 MHz, plus three geographically limited 28GHz licences each of 2x112 MHz which can only operate in certain areas; and six nationwide 32GHz licences of 2x126 MHz. The deadline for responses to the consultation is 7 September 2006. Source: TeleGeography.

La Comisión inicia hoy una consulta pública sobre las opciones políticas para la actualización de las normas comunitarias de 2002 relativas a las telecomunicaciones, el "marco regulador de las comunicaciones electrónicas". En las comunicaciones electrónicas se incluyen la telefonía vocal fija, las comunicaciones móviles y la banda ancha, un mercado que representó en 2005 más de 270 000 millones de euros en la UE. En los informes sobre el funcionamiento de dicho marco, la Comisión observa que desde 2002 se han logrado progresos considerables en la apertura de los mercados nacionales de telecomunicaciones a la competencia y propone eliminar progresivamente la regulación ex ante en al menos 6 de los 18 segmentos actuales del mercado de las telecomunicaciones, incluidos los correspondientes a llamadas nacionales e internacionales. En aquellos mercados en los que todavía no hay una competencia real (como el importantísimo mercado de telecomunicaciones de banda ancha), la Comisión desea que las normas de la UE se apliquen de forma más eficaz, para aumentar la competencia en todo el mercado único. La Comisión, de ese modo, adopta una actitud clara contra la idea de “la ausencia de regulación” para los operadores históricos. La Comisión también aboga por avanzar hacia un planteamiento común, más dependiente del mercado, para atribuir el espectro radioeléctrico necesario para que los nuevos servicios y dispositivos funcionen a escala comunitaria. El objetivo de la Comisión es que, para 2010, se haya efectuado la transposición completa de las nuevas normas a las legislaciones nacionales.

Según Viviane Reding, Comisaria responsable de la Sociedad de la Información y los Medios de Comunicación, “la normativa europea de las telecomunicaciones constituye un éxito innegable para la competencia, la inversión y los intereses de los consumidores. No obstante, ahora ha llegado el momento de finalizar el proceso de la apertura de mercados iniciado en los años noventa. En el mundo de hoy, donde la electrónica ocupa un lugar destacado, las fronteras nacionales desaparecen ante la tecnología, los intereses económicos y el comportamiento de los consumidores. Tanto los operadores como los innovadores tecnológicos, los suministradores de servicios y los ciudadanos pueden obtener beneficios de un conjunto único de normas europeas aplicadas correctamente. Una mayor competencia transfronteriza y un mejor acceso al espectro, que constituye la materia prima de la sociedad de la información, son indispensables para mantener la ventaja competitiva europea en el sector de las telecomunicaciones.”

Hoy se inicia oficialmente la etapa de consulta pública de la “Revisión 2006” del marco comunitario regulador de las comunicaciones electrónicas, que fue adoptado en 2002 por el Parlamento Europeo y el Consejo de Ministros. Los cuatro documentos que somete hoy la Comisión a consulta pública son una Comunicación, un documento de trabajo de los servicios de la Comisión, una evaluación de impacto en la que se definen las principales opciones políticas examinadas y un proyecto de Recomendación sobre los mercados pertinentes.

Un mercado único para el espectro radioeléctrico

La Comisión propone que algunas bandas del espectro radioeléctrico se gestionen de forma más eficaz gracias a una mayor utilización de normas comunes establecidas en toda Europa. El espectro debe también asignarse cada vez en mayor medida de acuerdo con los principios de la demanda del mercado. Este planteamiento supondrá nuevas oportunidades en toda Europa para las empresas innovadoras y proporcionará beneficios a todos los ciudadanos de la UE. “Es una desventaja competitiva para Europa que no dispongamos, como en los Estados Unidos, de un único régimen para la gestión del espectro, sino de 25 diferentes”, señala la Comisaria Reding. “Por eso muchos interesados proponen la creación de un agencia europea del espectro y creo que es una idea que se podría discutir.”

El espectro radioeléctrico tiene una importancia fundamental para cualquier aplicación que dependa de la comunicación inalámbrica, desde la telefonía móvil y la radiodifusión, a los sistemas de orientación para aviones, barcos, satélites y dispositivos de defensa. Esto lo convierte en un recurso público, además de un valor económico, que experimenta una demanda creciente. Aunque la utilización del espectro radioeléctrico está todavía estrictamente regulado en la mayoría de los Estados miembros, no pueden ponerse límites a las transmisiones radioeléctricas dentro de las fronteras nacionales y muchos tipos de dispositivos radioeléctricos son en gran medida portátiles, sin olvidar que los ciudadanos esperan lógicamente que funcionen en toda la UE.

Legislar mejor: de 18 a 12 mercados regulados

En el proyecto de una nueva Recomendación sobre los mercados pertinentes, la Comisión estudia reducir la lista actual de 18 mercados de las comunicaciones electrónicas específicos que se consideran adecuados para la regulación ex ante. La Comisaria Reding ha señalado: «La normativa de telecomunicaciones de la UE permanecerá vigente únicamente hasta que hayamos alcanzado una competencia efectiva en todos los mercados». Además, ha añadido: «La competencia ya es efectiva en un tercio de estos mercados. En cuanto a los restantes, ahora debemos proceder a una aplicación más eficiente, oportuna y coherente de las normas de la UE. Será un grave problema para el mercado único europeo si los legisladores nacionales difieren en su voluntad de solucionar los problemas de competencia actuales de forma rápida. Los retrasos pueden situar a los operadores de otros paìses de la UE en una situación de desventaja.».

Neelie Kroes, Comisaria de Competencia, ha añadido: «El día de hoy constituye un paso importante hacia la liberalización de la industria de las telecomunicaciones. Nuestro objetivo es regular menos, pero más eficazmente. Los legisladores no deben intervenir en aquellos mercados en los que la competencia garantice precios bajos, elevada calidad y servicios innovadores a los consumidores. No obstante, en otros segmentos del sector en los que siga siendo necesaria una intervención reguladora, ésta será más efectiva y armonizada en toda Europa.».

En la mayoría de los Estados miembros, ha surgido en los últimos años una fuerte competencia en la prestación de servicios de llamadas nacionales e internacionales como resultado de la regulación ex ante. En estos mercados, la regulación puede, por consiguiente, eliminarse de forma gradual. Además, la Comisión invita a los agentes interesados a manifestarse acerca de si pueden suprimirse otros dos mercados de la lista de los mercados adecuados para ser regulados: los mercados al por mayor de acceso y de originación de llamadas en las redes públicas de telefonía móvil y el mercado de servicios de transmisión de emisiones difundidas. No obstante, la salud general de la competencia es aún demasiado precaria para justificar el abandono de la regulación específica del sector en otros mercados al por mayor, tales como la banda ancha. Los operadores tradicionales continúan controlando la infraestructura esencial y los nuevos llegados siguen siendo dependientes del acceso a tal infraestructura para poder competir. Ahora, la Comisión propone agilizar la regulación, aumentando su eficiencia y simplificando los procedimientos.

Consulta pública

Todas las propuestas de reforma presentadas hoy por la Comisión serán objeto de una consulta pública hasta finales de octubre de 2006. Basándose en los comentarios recibidos, la Comisión tiene previsto proponer medidas legislativas al Parlamento y al Consejo a finales de 2006. La Recomendación revisada sobre los mercados pertinentes será adoptada por la Comisión, y entrará en vigor, en el primer trimestre de 2007.

Fuente: AHCIET.

Bahrain's Ministry of Transportation (MoT) and the Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (TRA) have published their Spectrum Policy for the country, reports Cellular News. The Policy outlines the available spectrum ranges in the Kingdom, including Wi-Fi, WiMAX and fixed-wireless, and the proposed licence award mechanisms. It also addresses the issue of awarding further mobile licences, confirming that there is available spectrum for both 2G and 3G services. A consultation on awarding a third mobile licence will follow. TeleGeography’s GlobalComms database notes that Bahrain’s cellular market is led by Batelco, with 580,000 subscribers at the end of March 2006, whilst rival MTC-Vodafone signed up 228,000 users by the same date. MTC-Vodafone is currently the sole 3G licence holder and it rolled out commercial W-CDMA services in December 2004 with nationwide coverage. Source: TeleGeography.

Jamaica has issued two new mobile licences, to Wire9 of the United Kingdom and WIISCOM of the United States. According to local news sources, the players will pay a combined US$19 million for the licences. According to Technology Minister Phillip Paulwell, quoted by the Jamaica Gleaner local daily, Wire9 will deploy a GSM network in the 1800 MHz range and Wiiscom will deploy a CDMA network in the 1900 MHz range.

Source: Global Insight.

The purpose of this notice is to announce the release of the above-mentioned document which proposes to establish the spectrum policy, technical and licensing provisions to accommodate new Wireless Broadband Services (WBS) in the band 3650-3700 MHz.

Source: Industry Canada.

The Ministry of Communications has issued Resolution 1449 of June 23, containing the conditions for awarding up to two permits for spectrum usage for the provision of wireless broadband services in the 3.5 GHz band. The indicators that will be considered for awarding the licenses are forecasted investment, coverage and capacity.

Source: Ministerio de Comunicaciones.

Resolution (in Spanish)

Bids are being tendered to Ukraine's National Commission for Communications Regulation for WiMAX frequencies, reports Prime-Tass. The development comes following the government's recent approval of a plan for the allocation of radio frequencies, which allows the introduction of WiMAX technology from 1 July 2006. The frequencies will be 40 MHz, within the range of 5.47 MHz and 5.67 MHz. Bids will be accepted until 15 July.

Source : Global Insight.

Estonia's National Communications Board (ENCB) has launched a tender for the construction and provision of a broadband network in the 450 MHz frequency band. The successful bidder will be able to construct a network providing services with data transfer rates of no less than 144 kbits/s, according to a press release from the ENCB. The results of the tender will be announced by December 2006.

Source : Global Insight.

According to BNamericas, Colombia’s communications ministry has cut the rates operators pay for the use of broadband spectrum in the 3.5GHz band. The ministry hopes to facilitate the adoption of wireless internet in the country. Source: TeleGeography.

Telecoms minister says 45-MHz to be released from defence services in order to help boost mobile services coverage. India's telecoms minister Dayanidhi Maran said the government will by November this year release 45 megahertz of spectrum that is currently used by the nation's defence services in order to make it available to telecoms operators. "We should be able to release 45 MHz of spectrum from defence this year. The faster we do this, the quicker we will be able to reach our target of providing better services to our people," Maran said following the GSM Association board meeting in New Delhi on Tuesday. At the meeting the GSMA said the number of GSM subscribers globally would hit the 2 billion mark this week, and Maran pointed out India's role in reaching that number. He also said the government is working on an important initiative for enabling shared infrastructure in rural areas to improve connectivity. "We are targeting 250 million subscribers in 2007, and 500 million subscribers by 2010, out of which a major chunk should come from rural India," Maran said. India has 150 million subscribers now, of which two-thirds are mobile users. Maran said India's rural teledensity still languishes at around 1.9%, but stressed that the country cannot move forward unless it supports the 70% of the population who live in rural India. He separately asked operators to help reduce the high cost of international roaming paid by Indian users. Maran said the government is looking to 3G to help connect rural areas and provide e-governance services, and the regulator had begun the process of consulting stakeholders. "We should learn the best practises in the world as we are depending on 3G for e-governance services which will reach out to the rural areas and connect the unconnected," Maran said.

Source: Total telecom.

Demand for spectrum by federal and non-federal users has been increasing and this trend is expected to continue as new and enhanced services and applications and new requirements are identified and developed. Recognizing this trend, the Commission and the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (“NTIA”) seek to evaluate innovative methods for spectrum sharing among disparate users to enable more intensive use of the finite radio spectrum. One way of accomplishing this task is to set up a test-bed where both federal and non-federal users could undertake one or more studies and experiments to test these ideas. This Public Notice seeks comment on a wide range of issues that are integral to the creation of such a test-bed, which will be called the Spectrum Sharing Innovation Test-Bed (“Test Bed”). NTIA is also soliciting comment on many of these same issues through a Notice of Inquiry… Full document

The Swiss Federal Office of Communication (OFCOM) has launched a public consultation on the renewal of the GSM licences granted to Swisscom Mobile, Orange Communications and TDC Switzerland. The 10-year GSM licences will expire on 31 May 2008 and OFCOM is launching the public consultation on behalf of the Swiss Federal Communications Commission (ComCom) to 'analyse the preferences, wishes and comments of interested parties' before the licences are renewed. The consultation is open until 23 June.
Source: Global Insight.

Slovakia's telecoms market regulator has launched a tender for the country's third mobile licence, which includes GSM and UMTS frequencies. The bids are expected to begin at 100 million Slovak koruna (US$3.4 million). The deadline for submitting bids for the 20-year nationwide concessions for GSM 900, GSM 1800, UMTS and FS 29 frequency bands is 14 July.
Source: Global Insight.

Brazilian telecommunications regulator, Anatel, aims to start a 3G public consultation before September 2006, according to Anatel's director Jarbas Valente quoted by IT Inside. Note that the 3G licensing is already delayed, since the auction process should had been published by end of the first half of 2006.

Source: Global Insight.

UK regulator Ofcom has initiated a proposal to open up new spectrum in the 71GHz-76GHz and 81GHz-86GHz bands on a first-come, first-served basis. Ofcom suggest the frequency could be used to provide very high capacity, point-to-point wireless networks, supporting data speeds of up to 10Gbps. Source: TeleGeography.

British telecoms regulator Ofcom has proposed to open the 71-76 GHz and 81-86 GHz frequency bands - part of the millimetre wave spectrum - for commercial use.  The high-capacity spectrum band is ideal for point-to-point broadband fixed wireless services and could potentially be used as an alternative to fibre-optic cable. Ofcom is proposing to award the licences on a first come, first served basis since demand is unlikely to outstrip supply.

Source: Global Insight.

Al-Jawwal, the mobile subsidiary of the fixed-line incumbent Saudi Telecommunications Company (STC), officially announced the commercial launch of 3G HSDPA services on 24 May. The operator launched trial services in January last year, and currently has some 3,000 customers using the offering. Al-Jawwal has 500 base stations operational in 20 cities across the kingdom, according to a company press release, and plans to activate a further 460 in the coming weeks.

Source: Global Insight.

The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) is expected to outline its roadmap for the country’s introduction of 3G services, the Times of India reports. Communications Minister Dayanidhi Maran said that the TRAI will provide recommendations on UMTS spectrum ‘soon’. The regulator will address a wide range of issues regarding the rollout of UMTS services, including the licence fee for 3G concessions, he added. Maran said the Indian military is expected to vacate 45MHz of spectrum in the IMT-2000 2GHz band over the next few months, paving the way for the reallocation of the frequency.

India’s progress in preparing for the launch of 3G services has been slow. After numerous delays, the TRAI released a set of spectrum policy recommendations in May 2005. Its plans included awarding 2x5MHz in the 2GHz band by the end of 2006 to any existing 2G operator wishing to launch 3G services without charging a licence fee. It proposed enforcing a strict timeframe of two years for operators to launch a 3G network upon receipt of the spectrum. However, shortly afterwards the Department of Telecommunications put the plan in doubt when it called for the auctioning of UMTS concessions to generate extra state revenue. Source: TeleGeography.

The Commission for Communications Regulation (ComReg) will host a joint meeting with the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) in the O’Reilly Hall, University College Dublin on Wednesday 31 May 2006. At the all-day workshop a range of high-profile international speakers will focus on the reform of radio spectrum management and challenges for the future. The Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources, Noel Dempsey TD, will make the opening address to the meeting. Source: ComReg.

Telekomunikacja Kolejowa, which is 62.3%-owned by Poland's Treasury and 37.7%-owned by the country's railway ministry, has been granted GSM 1800 frequencies, reports Reuters. Earlier this week, Poland's telecoms regulator UKE had warned that it may cancel the tender, in which one of Poland's existing operators had also participated.

Source: My Insight. 

On 15 May 2006, the President of the Office of Electronic Communications Anna Stre¿yñska announced the results of tenders for the reservation of 99 radio channels (dual frequency) designated for a mobile telephone network in the GSM 1800 standard (1710-1730 MHz and 1805-1825 MHz).

Three frequency reservations were subject to tender, each including 33 channels. Each of the tenderers could submit one, two or three offers. Pursuant to the reservation, frequencies may be used over the entire national territory until 31 December 2020. Source:  Office of Electronic Communications (UKE). For further information, please click here.

The Radio Spectrum Policy Group’s (RSPG) is in the process of preparing an Opinion on a coordinated EU spectrum approach for scientific use of radio spectrum.

In the process of developing this opinion, the RSPG is seeking the views of stakeholders in respect of the considerations developed in a progress report, in particular concerning the status of the radio spectrum used by scientific services, and the approach to assess costs and benefits in cases where spectrum can be used on a shared basis. [...]

The public consultation will close on 14 July 2006.

Source: Radio Spectrum Policy Group. See RSPG Opinion on "a coordinated EU Spectrum approach for scientific use of radio spectrum".

 

The Radio Spectrum Policy Group is inviting all stakeholders to give their written comments and views on the proposed draft RSPG Opinion available below. [...]

The consultation will close on 14th July 2006.

Source: Radio Spectrum Policy Group. See Draft RSPG Opinion #5.

Ofcom today confirmed that it has awarded 12 Wireless Telegraphy Act licences for the frequencies 1781.7-1785MHz paired with 1876.7-1880MHz as a result of its first spectrum auction.

Following payment of the full licence fees by the winning bidders, the awards are effective immediately. The licences are technology neutral, which means that the licensees have the freedom to use the spectrum how they wish, within certain technical limits.

The licences are for a total of 6.6MHz of spectrum to be used on a low-power basis. Possible uses include private GSM mobile phone networks in office buildings or campuses. Source: Ofcom (UK).

The FCC has altered bidding rules for spectrum auctions to ensure that larger wireless operators do not benefit from discounts aimed at helping smaller operators. The regulator offers bidding credits for small players, but past auctions have seen market leaders such as Cingular and T-Mobile partnering with rivals to benefit from the discounts. The FCC is planning to auction hundreds of high speed wireless spectrum licences over the coming months, with the sales expected to raise as much as USD15 billion in total. Source: TeleGeography. FCC News release.

For the Nigerian Communications Commission, NCC, 3G is here. The regulator which confirmed expression of interest in the technology by industry operators Monday, said it was seeking the right regulatory approach for its introduction. Speaking at a Consultative Forum, Executive Vice Chairman of the NCC, Engr Ernest Ndukwe who observed that the service has been in the wings for sometimes explained that the introduction of services in different parts of Europe, the expression of interests by Nigerian operators and the advantages that the subscribers stand to benefit are the reasons the NCC is moving in that direction. But he stated the position of the Commission straight away. "As a regulator NCC has adopted a technology neutral approach. We don't license it. What we license is spectrum." For the full article see, source: http:\\www.allafrica.com

Ofcom today announced that 12 companies have been provisionally awarded Wireless Telegraphy Licences for the 1781.7-1785MHz paired with 1876.7-1880MHz bands.

Ofcom expects to grant the licences in the week commencing 1 May 2006, subject to payment of the full licence fees by close of business on 28 April.

The licences are for 6.6MHz of spectrum which will be operated on a low-power basis. Multiple licences were awarded to maximise the alternative uses of the spectrum. For full article, click here. Source: Ofcom (UK).

The Federal Communications Commission (ComCom) is revoking 3G Mobile AG's UMTS licence. This measure was forced on the Commission as 3G Mobile is not utilising its licence and is not fulfilling the coverage conditions. At the same time ComCom has decided on the definitive auction rules for the award of three licences for Broadband Wireless Access (BWA). Source: ComCom.

Ofcom today published proposals for the release of available radiospectrum which could be used for a range of mobile radio, public safety communications and local mobile voice/data services.

New wireless services require access to additional radio spectrum, a finite national resource upon which all wireless communications depend. In January 2005 Ofcom outlined a rolling programme of spectrum awards that will see more than 400MHz of prime spectrum made available for a range of services over the next few years.

For full article, click here. Source: Ofcom.

The National Communications Authority of Hungary (NCAH) started last summer the elaboration of a regulatory strategy for the period 2006 to 2010. In this process a detailed breakdown is given of the means by which NCAH intends to promote the development of electronic communications markets which play an increasingly important role in the Hungarian economy contributing to the creation of the information society and consequent improvement of the country’s competitiveness.

This document includes the Authority’s stand regarding spectrum policy, NGN regulation and broadband competition, among other topics.

The raised issues are limiting these bands for private use, guaranteeing quality, and establishing technical standards, among others. [related website] 

ITU/BDT is pleased to present the seventh edition of Trends in Telecommunication Reform, an integral part of our dialogue with the world’s information and communications technology (ICT) policymakers and regulators. This 7th edition has been released at a time of remarkable transformation of the information and communication technology (ICT) sector, fueled by a combination of technological, market, policy and regulatory developments. These changes include unparalleled numbers of voice telephone subscribers, the rise of IPenabled networks and Voice over IP (VoIP) services, initial—yet promising—deployment of fixed line broadband and broadband wireless access (BWA) services and intelligent radio devices. At the same time that developed countries are busy planning for the deployment of next generation networks and visualize a world of ubiquitous networks, most developing countries have expanded their continuing quest to provide universal access to basic voice services to include universal access to broadband internet services. Are developing countries making any progress in this quest? How can regulators harness the potential of new technologies and innovative business models to foster ICT sector development?... Summary

Ofcom today set in train its first spectrum auction, announcing Tuesday 21 March 2006 as the provisional date for applications. It has now made the four statutory instruments relevant to this award, ahead of an auction which will take place during March and April.

The auction will comprise a single round of sealed bids for the award of between seven and 12 low-power licences. These will be technology and application neutral.

In January 2005 Ofcom proposed a number of awards across a wide range of the spectrum and in July consulted on the first of these – the spectrum band 1781.7-1785MHz paired with 1876.7-1880MHz. It received a number of responses and in November it published further proposals related to the award along with an Information Memorandum.

A number of organisations have expressed interest in acquiring a licence to use these bands, suggesting a number of different applications that might be made possible by access to this spectrum. One example that has been given is the operation of private GSM networks in office buildings or campuses, as most mobile phones in current use can tune to these frequencies.

Ofcom’s spectrum award programme

Anatel Approves Regulations that Strengthen MMDS as a Platform for Convergent Services. See Resolution.

35 players submit applications in the selection procedure for the issue of WLL-WiMax frequency use authorizations
www.art-telecom.fr

Australian ACMA launched a discussion paper on wireless access demand drivers, international trends and current wireless access services bands and initiatives. Wireless access includes technologies such as Wi-Fi, WiMAX and IMT-2000, and systems like 3G, fixed wireless access, broadband wireless access, wireless local loop, multipoint distribution system and radio local area network. [Full article]

The Commission for Communications Regulation today announced the winners of three 10-year national licences for the provision of Wideband Digital Mobile Data Services.

More applications than available licences were received and as supply exceeded demand, all three licences were awarded via an auction. The auction was in the format of a single sealed bid with preferences taken into account if a bidder had the highest bid on more than one licence. This is the first time that the Commission has awarded spectrum in this manner. Continues here