Sweden: Licenses in the 1800 MHz band

The Swedish Post and Telecom Agency (PTS) has announced that auction to assign 2x35 MHz in the 1800 MHz band will take place starting on 11 October.

Additional information at the PTS’s website.

France: Allocation of 4G frequencies (2.6 GHz and 800 MHz)

The submission of the applications for licenses to spectrum in the 2.6 GHz frequency band has concluded today.

The Autorité de regulation des communications électroniques et des postes (ARCEP) issued on 15th June 2011 the following calls for application for spectrum awards:

- Call for applications for the allocation of 2.6 GHz-band spectrum

- Call for applications for the allocation of 800 MHz-band spectrum (part of digital dividend), whose deadline for submitting applications is 15th December 2011

According to the news published by ARCEP, Bouygues Telecom, Free Mobile, Orange France and Société Française du Radiotéléphone (SFR), has submitted applications for licenses in the 2.5 GHz band.

The results of the procedure are expected to be announced by mid-October 2011.

The entire news can be read at ARCEP’s website.

Italy: Public tender in the bands 800, 1800, 2000 and 2600 MHz for LTE services

The Ministry of Economic Development, Department of Communications, (hereafter ‘The Ministry’) has issued a tender for the assignment of rights to use frequencies in the bands 800, 1800, 2000 and 2600 MHz for LTE services, as per Resolution No. 282/11/CONS (May 18, 2011) published in the Official Gazette nº 140 of June 18, 2011, ordinary supplement nº 150, and supplemented by Resolution No. 370/11/CONS (June 23, 2011).

Applications are accepted until 30 days after from the date on the publication in the Official Gazette (last 31st of August).

More information can be consulted at The Ministry’s website. Tender documents and the status on a daily basis is shown on the link.

Russian Federation: SCRF approved a draft decision on the implementation of the LTE standard

The State Commission for Radio Frequencies (SCRF) in Russia approved a draft decision on the use and implementation of radio spectrum for LTE standard during a meeting last 8th of September.

The draft decision proposes the frequency bands 791-862 MHz, the so-called digital dividend, to provide LTE communication services using radio spectrum, on a competitive basis. According to the Ministry of Communications, the band is planned to be licensed to seven LTE operators, four of them - the winners of the competition - will be able to build a dual-band network, three of them - single-band in the upper range.

At the meeting it was also decided to complete the research and present it in the 1st quarter 2012, offering the possibility to use the frequency bands of existing LTE network operators.

The news can be read in Russian language at the Ministry of Communications’ website.

Russian Federation: WiMAX tenders results in the frequency bands 3400-3450 MHz and 3500-3550 MHz

The Federal Service for Supervision in the Sphere of Telecom, Information Technologies and Mass Communications (ROSKOMNADZOR) (Russian Telecommunications Regulator) has published the winners of the tenders on the right to obtain licenses to provide telecommunications services in fixed wireless access networks in the frequency bands 3400-3450 MHz and 3500-3550 MHz.

Winners of the contest Nº 5 / 2011 can be checked at the following link and the ones which has won contest Nº 6 / 2011 and Nº 7 / 2011 at this other link. Both are at the Roskomnadzor's website in Russian language.

Romania: Public consultation on amending the National Table for Frequency Allocation

The National Authority for Management and Regulation in Communications (ANCOM) has launched a public consultation on amending the National Table for Frequency Allocation (NTFA), approved by Order of the Minister for Communications and Information Society no.789/2009, with the subsequent amendments.

The aim of this public consultation is to implement the decisions adopted by European Commission, based on Decision 676/2002/EC which provides the legal basis on harmonization of conditions for the availability and efficient use of radio frequencies in the Community. Both decisions, adopted by European Commission during 2010 and 2011, are:

- Decision 2010/368/UE of 30 June 2010 amending Decision 2006/771/EC on harmonisation of the radio spectrum for use by short-range devices

- Decision 2011/251/UE of 18 April 2011 amending Decision 2009/766/EC on the harmonisation of the 900 MHz and 1800 MHz frequency bands for terrestrial systems capable of providing pan-European electronic communications services in the Community

The current draft decision on the one hand transpose into national law the two decisions on the harmonization of radio spectrum. The draft decision also includes other changes NTFA as follows:

- aligning the provisions of NTFA on the use of the band 27.5-29.5 GHz by the Fixed Service and uncoordinated Earth stations of the Fixed-Satellite Service (Earth-to-space), proposed by CEPT Decision ECC / DEC / (05) 01;

- modifying a mistake by omission occurred in the 2234.5 - 2290 MHz frequency band in terms of MMDS systems.

Public consultation was issued 30 of August and period for sending comments is established of only ten days (due date next 9th of September).

Consultative document are available in Romanian language at ANCOM’s website.

UAE: Public consultation on TRA Regulations

The Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (TRA) in United Arab Emirates has issued 4 public consultations related to the regulations are in force at this moment.

The purpose of these documents is to invite comments from stakeholders regarding the TRA’s intention to fully review and revise the following issued TRA Regulations:

- Cellular Systems Coverage Measurement version 1.0

- Spectrum Allocation and Assignment version 1.0

- Short Range Devices version 1.0

- Use of 2.4 GHz and 5.8 GHz bands for WLAN and RLAN version 1.0

All public consultation documents are based on the current and in force version of these regulations, where the TRA asks some questions through them.

Comments are accepted until next 28th September. Consultative documents can be checked at TRA’s website.

Republic of Bulgaria: Public consultation on LTE

The Communications Regulation Commission (CRC) has issued Decision No 841 of 23.08.2011, launching a public consultation on the perspectives for development of LTE (Long Term Evolution) in Republic of Bulgaria.

The status of different frequency bands related to LTE is described through the consultative document. Currently, the development of LTE technology is mainly directed at frequency bands 700 MHz, 800 MHz, 1800 MHz, 2 GHz and 2500-2690 MHz and 3400-3800 MHz.

Finally, CRC launches four questions to be commented, the possible ranges of interest for the development of LTE, the optimum allocation of the spectrum, the possibility to provide spectrum to build LTE networks with a combination of free resources in different bands, and the possibility of participation in a competitive tender.

Comments in written are accepted until 30 days after from the issuance date.

More information at CRC website, where Decision No 841 can be downloaded.

New Zealand: Public Consultation on new uses of the 700 MHz band

The Ministry of Economic Development issued last 26 of August a public consultation process on the allocation of the digital dividend spectrum. Consultation document covers technical and policy considerations for the allocation of the digital dividend 700 MHz radio spectrum band.

The digital dividend is related to the part of the radiofrequency spectrum will be freed up when the switchover to digital television is totally done. The frequency range 694-806 MHz, used for television broadcast in New Zealand, will be cleared 1st December 2013, when the switchover is concluded. The aim of this document is to allocate the 700 MHz spectrum band to new users and for new uses.

Comments shall be submitted no later than 7th of October 2011 and consultative document can be accessed at the Ministry’s website.

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India: Consultation on IMT – Advance Mobile Wireless Broadband Services

Last 19^th of August, the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) issued a consultation paper on IMT – Advance Mobile Wireless Broadband Services.

Main issues described and consulted are suitable spectrum bands, block size of spectrum to be auctioned and maximum spectrum permitted to bidder among others.

Consultation can be checked at TRAI website.

Comments on the consultation paper are accepted until next 20^th of September.

Belgium: Draft decision concerning the frequency 900 MHz, 1800 MHz and 2 GHz bands

Belgian Institute for Postal services and Telecommunications (BIPT) issued last 11 of August the two following drafts:

• draft BIPT decision concerning the use of UMTS and LTE technologies in the bands 900 MHz, 1800 MHz and 2 GHz

• draft decision concerning the repartition of the 900 MHz, 1800 MHz and 2 GHz bands

First draft decision provides technical parameters to ensure the coexistence of GSM / EDGE, UMTS / HSPA, LTE and WiMax in the frequency bands 900MHz and 1800MHz. Second one establishes the spectrum allocation between different mobile operators (Belgacom, Mobistar, KPN GB and Telenet-Telco Bidco) in the frequency bands 900MHz and 1800MHz only until November 26, 2015.  Spectrum allocation between November 27, 2015 and March 15, 2021 should be the subject of a later decision.

Comments to both draft decisions are accepted by BIPT until next 1st of October.

Austria: Results of public consultation on future frequency assignments for mobile broadband services

The Telekom-Control-Kommision (TKK, Austria's telecoms regulator) issued last 18th of July the results of the public consultation which was started on February 2011.

The aim of the public consultation on future frequency assignments and on the liberalization of the 900 MHz and 1800 MHz frequency bands was to gather suggestions and to discuss possible future scenarios.

In response to the consultation, the Authority received a total of 18 comments which has been evaluated and used to issue the results.

The regulator is now planning a joint award of all three bands, 800 - 900 - 1800 MHz and plans to hold auctions in the summer of 2012 among other further steps.

All consultation documents can be accessed at the Authority's website.

Albania: Public Tender for one license in 1800 - 1805 MHz

Electronic and Postal Communications Authority (AKEP) in Albania issued last 13^th of July a Public Tender with the Object “On granting 1 (one) right of use in the 1800-1805 MHz frequencies’ band”.

Bids must be submitted not later than next 25^th of September.

Tender documents can be consulted through the following link at AKEP’s website.

Afghanistan: Competitive tender for 3G mobile license

The Ministry of Communications and Information Technology (MCIT) has launched an international competitive tender for 3G mobile license in 2100 MHz Band.

The 3G tender package is available from the Afghanistan Telecom Regulatory Authority (ATRA) and the deadline for the submission of bids is October 1, 2011. The final announcement and award is expected by November 1, 2011.

Additional information can be check through the media advisory published at the ATRA website.

Bolivia: Type approval will be mandatory for radio and telecom equipments

After the new Law of Telecommunications, Information and Communications Technologies was enacted last 8^th of August, type approval is mandatory to import and commercialize radio and telecom equipments into Bolivia’s market.

Article nº 14 lays down the functions will be carried by the new Telecommunication Authority and among them, point 12 states:

“Homologar equipos de telecomunicaciones y tecnologías de información y comunicación en todo el país” (to homologate telecommunications equipments and IC Technologies throughout the country).

At this moment there is no homologation procedure and new Telecommunication Authority will have to elaborate procedures and rules in 120 working days from the enacted date, according to the sixth transitory article mentioned in the Law.

New Law nº 164, Ley General de Telecomunicaciones, Tecnologías de la Información y Comunicación, can be downloaded at the website of the Gaceta Oficial del Estado Plurinacional de Bolivia.

Vanuatu: Type approval regulation draft

Telecommunication and Radiocommunications Regulator (TRR) in Vanuatu issued last May a Consultation document on Regulation on Restrictions on Import, Sale and Use.

The response could be received until last July 27, 2011 and a final Regulation is expected after the reviewing of the received feedbacks.

The draft states that all equipments which bears one of the compliance marks listed (CE, FCC, C-Tick, CCC, among others) can be imported and sold in Vanuatu. Equipment must also be accompanied by the approval certificate or Declaration of Conformity related to the compliance mark in one of the official languages of Vanuatu (French, Bislama or English).

The draft can be consulted through the following link at TRR website.

Tanzania: Draft Regulations

Tanzania Communications Regulatory Authority (TCRA) set up a stakeholders meeting last July 20, 2011 to present the revised and new draft Regulations made under the Electronic and Postal Communications Act, 2010.

The Draft Electronic and Postal Communications Regulations, 2011 is made up of two group:

1) Revised Draft Regulations which are the following:
- Quality of service
- Consumer protection
- Licensing
- Interconnection
- Electronic Communications Numbering and Addressing
- Postal
- Radio Communications and Frequency Spectrum
- Tariff
- Access and Facilities
- Electronic Communications Equipment Standards

2) New Draft Regulations as follows:
- Competition
- Accounts Separation
- Computer Emergency Response Team
- Mobile Number Portability
- Central Equipment Identification Register
- Digital and other Broadcasting Networks

Drafts can be accessed at the following link at TCRA website.

Oman: Public Consultation

The Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (TRA) has issued a public consultation on the Proposed Regulatory Framework for Ultra Wideband (UWB) Devices.

The purpose of this consultation is to develop appropriate regulations for the UWB devices taking into account the views of the different parties.

The proposed regulatory framework includes different types of UWB: generic UWB (used for communications purposes), imaging radars, surveillance systems and medical systems among others. It also contains the required specifications for the design of the UWB devices as well as regulatory and technical requirements.

Comments on this consultation should be submitted by August 31, 2011 in writing to TRA.

For additional information, please refer to the following link at TRA website.

Trinidad & Tobago: Public consultation

Telecommunications Authority of Trinidad and Tobago issued last July 21, 2011 a public consultation on Spectrum Plan for the Accommodation of Land Mobile Radiocommunications Systems.

It defines the channel plan for the designated bands, designed to accommodate existing 25 kHz assignments and new 12.5 kHz assignments and outlines the licensing approach. This approach would accommodate both new and existing spectrum users. In addition this would facilitate spectrum planning and more efficient use of the radio frequency spectrum.

For additional details on the proposed frequency band plans and the respective licensing approaches for each frequency range of operation for land mobile radiocommunication systems, please refer to the Spectrum Plan draft.

Interested parties are invited to submit comments on this document before Monday 22nd August 2011.

Bolivia: New Telecommunication Law

The new Law of Telecommunications, Information and Communications Technologies was sent last July 28 to the Executive Council after being approved by the Senate.

The law consists of 113 articles, 10 transitory articles and an abrogate and repeal provision. Its aim is to establish the general regime of telecommunications and information technologies and communications, the postal service and the regulatory system. For that purpose, a new Telecommunications Authority will be created to generate licensing body under the Ministry of Public Works.

Hong Kong: Unified regulator

The Communications Authority Ordinance nº 17 of 2011 was gazetted last 7 of July and defines the establishment of the new Communications Authority. Therefore, both Broadcasting Authority and the Telecommunications Authority will be unified and will transfer their functions to the new one.

The Ordinance is not yet in force and for additional information, please refer to the aforementioned Ordinance 17 of 2011 in the Government of the Hong Kong SAR Gazette.