Arab Advisors Group’s Post

This is a very emphatic, yet measured, response to one of the worst parts of the European Commission white paper on #network infrastructure. Referring back to my analogy of a few weeks ago, this is the mammals’ trade association and their customers complaining about the Commission’s pro-dinosaur competition and regulation proposals. Some of the bits of the white paper are OK - notably the parts about quantum security and submarine cables. The sections on wholesale competition and so-called “cloud-communications continuum” are pretty awful, though. They are centred in the idea that a few big legacy telcos can compete with hyperscalers, if only they can glue together 10000+ edge nodes. That’s utterly delusional. The white paper needs a complete rethink. #broadband #edgecomputing #telecoms #regulation #policy #5G #mobile

Recently, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) temporarily suspended issuance of licenses in the Interconnect Exchange, Mobile Virtual Network Operator, and Value Added Services Aggregator license categories. It stated that the temporary suspension “is necessary to enable the Commission to conduct a thorough review of several key areas within the categories, including the current level of competition, market saturation and market dynamics.” These are definitely valid reasons for suspending the issuance of new licenses. However, some of the questions that come to mind would be - is it possible that there are too many licensees in some of these license categories, if so what needs to be done; are these categories still viable businesses (this will definitely be too early for the MVNO category), if not, what happened; is it that the market is too small to accommodate new entrants and what can be done to grow the market; are there specific license category challenges the regulator has identified that it intends to address before issuing new licenses; have there been widespread breaches of license or other obligations (including roll out or launch obligations) by licensees that has compelled the regulator to have a second look at these obligations or the operational environment. In some license categories the margins and possibility of profitability are very tight and regulated, even if as a guide, (refer to the recommended revenue sharing formular for both VAS Aggregators and MVNOs) and in others there is very little room for innovation and maneuvering (e.g Interconnect Exchanges) , so every little advantage counts. Several factors are critical to the success or otherwise of most license categories. Licensees must have thoroughly researched the opportunities in the license category prior to submitting their applications and are not deceived by the apparent “success” of incumber operators locally or internationally; they must have a resilient or robust, bankable business and operational plan and in some instances a bucket load of cash 😀. In addition, the regulator needs to ensure certainty of rules and must strictly enforce those rules in a fair, reasonable and just manner across all stakeholders without fear or favour. This “audit” by the NCC is a step in the right direction and the NCC may further consider undertaking the same with respect to other license categories, particularly where issued licenses lie dormant and are not put into operation. Some complaints by some of the licensees in these license categories, other than the strangulating economic conditions, should be examined by the NCC and some include the uncooperative attitude of other players and stakeholders in their ecosystem, whose actions or inactions render them unable to fully optimize their licenses. The NCC might have to specifically investigate these issues during the audit and take decisive action. Advocaat Law Practice #telecoms #VASAggregators #MVNO

It has now been 217 days since the first MVNOs in Nigeria was supposed to have launched. In 2023 and 2024, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), awarded mobile virtual network aggregator (#MVNA), enabler (#MVNE), and operator (#MVNO), licenses to *45 companies. As part of the license conditions, the MVNA/MVNE/MVNOs was given one year to conclude negotiations with the mobile networks, as host operators and roll out their service. The first batch of MVNA, MVNE, MVNO licenses was supposed to launch on April 1st 2024 - by the latest. April 1st came and went but no MVNA, MVNE, MVNOs was launched, with many citing lack of willingness from the mobile network operators (MNO) in #Nigeria as a major problem. NCC then issued a letter saying, it had carefully considered appeals from the MVNA/E/Os and granted them a 6 months extension to the required rollout conditions, taking effect from the date of the letter (April). https://lnkd.in/d2Y25wVb In the letter, the NCC says it will finalize the review and come back to the licensees "within the shortest possible time" ...that was 6 months ago. *In addition the NCC also announced that they halted the issuing of new MVNA/MVNE/MVNO license - Interesting! as it can be seen that the NCC awarded a Tier 3 MVNO license to Telvida Int'l Systems on the 1st of June 2024, taking the total count of licensees to 46, who has paid millions in licensing fees and more so, in setting up and getting ready to launch. So NCC, what time is it on your sundial? 

Telecom Regulations on the Rise 🌐📈 Recent articles shed light on critical updates in telecom regulations globally, sparking necessary reforms to empower connectivity, innovation, and sustainability: 1️⃣ Transparency in telecom law updates ensures fair competition and public trust. Read more ➡ https://lnkd.in/eBjKYh34 2️⃣ Broad reforms drive digital connectivity and foster innovation for a sustainable future. Explore here➡ https://lnkd.in/eJEHvGM2 3️⃣ Nigerian telecoms are pushing for sector reforms to secure long-term growth. Learn more➡ https://lnkd.in/e77XZ4rH 🌍 As the telecom landscape evolves, these regulatory changes are essential to creating a connected, innovative, and sustainable digital ecosystem. #TelecomReform #Innovation #Connectivity #Sustainability

🚀 New Video Alert: Unpacking the TRAI Consultation Paper! 🚀 Friends and colleagues, I'm excited to share my latest video where I delve deep into the recently released TRAI consultation paper. This document, released on July 11, 2024, is a critical step in defining the framework for service authorization licenses under the Indian Telecommunication Act, 2023. 📜 In this video, you'll learn: The historical context leading up to this consultation paper. Key changes proposed, including the shift from licenses to authorizations. The implications of these changes for telecom service providers. Missing elements in the document and their potential impact. A thorough analysis of the key questions posed by the consultation paper. Understanding these changes is essential for anyone involved in the telecom industry, policy-making, or regulatory affairs. I hope this analysis equips you with valuable insights to navigate the evolving telecom landscape in India. #TRAI #TelecomLicensing #IndianTelecommunicationAct2023 #TelecomRegulations #TelecomIndustry #SpectrumManagement #TelecomPolicy Thank you for your continuous support! If you have any questions or comments, feel free to share them. Let's keep the conversation going!

Telecom Regulatory Authority of India(TRAI) recognises that smaller players may still prefer to offer specific services in limited geographical areas. Therefore, it is desirable to continue offering the option of obtaining separate authorisations for various services with relevant service areas. While the proposed single unified service authorisation for providing end-to-end telecommunication services could be available nationwide, TRAI notes that to protect smaller players’ interests, the existing practice of assigning access spectrum and network interconnection at the telecom circle/metro area level may need to continue. Consequently, entities authorised to provide end-to-end telecommunication services at the national level may still need to fulfil certain requirements and obligations at the telecom circle/metro area level. Read more here: https://lnkd.in/gkWJNBW3 #TelecomPolicy #TelecommunicationsAct2023 #PolicyReforms #TelecomRegulations #TRAI #TelecomLicensing #UnifiedLicensing #SpectrumManagement #TelecomInfrastructure #IndiaTelecom #EaseOfDoingBusiness #DigitalIndia #TelecomInnovation #RegulatoryFramework #TelecomReforms #TelecomServices

Today was the third and last day of the Cullen International online training course “Competition Law in the telecoms sector”. We reviewed different case examples in the EU regarding the telecoms industry, antitrust rules and sector specific regulation. Special thanks to CITEL Inter-American Telecommunication Commission and Cullen International for awarding me the scholarship to participate in this event and hone my understanding of regulated markets. I look forward to applying these insights in Colombia and participating in future discussions #telecoms #competitionlaw #antitrust

ACMA Australia, Opens a public consultation to Changes to the Radiocommunications (Cordless Communications Devices) Class Licence 2024. Link: https://lnkd.in/dUJF5hX3 Consultation closes 12 Aug 2024 #typeapproval #compliance #Regulatory #GMA #homologation #ACMA #Australia

The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has issued a public notice regarding a temporary suspension on the issuance of new licences for three telecommunications categories: Mobile Virtual Network Operators (MVNOs), Interconnect Exchanges (IEXs), and Value-Added Service (VAS) Aggregators. This suspension, effective May 17, 2024, is designed to allow the NCC to conduct a comprehensive review of critical areas within these sectors. The suspension applies only to new licence applications received after May 17, 2024. Applications submitted prior to this date will be processed by the NCC in accordance with established procedures. An important aspect to consider is the potential impact on existing license renewals. With some licences expiring as early as July 2024, it remains unclear whether the suspension extends to these renewals. We advise relevant stakeholders to stay informed and monitor the NCC's official channels for further updates regarding the application of this suspension to existing licences. To read further, click below to download the full newsletter and share with your connections.   #AELEX #Newsalert #Regulatoryalert #Compliance #TMT #Regulatorycompliance #Nigeria #Telecommunicationslaw #Telecommunication #NCC #BusinessLaw #Regulations 

I am pleased to share a contribution to the 18th edition of the Telecoms, Media and Internet 2025 survey. This comprehensive publication examines the legal and regulatory frameworks shaping the telecommunications, media, and internet sectors across key jurisdictions. This contribution focuses on the Italian jurisdiction, analyzing the latest regulatory developments, market trends, and legal challenges, including digital transformation, ultra-broadband deployment, and compliance with EU directives such as the Digital Services Act. #Telecoms #Media #Italy #Regulation #DigitalServices