Page 71 - SAMENA Trends - October 2021

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WHOLESALE NEWS

Nkom Notifies ESA of Proposed Price Regulation for Telenor’s Wholesale

Fixed-Wireless Service

Norway’s National Communications Authority Nasjonal put in a margin squeeze’. To ensure Telenor complies with this
kommunikasjonsmyndighet, Nkom) has sent a draft decision proposed regulation, the Nkom has said it will conduct margin
regarding price regulation related to Telenor Norge’s wholesale squeeze tests and gross margin tests on the operator’s retail
fixed-wireless broadband to the EFTA Surveillance Authority (ESA). fixed-wireless offerings twice a year. With the ESA now having
In a press release regarding the matter, the regulator confirmed one month to comment on the Nkom’s proposals, the regulator
that the operator will be required to offer wholesale fixed-wireless has said it will consider any feedback from the European body
broadband ‘at prices which mean that the buyer of access is not when it is received before issuing its final decision on this matter.

Telekom Malaysia to Provide Astro with Wholesale Infrastructure and

Connectivity Solutions

Telekom Malaysia and MEASAT Broadcast Network Systems with TM lays the foundation for Astro to be an internet service
(Astro) have inked deals to collaborate in delivering ‘a high quality provider. Astro’s goal is to provide Malaysians with the best digital
digital experience to all Malaysians’, with the pair claiming the experience and broadband value proposition. Leveraging on the
partnership ‘signifies both companies’ commitment to support strength of TM’s wide HSBB network will enable Astro to realize
the [government’s] Jalinan Digital Negara (JENDELA) initiative new revenue streams, scaling our broadband service with content
in providing wider broadband coverage and a better experience bundles, or standalone broadband and other product lines. This
nationwide’. Through a strategic collaboration, Telekom Malaysia deal gives us more flexibility to offer great value and convenience
– via its TM Wholesale unit – will provide Astro with a full suite of to our customers.’ Telekom Malaysia’s CEO Imri Mokhtar added:
infrastructure and connectivity solutions that comprise a range ‘This strategic collaboration also demonstrates our commitment
of wholesale services, including ‘high speed broadband (‘HSBB’), to ensure Malaysians are provided with a seamless and ‘always-
bandwidth, backhaul and internet access’. Utilizing TM’s HSBB on’ connectivity experience. We are happy to work with Astro and
service, Astro will be able to provide broadband services to its this is yet another testament to our pivotal role as the enabler of
customers across a wide area without needing to build new Digital Malaysia aspirations.’
infrastructure of its own. Meanwhile, Telekom Malaysia’s internet
access solution will enable Astro to offer ‘high performance internet
connectivity and a comprehensive solution to its customers’. TM
will also provide Astro with its Content Delivery Network (TM CDN),
a newly developed content platform service, which is expected to
enable the latter to strengthen its video streaming efficiency of
its current service offerings. Commenting on the collaboration,
Astro chief executive Henry Tan said: ‘This strategic partnership

CNMC Reworks Telefonica’s Wholesale Fiber Obligations

Spain’s National Commission for Markets and Competition optical fiber networks. In the remaining 7,453 municipalities, where
(Comision Nacional de los Mercados y la Competencia, CNMC) there is less competition between operators, wholesale access
has approved definitive regulations relating to the country’s obligations will continue. By way of a comparison, the number of
wholesale broadband access markets (Markets 1/2020 and ‘competitive zones’ stood at just 66 in 2016. Within three years,
3b/2014). In a total of 696 municipalities – which are home to the CNMC says it will assess whether it is necessary to review
around 70% of the Spanish population – Telefonica will be exempt the areas considered ‘uncompetitive’ or potentially withdraw
from offering its competitors wholesale access services to its wholesale fibre regulation throughout the territory completely.

71 OCTOBER 2021