Page 147 - SAMENA Trends - June-July 2025

REGULATORY & POLICY UPDATES SAMENA TRENDS

In June 2025, Arcep confirmed plans to establish 4.2 GHz band frequencies in metropolitan France,
a local assignment framework for the 3.8–4.2 GHz along with a draft decision setting forth the technical
band for the deployment of local mobile networks for conditions governing use of that frequencies.
business purposes and, to this end, launched a public (July 16, 2025) www.rcrwireless.com
consultation on a draft procedure for assigning 3.8–

The Ghanaian government has mandated MultiChoice 21 to respond formally to the government’s request,
Ghana to lower its DSTV subscription fees by 30% in anticipating a substantial proposal that will facilitate
response to the recent appreciation of the local currency further discussions by the end of July.
and growing public discontent with the current pricing (July 8, 2025) news.broadcastmediaafrica.com
Ghana structure. This directive arrives as MultiChoice, which Ghana is on the verge of a major policy reform that
operates in multiple African countries, is experiencing a
decline in both revenue and subscriber numbers. During could reshape its digital future. Mounting pressure
a meeting with a DSTV delegation led by Dr. Keabetswe from telecom operators and digital-rights advocates
Modimoeng, the group executive for regulatory and has prompted the government to review the heavy
corporate affairs, Communications Minister Samuel tax burden stifling the telecommunications sector,
Nartey George emphasised the government’s duty to a sector vital to the nation’s wider economic and
address the concerns raised by Ghanaians regarding high social development. At a recent public forum, Ghana’s
DSTV prices and outdated content offerings. Minister Minister of Communications and Digitalization, Ursula
George highlighted that despite a 30% rise in the value of Owusu-Ekuful, admitted that the current system of
the cedi over the past five months, DSTV’s subscription 39 separate taxes imposed on telecom operations is
rates have not adjusted to align with this positive unsustainable. These levies include regulatory fees and
economic shift. Consequently, he is urging a 30% price site-licensing fees, infrastructure charges and import
reduction to reflect the strengthened cedi and provide duties. Together, these have driven up operational costs
financial relief to consumers. The minister notes that for operators as well as consumers. According to the
while MultiChoice has introduced promotional offers, minister, negotiations are underway with the finance
customers overwhelmingly prefer a direct price cut ministry to streamline easing and potentially reduce
rather than temporary discounts. Feedback from public these financial burdens. The goal is to create a more
consultations indicates widespread dissatisfaction enabling environment for telecom companies to expand,
with DSTV’s content, which many users find outdated, innovate, and offer affordable services, especially to
except for Premier League football, leading them to feel underserved rural consumers.
that current pricing is unwarranted. To address these (June 23, 2025) www.primeprogressng.com
issues, George has given MultiChoice Ghana until July

Hong Kong’s Office of the Communications Authority greater flexibility in future planning for next-generation
(OFCA) has launched a tender to auction 50 MHz mobile technologies. Applications for participation
of spectrum in the 2.5/2.6 GHz band. It has invited in the auction must be submitted to OFCA between
applications from interested parties. In line with September 4 and 5. The Secretary for Commerce and
Hong Kong the government’s 2024 Policy Address, it wants Economic Development (SCED) has set a reserve price
of HKD4 million ($509,000) per megahertz, though
a timely release of suitable spectrum to support
ongoing development, including future 6G systems. A final prices will be determined through competitive
spokesperson said the 2.5/2.6 GHz spectrum is well- bidding. In December of 2024, OFCA announced the
suited for balancing network coverage with capacity and completion of the 6/7 GHz band spectrum auction. A
is key to enabling 5G and 6G broadband services. The total of 300 megahertz was awarded to local carriers
auction will be held on October 20 and the frequencies China Mobile Hong Kong, SmartTone, and Hong Kong
will be awarded under unified carrier licenses with a Telecommunications (HKT). Each carrier acquired a
new assignment term lasting approximately 10 years block of 100 megahertz with a spectrum utilization fee
and 10 months. This aligns the expiry date of all 140 (SUF) of HKD 210 million. These licenses are valid 15
megahertz in the 2.5/2.6 GHz band to March 30, 2039, years.
allowing Hong Kong’s Communications Authority (CA) (July 10, 2025) www.rcrwireless.com

147 JUNE-JULY 2025