Page 148 - SAMENA Trends - April-May 2021

REGULATORY & POLICY UPDATES SAMENA TRENDS

“I’m glad that through the 5G Taskforce which consists collaboration with Brunei Darussalam 5G Taskforce
of 110 members from 41 organizations including all the also held a handover ceremony for the 5G Taskforce
ministries, academia and industry players, everyone Report. The taskforce was formed in March 2020 to
plays a significant role in achieving nationwide facilitate the implementation of 5G, ensure readiness
readiness for 5G coverage in Brunei Darussalam.” through exploring business models across the vertical
AITI stated that until April 7, the public can visit the industry, and support Smart Nation initiatives to
booth featuring the 5G Pilot Project to experience the conceptualize and deliver smart services to generate
significant improvements that 5G can bring. The pilot social and economic value for Brunei Darussalam.
project is a continuation of a series of activities to raise The 5G Taskforce handed over the taskforce report to
awareness on 5G technology which has the potential to the Minister of Transport and Infocommunications.
improve productivity, enhance virtual experiences and Acting Minister of Energy and Chairman of AITI
bring to the next level of digitalization towards realizing Dato Seri Paduka Awang Haji Matsatejo bin Sokiaw;
the aspiration for Brunei Darussalam as a Smart Legislative Council member Yang Berhormat Siti
Nation. The Mall, Gadong is one of the five strategic Rozaimeriyanty binti Dato Seri Laila Jasa Haji Abdul
locations where 5G Pilot Project and Proof-of-Concept Rahman, who is also a member of Authority of AITI;
network has been deployed. Other locations include permanent secretaries, deputy permanent secretaries,
outdoor coverage at The Airport Mall, Mulia Hotel and AITI members, directors, CEOs, Brunei Darussalam 5G
Universiti Teknologi Brunei as well as indoor coverage Taskforce Working Group Chairmen and its members
at Design and Technology Building. The pilot project’s were also present.
activation will be implemented in phases. AITI in (April 4, 2021) borneobulletin.com.bn

Bulgaria’s telecommunications authority the while Telenor pledged BGN4.1 million for its 100MHz
Communications Regulation Commission (CRC) has allocation (3500MHz-3600MHz). The concessions
concluded its auction for 5G spectrum in the 3.6GHz are valid for 20 years. The regulator initially planned
band, raising a total of BGN13.4 million (USD8.1 million) to allocate the three 20-year 5G licenses without
Bulgaria from the sale. A1 Bulgaria, Vivacom and Telenor each competition, though its decision was contested by
Vivacom. After reviewing all the legal options and
secured 5G-suitable airwaves, with A1 agreeing to
pay BGN4.7 million for 100MHz of 3.6GHz spectrum obtaining the consent of all interested parties, the CRC
(3600MHz-3700MHz). Vivacom offered BGN4.6 set 6 April as the date for the 5G tender.
million for its 100MHz block (3700MHz-3800MHz), (April 7, 2021) commsupdate.com

Francois-Philippe Champagne, Canada’s Minister regional providers that invest in network infrastructure
of Innovation, Science and Industry, has announced and spectrum will be able to offer competitive services
the decision to open the 6GHz band, providing an to millions of Canadians as mobile virtual network
additional 1,200MHz to triple the license-exempt operators in areas where competition is limited. These
Canada spectrum available for Wi-Fi with the aims of boosting companies have already been contributing to greater
competition, rural connectivity and the effective competition and helping to lower prices. Furthermore,
deployment of Wi-Fi and 5G technologies. Heralding these regional providers will have the flexibility to
the move as supporting greater choice and affordability resell their wholesale access to mobile virtual network
of wireless broadband for consumers, the minister said operators, which will enable further competition in the
the additional Wi-Fi spectrum availability will mean marketplace. In an effort to benefit consumers, the
Canadians can benefit from increased speed and CRTC is also requiring that the national wireless carriers
connectivity for working from home, participating in implement seamless roaming to help prevent dropped
online education and accessing health care services calls and data sessions when customers move from
remotely, noting that the decision also allows for more one network to another, especially during travel. Lastly,
affordable deployment of broadband technology in the CRTC is taking action to ensure that Canadians–
rural areas and increased access to the spectrum for including seniors, low-income earners and those who
businesses and innovators looking to use it. use their mobile phone sparingly–can benefit from
(May 20, 2021) commsupdate.com more affordable mobile plans that meet their needs. By
July 14, 2021, Bell, Rogers, Telus and SaskTel will be
The CRTC announced that certain telecommunications expected to offer low-cost and occasional-use plans
providers will be able to access the wireless networks in most markets, as well as promote them on their
of Canada's dominant providers to offer Canadians websites, in person and over the phone.
more choice and affordable options. As a result, (April 17, 2021) newswire.ca

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