Page 70 - SAMENA Trends - May 2025

REGULATORY & POLICY UPDATES SAMENA TRENDS

ITU Chief Pushes Connectivity, AI Governance

ITU secretary-general Doreen Bogdan- connectivity. So, we’re focused on that goal that while AI is an “energy hungry and
Martin highlighted the importance of to connect the unconnected.” she stated. water thirsty” technology, it can also help
global connectivity, AI governance and However, she noted that bridging the reduce greenhouse gas emissions when
sustainability, emphasizing the need for digital divide remains a major challenge, implemented effectively. She pointed to
industry-wide collaboration to tackle with 2.6 billion people remaining in “digital the ITU’s efforts in advancing green digital
pressing digital challenges. Speaking darkness”. The ITU estimates that bridging standards and initiatives like the Green
to Mobile World Live, Bogdan-Martin this connectivity gap will likely require Digital Action Coalition launched at COP29,
acknowledged the growing complexity about $1.6 trillion in investment, with a which attracted around 1,000 signatories.
of discussions around connectivity but focus on building infrastructure, ensuring Addressing the digital gender gap, the
remained optimistic about progress. affordability, and creating digital skills. ITU chief noted that fewer women work in
“Everyone, whether it’s industry or In addition, Bogdan-Martin highlighted the digital and AI sectors. “We’re pushing
government, believes in the power of AI’s role in climate action, emphasizing to get girls excited about careers in the
STEM field,” she said, stressing the need to
ensure access to economic opportunities
through digital inclusion. Bogdan-Martin
urged a range of stakeholders including
governments, telecom operators, satellite
providers and academic actors to take
collective action, stating that digital
access is critical to economic growth
and resilience. She pointed to the ITU’s
Partner2Connect initiative, which secured
$73 billion in commitments towards
bridging the connectivity gap and aims
to hit $100 billion by next year. Ultimately,
despite the challenges, she stated “I am
optimistic, because we see commitments
being made.”

Ukraine Frees Up 700 MHz Band to Eliminate Interference with 4G And 5G
Networks in Poland

In western Ukraine, the process of releasing the Council of the EU, member states of a budget and the full-scale Russian
the 700 MHz band in Lviv and Volyn regions were required to ensure the use of the 700 invasion of Ukraine. It is now expected that
has been completed, which will allow Polish MHz band for electronic communications the release of the 700 MHz band should be
operators to fully develop 4G/5G networks by June 30, 2020. EU countries gradually completed by December 31, 2026. Recall
in accordance with the license in this band. released this spectrum, but Ukraine's that since 2021, the Ministry of Digital
This is stated in a statement by the National neighboring countries faced interference Affairs has been working on releasing radio
Commission for State Regulation in the from Ukrainian television transmitters," the frequencies necessary for the launch of
Spheres of Electronic Communications, NKEC noted. In 2024, as part of the work 5G in Ukraine. The key bands for Ukraine
Radio Frequency Spectrum and Postal of the Radio Spectrum Policy Group at the are the same as in Europe — 700 MHz and
Services (NCEC). It is noted that the work European Commission, a communication 3.4-3.8 GHz. These are radio frequencies
took place in a 100-kilometer zone along platform was organized, where meetings that will allow covering more territory.
the border in Lviv and Volyn regions, where were held with the participation of On November 1 last year, the Ministry of
frequencies of 50–53 television channels representatives of Ukraine, Poland, Digital Affairs announced the launch of a
(range 694–790 MHz) were released. The Hungary, Slovakia, and the EU. Together pilot project to implement the 5G network
process was supported by international they have defined an action plan, according , which will last 2 years. The first city where
donors, who helped replace equipment on to which the first stage is the release of the the testing will take place will be Lviv. If the
11 DVB-T2 digital television broadcasting 700 MHz band in Lviv and Volyn regions, equipment does not affect the work of the
transmitters. "In accordance with the and the second stage is in Zakarpattia. military, the project will be scaled up to two
decision of the European Parliament and This process is ongoing due to the lack more cities.

70 MAY 2025