Page 92 - SAMENA Trends - May 2025

REGULATORY & POLICY UPDATES SAMENA TRENDS

The CNMC has approved the distribution of the net cost the General Telecommunications Law, all electronic
of the universal telecommunications service. In 2021, it communications operators with revenues exceeding
amounted to €8.64 million and will be financed through €100 million must contribute to financing the cost of
the National Universal Service Fund (FNSU). Universal the universal service. In 2021, 20 operators met this
Spain service guarantees that all citizens can access certain requirement and must assume the financing of the
basic telecommunications services (regardless of their
universal service based on their total business volume
geographical location) at an affordable price. Each in the market. In any case, several of these operators
year, the CNMC calculates both the cost of providing belong to the three largest business groups in the
the universal service and the contributions of the sector (Telefónica, MASORANGE, and Vodafone), which
different operators. Telefónica provided the universal together contribute 95% of the fund.
telecommunications service in 2021. According to (April 16, 2025) www.cnmc.es

Thailand’s Association of Digital Television Broadcasting digital TV channels in 2013, but of those, only 15 are
(ADTEB) reportedly urged the National Broadcasting still broadcasting, with the other nine shutting down due
and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC) to either to financial difficulties. With video streaming growing in
scrap its plan to auction 3500-MHz spectrum to telcos popularity, only around 10% of Thai households watch
Thailand or postpone it until it comes up with a feasible migration digital TV channels via set-top boxes, the report said.
plan for digital TV broadcasters. ADTEB issued its ADTEB called on the NBTC to drop plans to auction the
comments at a NBTC public hearing to discuss future band to telcos, who want to use the band for 5G and
plans for seven spectrum bands: 850 MHz, 1500 MHz, potentially 6G services. AIS and True Corp have already
1800 MHz, 2100 MHz, 2300 MHz, 3500 MHz and 26 expressed interest in acquiring 3500-MHz spectrum
GHz. The 3500-MHz band is currently used by digital TV for their 5G networks. Paiboon Damrongchaitham,
and satellite broadcasters. The NBTC initially planned Chairman of media conglomerate GMM Grammy, said
to auction the band in 2027 but is considering holding it that ADTEB members need to use the band until at least
earlier. According to the Bangkok Post, ADTEB president 2029, which is when existing digital TV licenses expire.
Suphap Kleekajai complained that the NBTC is moving He also said ADTEB would file a complaint against
too fast on the 3500-MHz band and hasn’t offered any NBTC with the Administrative Court over any negative
practical solutions for digital TV broadcasters – who effects its decision on the 3500-MHz band would have
are already struggling to stay in business – to migrate on its members, the report said.
to other bands. The NBTC auctioned the band to 24 (April 2, 2025) www.developingtelecoms.com

UAE-based investor RCC or Rowad Capital Commercial, be precise, the Ministry of Finance will keep a 25% stake,
is set to acquire a substantial 60% stake in Uganda while the Ministry of ICT retains the remaining 15%. It
Telecommunications Corporation (UTel). This deal does look like the state wants to keep skin in the game
isn't just about snapping up another telecoms firm— and ensure UTel continues serving the broader national
Uganda it's got a much bigger aim. They're planning to pour in intrest. There's no shortage of optimism and ambition
behind this partnership, but there's also a realisation
an initial investment of US$25 million and that won't
be the end of it, mind you. Over the next three years, that turning around UTel is no walk in the park. Let's not
they're committing an impressive US$200 million more, forget, the company has had its difficulties, including
specifically aiming to help UTel capitalise on managing a troubling spell under court-appointed administration.
and commercialising Uganda's National Backbone Exactly how RCC and the government plan to tackle
Infrastructure (NBI), the country's crucial ICT network these challenges remains unclear.
spanning nationwide. The Ugandan government isn't (April 9, 2025) www.en.arageek.com
stepping away entirely; they'll hold onto a 40% share. To

92 MAY 2025