Page 154 - SAMENA Trends - April-May 2021

REGULATORY & POLICY UPDATES SAMENA TRENDS

is likely to increase in the future. It was our duty to of the SPRK survey of regulators from 18 countries on
assess how far the joint cooperation between the two practices in other countries.’ According to the SPRK,
operators can be. To this end, the SPRK analyzed the Bite and Tele2 submitted their request in August
benefits of joint cooperation through a counterfactual 2020 and in the subsequent months the regulator has
analysis that is also used by other European countries. requested and received additional information from the
We have based our decision on both EU and national pair. Further, other interested parties were given the
legislation. The case also takes into account the opportunity to comment on the potential effects of the
documents of the Body of European Regulators for cooperation on competition.
Electronic Communications (BEREC) and the results (March 31, 2021) commsupdate.com

Sector watchdog the Luxembourg Institute of from 1 April 2021. Following a consultation, the ceiling
Regulation (Institut Luxembourgeois de Regulation, charge for unbundling of the local loop has been set
ILR) has published a decision on the monthly rental at EUR8.60 per month (USD10.09) and the sub-loop at
payable by alternative operators for unbundled access EUR5.44 per month, both unchanged from 2020.
Luxembourg to the local loop and local sub-loop (market 3a/2014) (March 31, 2021) commsupdate.com

The Malawi Communications Regulatory Authority MACRA says it has been engaging with operators to
(MACRA) has released a statement saying that following further revise the standard volume bundles offered to
complaints from consumers, it has engaged with the consumers to align to the cost of providing services
country’s mobile operators with a view to lowering in the country. As such, cellcos have agreed to reduce
Malawi the cost of data services. In August 2020 operators the price of 1GB data bundles by 30%, while the cost
including Airtel Malawi and Telekom Networks Malawi of tariffs up to 4GB will be lowered by between 10%
(TNM) reduced their pre-paid or ‘out of bundle’ rates and 31%. The price changes became effective on 22
from an average of MWK20 (USD0.02) to MWK5 per MB April. The MACRA concluded that it ‘is committed to
following intervention from the Ministry of Information ensuring that services delivered are affordable and of
and Communications Technology. Since then, the good quality.’ (April 23, 2021) commsupdate.com

Plans to construct new telecommunication towers at confirmed that a total of 1,283 transmitting stations
742 locations on the outskirts of towns and rural areas had been upgraded with 4G during the course of
in the state of Sarawak this year have been unveiled 2020, while a further 1,606 stations are currently in
by the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia the process of being uprated. Under the JENDELA
Malaysia Commission (MCMC). In announcing the development, initiative, the MCMC has also developed plans to
the regulator noted that the infrastructure work is to
provide broadband connectivity via satellite, and in this
be carried out under the government’s Jalinan Digital area the watchdog said that 523 locations have been
Negara Plan (JENDELA), as part of efforts to upgrade identified in Sarawak for the provision of such services,
and improve internet coverage. According to the with a tender evaluation stage now in progress. In
MCMC, work on 106 towers commenced this month, terms of fixed broadband connectivity, meanwhile, the
and construction at the other 636 locations is expected MCMC aims to reach 43,013 premises in Sarawak with
to begin in Q3 2021, with all towers – which will offer access based on fiber-optic technology, the regulator
4G connectivity – scheduled to be completed in the noted in a press release regarding its plans.
fourth quarter of 2022. Meanwhile, the MCMC also (May 1, 2021) commsupdate.com

The Malta Communications Authority (MCA) has issued spectrum. The MCA now wants responses to ascertain
a call for expressions of interest (EoI) in spectrum the demand for spectrum in that band. Only companies
in the 3.5GHz band (3.4GHz-3.8GHz). The regulator which submit an EoI will be eligible to participate in a
says that following its public consultation in February future Call for Applications. (April 21, 2021) commsupdate.com
Malta concerning the award of 5G-capable frequencies in The Malta Communications Authority (MCA) has
the 700MHz, 3.5GHz and 26GHz ranges, an unnamed
holder of an electronic communication services (ECS) published more details relating to its auction of
license has requested an assignment of 3.5GHz 5G-capable spectrum, which is expected later this

154 APRIL-MAY 2021