Page 110 - SAMENA Trends - July-September 2024

REGULATORY & POLICY UPDATES SAMENA TRENDS

include their experiences in our effort to create a more regarding notifications to public safety officials and
precise map of available coverage,” Rosenworcel said. the agency related to three network outages, as well
The challenge process, a critical component of the as “hundreds of planned, maintenance-related network
Broadband, Equity, Access, and Deployment Program, outages that occurred last year”. The rules require
can help determine if locations are inaccurately interconnected VoIP providers, such as Charter, to
marked as covered on the FCC’s National Broadband notify 911 call centers as soon as possible if outages
Map. Previously, advocacy groups like The Accurate last longer than 30 minutes. Service providers are also
Broadband Data Alliance, which involves dozens required to file notifications in the FCC’s Network Outage
of telecommunication companies, claimed that Reporting System when outages reach a certain severity
overreported internet service availability calls into threshold. In one occurrence, Charter failed to notify
question the accuracy of the National Broadband Map more than 1,000 emergency call centers of a disruption
released by the FCC. The Accurate Broadband Data impacting 911 services and then didn’t comply with the
Alliance has been on record stating that “significant FCC’s outage reporting rules. “Public safety officials
errors exist throughout the National Broadband Map.” need to be able to inform the public of alternate ways
The FCC’s updated app, now available on the Google to reach emergency services in the event of an outage,”
Play Store for Android devices and the Apple App Store stated FCC chair Jessica Rosenworcel. The FCC noted
for iOS devices, provides the ability for users to log into in addition to the $15 million civil penalty, Charter is
the National Broadband Map and to review their speed now required to “implement a robust compliance plan,
test results and see them on a map, the FCC’s release including cybersecurity provisions, to ensure network
explained. According to the FCC’s announcement, “the resiliency and future adherence to the Commission’s
original FCC Speed Test app is no longer allowing users 911 and network reporting rules”. The compliance plan
to run speed tests.” Users of the old app have received includes the agency’s first application of cybersecurity
in-app notifications encouraging users to upgrade to measures, such as network segmentation and
the FCC’s Mobile Speed Test app. vulnerability mitigation management, related to
(August 5, 2024) www.totaltele.com 911 communications services and network outage
reporting. The cable operator, which offers services
The US Federal Communications Commission through its spectrum brand, “agreed to maintain and
(FCC) reached a $15 million settlement with Charter evolve its overall cybersecurity risk management
Communications to resolve an investigation into program in accordance with the voluntary National
the cable operator’s non-compliance with 911 and Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) Cyber
network outage notification rules. During the FCC’s Security Framework”.
investigation, Charter admitted it violated rules (July 30, 2024) www.mobileworldlive.com

By 2025, Vietnam aims to achieve 100% mobile feedback. The plan also targets the provision of mobile
broadband coverage on all national highways, broadband coverage to all remote villages and hamlets
expressways and railways under a plan to enhance currently without service, ensuring uninterrupted
the quality of Vietnam’s mobile telecommunications coverage along major transport routes. Under the
Vietnam network by 2025, which has been approved by the plan, 2G technology services will be ended on land,
except for Truong Sa (Spratly) and Hoang Sa (Paracel)
Ministry of Information and Communications (MIC).
With a focus on effective deployment of 5G services, Islands and offshore oil rigs. Meanwhile, by 2025 all
the plan wants to elevate user experience for both provinces and cities are expected to enjoy 5G coverage
individuals and businesses, thereby contributing to along with high-tech zones, research and innovation
the growth of the digital economy, digital society, centers, industrial parks, airports, and seaports. The
and e-government. According to the Vietnam average download speed for 5G Internet services is
Telecommunications Authority (VNTA), the draft plan projected to reach a minimum of 100 Mbps in covered
has been sent to relevant agencies within the MIC, areas. The VNTA has been assigned to coordinate
Department of Information and Communications of with relevant agencies in the implementation of the
provinces and cities, and major telecommunications plan as well as devise policies to remove obstacles for
companies such as Viettel, Vietnam Posts and telecommunications companies in enhancing network
Telecommunications Group (VNPT) and MobiFone for quality. (July 10, 2024) www.en.vietnamplus.vn

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