Page 118 - SAMENA Trends - January-February 2025

REGULATORY & POLICY UPDATES SAMENA TRENDS

Sri Lanka

Starting in June, Sri Lankan mobile phone users will be able to downlink speeds exceeding 5 Gbps. Mobitel’s Chief Operating
retain their existing numbers even when switching mobile network Officer, Sudharshana Geeganage, emphasized that 5G-A’s
operators, as announced by officials from the Ministry of Digital advanced features would unlock new use cases across industries
Economy. This move, aimed at enhancing consumer choice and such as healthcare, transportation, entertainment, and smart
competition, was confirmed during a meeting of the Ministerial cities. He stated that these innovations would play a critical role
Consultative Committee on Digital Economic Affairs. Additionally, in advancing the country’s digital transformation and contributing
the Ministry is constructing 50 new mobile signal towers in areas to Sri Lanka’s development. Currently, 5G services in Sri Lanka
with poor network coverage to improve connectivity nationwide. are in the trial phase, with Mobitel and Dialog Axiata offering
The initiative is part of Sri Lanka’s broader efforts to enhance pre-commercial services. Mobitel has already conducted trials in
digital infrastructure. The meeting, chaired by President Anura Colombo, Kandy, Anuradhapura, Galle, and Jaffna. In December,
Kumara Dissanayake, also covered key digital policy topics, the Telecommunications Regulatory Commission of Sri Lanka
including cryptocurrency regulation, with a decision on its legality (TRCSL) issued a consultation notice for the auction of 3.5-GHz
pending the recommendations of the Governor of the Central and 27-GHz bands, with licenses set for ten years.
Bank. Other discussions addressed protecting citizens’ personal (January 29, 2025) www.meatechwatch.com
data, managing emerging technologies like artificial intelligence,
and the salaries of IT engineers. To further support the digital The Telecommunications Regulatory Commission of Sri Lanka
economy, the committee will hold a workshop on March 10, 2025, to (TRCSL) has urged the public to purchase only mobile phones with
brief Members of Parliament on upcoming government programs International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI) numbers registered
related to digital advancement. (February 25, 2025) www.meatechwatch.com with the Commission. This is part of the country’s efforts to
implement the IMEI Registration System. In a statement posted on
Sri Lankan telecom provider SLT-Mobitel announced that it has their official website, the TRCSL announced that mobile devices
successfully conducted the country’s first trial of 5G-Advanced. with non-registered IMEI numbers will not be able to connect to the
The trial, which took place at Mobitel’s Colombo headquarters, networks of Telecommunication Operators in the future. However,
used the 3.5-GHz band and ZTE’s radio equipment, incorporating this rule will not apply to IMEI-enabled mobile phones that are
3CC carrier aggregation, massive MIMO, and 1024QAM already connected to these networks before January 28.
modulation. A Xiaomi 14 Ultra was used as the terminal, achieving (January 13, 2025) www.meatechwatch.com

Tunisia

Tunisia will officially launch 5G mobile telephony services within transformation, with commercial 5G services set to launch in
the next ten days, as announced by Minister of Communication 2025. The licenses were approved, following a six-month tender
Technologies, Sofiene Hemissi. The three telecommunication process that began in June. The three operators submitted their
operators in the country will be rolling out the service, with the applications in September. Each license is valid for 15 years
prices and other details expected to be revealed soon. This marks and includes 5 MHz of duplexed spectrum in the 700-MHz band
a significant step forward in the country’s digital transformation, and 100 MHz of TDD spectrum in the 3.5 GHz band for 5G use.
positioning it to take advantage of faster mobile internet speeds The Ministry has also allocated three 20 MHz blocks available
and enhanced connectivity, which are essential for supporting for operators upon request, with other frequency bands to be
various industries and improving user experience. released in future phases. Originally aiming for a commercial 5G
(February 4, 2025) www.meatechwatch.com launch by late 2024, Minister of Communication Technologies
Sofiène Hmissi confirmed that the rollout will now begin in 2025.
The Ministry of Communication Technologies and Digital Despite the delay, Hmissi assured that the operators have already
Economy has officially granted 5G licenses to three major telecom conducted extensive tests, pilot projects, and network upgrades in
operators: Tunisie Telecom, Orange Tunisie, and Ooredoo Tunisia. preparation for the deployment.
This decision marks a significant milestone in the country’s digital (December 3, 2024) www.meatechwatch.com

118 JAN-FEB 2025