Page 88 - SAMENA Trends - January 2020

REGULATORY & POLICY UPDATES SAMENA TRENDS

ANCOM Fines Mobile Operators for Non-Fulfilment of Coverage Obligations

Romania’s National Authority for to at least 98% of the country’s population. Telekom Romania RON700,000, Vodafone
Management and Regulation in The regulator’s survey conducted between RON60,000 and Orange RON50,000. Under
Communications (ANCOM) has fined May and September 2019 determined the terms of their radio spectrum licenses,
RCS&RDS (DIGI), Telekom Romania Mobile that Orange Romania covered 97.81% of Orange, Vodafone and Telekom Mobile
Communications, Vodafone Romania and the total population, Vodafone Romania were obliged to cover at least 98% of the
Orange Romania a total of RON1.61 million 97.76%, Telekom Romania 96.53% and population with voice services through
(USD373,693) for failing to respect their RCS&RDS 95.42%. As a result, RCS&DCS their own radio access network by 5 April
obligation to provide mobile voice coverage received a sanction of RON800,000, 2017, and RCS&RDS by 5 April 2019.

Ofcom Promises to ‘Supercharge’ Fiber with Four-Point Plan

Telecoms regulator Ofcom has proposed
a four-point plan to accelerate investment
in fiber networks at interest continues to
gather momentum in the UK. In what could
turn out to be a catalyst to gather further
momentum in the market, Ofcom has
revealed a four-point plan to accelerate
deployment. Interest in fiber connectivity
has certainly increased across the
country, though BT and Openreach have
called for regulatory reform to further aid
aggressive deployment plans. The plan is
now open for consultation, with Ofcom set
to publish its decision in early 2021 before
the current rules expire in April 2021.
Firstly, caps will be placed on wholesale nations across the European bloc, the gigabit capable broadband across the
prices to encourage competition from new UK is in somewhat of sluggish position. UK as soon as possible.” Although some
networks. Secondly, Openreach will be Pointing the finger towards investments might question the need for such speed,
prevented from applying drastic discounts in G.Fast broadband upgrades as opposed it won’t be too long before applications
which could stifle competition. More to the more expensive, but longer- emerge which drive data usage through
flexibility will be offered in the rural regions view, fiber products has generally been the roof. Let’s not forget, in 2010 average
to encourage investment however, and accepted as the main reason. According fixed broadband speeds were 5.2 Mbps,
finally, Ofcom will deregulate Openreach’s to OECD estimates, only 1.92% of total satisfactory at the time but horrifying for
copper products in areas where full broadband connections in the UK are fiber, the consumer of today. Average speeds in
fiber is built to help Openreach retire the which leaves the state in a comparatively 2019 were 22.37 Mbps and it will not be
network. “These plans will help fuel a unattractive position. “Today’s proposals long before these are considered below
full-fiber future for the whole country,” appear to be a big step in the right direction par. Aside from speed, it is also worth
said Jonathan Oxley, Ofcom Interim Chief to give clarity and investment certainty,” noting that fiber broadband connectivity
Executive. “We’re removing the remaining an Openreach spokesperson said. “Like also offers a very useful boost to reliability.
roadblocks to investment and supporting the Government and Ofcom, we want to “It’s good to see Ofcom using its powers
competition, so companies can build the upgrade the UK to faster, more reliable as a regulator to stimulate competition,
networks that will drive the UK into the full fiber broadband. We’re getting on with drive investment and improve outcomes
digital fast lane. “Full-fiber broadband is the job, building to 26,000 premises each for consumers,” said Ed Dodman, Director
much faster and more reliable. It’s vital week and we remain on track to reach of Regulatory Affairs at Ombudsman
that people and businesses everywhere 4m homes and businesses by the end of Services. “Many of the broadband
– whether in rural areas, smaller towns March 2021. “We’ll consider the range of complaints we handle from consumers
or cities – can enjoy these benefits. So, proposals carefully and will continue to and small businesses are to do with issues
we’re making sure companies have the work with Ofcom and industry on getting around speed and reliability, so we support
right incentives to accelerate full fiber to the conditions right to help achieve the proposals that will lead to improvements
every part of the UK.” Compared to other Government’s ambition of rolling out in these areas across the UK.” Although

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