The National Communications Commission (NCC) approved draft amendments to certain provisions of Regulations Governing the Use of Radio Frequencies. The amendment stipulates that telecommunications enterprises may apply for the provision or sharing of a 2100 MHz frequency band. The actual usable bandwidth for the telecommunications enterprise for each frequency band has also been amended.
These regulations facilitate greater flexibility when adapting to frequency allocation and allow enterprises to provide or share frequency in line with the framework of the Telecommunications Management Act. It also allows enterprises to more effectively respond to the characteristics of various frequency bands and their conditions.
NCC stated that these changes were made in response to the general trend of both domestic and foreign telecommunications enterprises planning to terminate 3G networks. Consequently, stipulations regarding the 2100 MHz frequency band (1920-1980/2110-2170MHz), limited to CSFB (Circuit Switched Fallback) voice services were added to allow for their provision or sharing. By doing so, domestic telecommunications enterprises can work towards the shutdown of their 3G networks according to their planning and operating strategies.
After the 3G network has been terminated, if a company’s subscribers fail to update to VoLTE (Voice over LTE) in time, they can continue to use the circuit-switched voice service of the 3G network of other telecommunications enterprises through the sharing of the 2100 MHz frequency band. As a result, consumers’ rights can remain protected, system maintenance costs can be reduced, and the general efficiency of spectrum usage can be improved. All of these results can stimulate development and innovation for 5G services as well as conserve energy and allow for carbon reduction.
NCC added that the revision of actual usable bandwidth of telecommunications enterprise is primarily based on the fact that the bandwidth of the millimetre wave frequency band is often over hundreds of MHz. The equipment ecosystem and application types of the millimetre wave are still developing. NCC has referred to the practices of certain telecommunications regulatory agencies around the globe.
NCC set the usable bandwidth cap of the millimetre wave (such as 24 GHz and above) frequency bands and the low and medium frequency bands. Under these amendments, enterprises can realise fair and reasonable management of various frequency bands without adversely affecting market competition. It allows relevant frequency bands greater flexibility for their use and promoting the development of emerging applications for mobile broadband communications.
The draft will shortly be announced to the public sixty days in advance, allowing for public consultation. NCC aims to ensure the revised regulations are complete and more in line with the development of national communications.
According to a page, (NCC) has been the authority responsible for regulating telecommunications and broadcasting services since 2006. Under the present trend, the convergence of telecommunications, broadcasting and information networks has become inevitable.
As a result, NCC governs the communications sector with a broader and more accurate strategic insight, as well as an open and more efficient administration. It also coordinates the efforts of the executive and legislative branches, as well as the private sector to respond to the rapid development, expectations of the public, and the transformation of society.
NCC analyses the development of digital convergence to formulate a direction for communications regulatory reform under the basic supervisory principles of the Fundamental Communications Act as well as national policies and objectives. They also aim to regulate the communications sector from an objective, neutral, and professional standpoint, to ensure effective competition in the market, safeguard the public interest, promote the development of communications services, and thereby enhance the nation’s competitiveness.
