Volume 07 _ Issue 02 _ Feb 2016 SAMENA TRENDS EXCLUSIVELY FOR SAMENA COUNCIL'S MEMBERS BUILDING DIGITAL ECONOMIES

A SAMENA Telecommunications Council Newsletter

Articles

Telecom industry’s role in the framework... Page 64

Connect and Protect: How telecom operators... Page 66

How Zain and the ICT sector can contribute to the achievement of... Page 74 Exclusive Interview On the cusp of change: Customer engagement Philippe Koebel crucial to CSP digital... Senior Vice President, Page 76 Emerging Markets and Indirect Mahfazati, Jordan’s fi rst mobile wallet, Channels launched by Umniah Orange Business Services Page 80 Page 04

Telecom industry’s role in the framework of Global Sustainable Development Goals

www.samenacouncil.org SAMENA CONTENTS VOLUME _ 07 _ISSUE _ 02_feb 2016 TRENDS REGIONAL & MEMBERS The SAMENA TRENDS newsletter is wholly UPDATES owned and operated by The SAMENA 09. Members news Telecommunications Council FZ, LLC (SAMENA Council). Information in the 22. Regional news newsletter is not intended as professional services advice, and SAMENA Council disclaims any liability for use of specific REGULATORY & POLICY information or results thereof. Articles UPDATES and information contained in this 29. Regulatory news publication are the copyright of SAMENA Telecommunications Council, (unless 35. A snapshot of regulatory activities in otherwise noted, described or stated) and cannot be reproduced, copied or SAMENA region printed in any form without the express written permission of the publisher. 44. Regulatory activities beyond the SAMENA region The SAMENA Council does not necessar- ily endorse, support, sanction, encour- age, verify or agree with the content, WHOLESALE UPDATES comments, opinions or statements made 61. Wholesale news in The SAMENA TRENDS by any entity or entities. Information, products and 64. Telecom industry’s role in the services offered, sold or placed in the framework of Global Sustainable newsletter by other than The SAMENA Development Goals Council belong to the respective entity or entities and are not representative 66. Connect and Protect: How telecom of The SAMENA Council. The SAMENA EDITORIAL Council hereby expressly disclaims any 03. operators are becoming... and all warranties, expressed and im- plied, including but not limited to any TECHNOLOGY UPDATES warranties of accuracy, reliability, mer- 68. Technology news chantability or fitness for a particular purpose by any entity or entities offer- 74. How Zain and the ICT sector can ing information, products and services in this newsletter. The user agrees that The REGIONAL contribute to the... SAMENA Council is not responsible, and shall have no liability to such user, with PERFORMANCE 76. On the cusp of change: Customer respect to any information, product or engagement crucial to CSP... service offered by any entity or entities 08. Global Goals for in this newsletter. The SAMENA Coun- 80. Mahfazati, Jordan’s first mobile wallet, Sustainable Development cil’s only liability in the event of errors launched by Umniah shall be the correction or removal of the erroneous information after verification. SATELLITE UPDATES 82. Satellite news

Editor-in-Chief Bocar A. BA

Contributing Editors Izhar Ahmad Javaid Akhtar Malik

Contributing Members Analysys Mason Orange Jordan Sudatel Umniah Zain Group

Publisher SAMENA Telecommunications Council 04. 88. Subscriptions [email protected]

Advertising EXCLUSIVE SAMENA COUNCIL [email protected] INTERVIEW ACTIVITY Legal Issues or Concerns Philippe Koebel SAMENA Council’s Board of Directors’ [email protected] Senior Vice President, Election Held – New Leadership Emerging Markets and Indirect Unveiled SAMENA TRENDS Channels, [email protected] Orange Business Services Tel: +971.4.364.2700

© 2016 - All rights reserved. SAMENA TRENDS is a trademark of SAMENA Telecommunications Council. EDITORIAL

SAMENA TRENDS _ FEB 2016

Telecom industry’s role in the framework of Global Sustainable Development Goals

In global efforts toward the fulfillment of every In the recently concluded Mobile World Congress, single one of the UN’s Sustainable Development during which exceptional technology progress was Goals, our industry has a central role to play. reported by various companies and with many There is no denying of the dire need for and the others forming new partnerships and collaborative importance of telecommunications services and initiatives to seek yet other means and tools to the adoption of ICT play for a targeted cause -- design a better digital experience for the end- be it concerning basic human rights, the assurance user, it could be deduced from the discussions that of healthy lives and well-being, the interaction the under-served must benefit from the world’s of humans and the natural environment, global combined digital intellect. This includes humans partnership development, or, most importantly, the as well as all occupants of our environment. The realization of inclusive and sustainable economic still one-year-away arrival of 5G offerings, it growth for ending poverty. could be argued, will truly be about the digital experience and how the common-man and the It is a well-recognized fact that the eradication of environment will drive benefit from those offerings poverty in all its forms is the greatest of global and capabilities. challenges. It is also widely understood that telecommunications services and ICT infrastructure In light of this great period of excitement, progress, development have an obvious, positive impact on investment planning, and a sense of urgency poverty reduction -- a claim which has been proven within the policy-making circles to advance digital time and again in various developing markets development, SAMENA Council feels that, with its of Asia and Africa. Therefore, since all countries new, dynamic leadership announced this month, and all stakeholders, acting in collaborative and given its global leadership role in bringing partnerships, will implement the UN’s plan for private-sector in closer alignment with regulatory achieving sustainable development globally, it is preferences, it is a matter of utmost importance important that the telecoms industry be further that all decision-making be done, one, to nationally encouraged to make and sustain infrastructure promote sustainable investment and to encourage investments. collaboration and partnership development in this new age of digital disruptions and over-the- For the next 14 years, the communications industry top services, and, two, to ensure that all the 17 sees its role becoming ever more central in every global goals, underlined by the UN and which human endeavor that will be made in support of are being driven by ITU, are kept in view of all the UN’s plan toward fostering human progress ICT policy framing, which has started to undergo on other new, smarter fronts in relation to the development and implementation all around the human society, the environment, and the planet. region. This will require a similar level of cooperation and collaborative work within the industry - including 2016 is the year of smart and SAMENA Council among telecom operators, technology providers, wishes the industry stakeholders its support in and both policy-makers and regulators - as has their endeavors toward smart decision-making. been agreed to by the Member States in the UN’s resolution adopted by the General Assembly on 25 September 2015.

Yours truly,

Bocar A. BA Chief Executive Officer SAMENA Telecommunications Council

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Philippe Koebel is Senior Vice President for the Emerging Markets & Indirect Sales channel within Orange Business Services. In this role, he is responsible for the Sales & Marketing activities in the Middle-East & Africa regions as well Philippe Koebel as managing the Orange partnership with SITA (Société Internationale de Senior Vice President, Télécommunications Aéronautiques). Emerging Markets and Based near Paris, Philippe is a member of the Executive Committee of Orange Business Services, as well as President of the Board for the company’s entities in Indirect Channels Qatar and Egypt. In addition, Philippe is a member of the Administrative Board of Sofrecom, a subsidiary of the Orange Group.

Philippe, whose experience spans over 20 years with the Group, has held several B2B management positions, both in and abroad. These include, CEO of a subsidiary, branch manager, followed by several regional and operational Director positions for Global One, Equant, and now Orange Business Services.

A French national, Philippe holds degrees from ‘Ecole Polytechnique’ and ‘Ecole Nationale Supérieure des Télécommunications’ (Telecom Paristech).

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Q. Please tell us about Orange Business Services’ achievements in digital services, including your recent recognitions. A. Our simple aim is to connect everyone to the things that are essential to their lives. For our enterprise customers this means that we aim to be their trusted partner in their digital transformation.

Orange Business Services has the clear objective of being the best global services provider in executing digital transformation including smart cities, utilities, e-health, banking and finance, and retail.

We do this by helping companies collaborate more effectively, operate more efficiently and engage better with their customers – connecting their people, sites and machines securely and reliably.

It’s an approach that is working.

Orange Business Services was a winner at the World Communication Awards 2015, as recipient of the User’s Choice Award – presented to the telecoms company that received the highest customer satisfaction index (CSI) from an assessment of the survey responses.

We were also positioned in the Leaders quadrant in the January 2016 Gartner Magic Quadrant for Network Services, Global – positioned highest along the ‘ability to execute’ axis Q. Given your expansive All of this is underpinned by a and acclaimed as having a special presence around the globe, commitment to innovation and research, as pioneers in the industry. strength in Emerging Markets. The what truly sets Orange capabilities of Orange Business We have 5,000 people working in Services extend beyond connectivity Business Services apart 15 R&D centers locations around – we have also just been positioned from the competition? the world in our Orange Labs as a Leader in the Gartner Magic A. Our global reach - our scale, network, which manages all of our Quadrant for Contact Center as a and breadth and depth of capabilities innovation and research entities. Service, Western Europe. - is a significant advantage and a The Explocentre is where potential major differentiating factor. innovations are tested by our Recognition by Gartner reflects customers, and our Technocenters our efforts to meet our customers’ As we navigate the fourth industrial manage the final development and needs through innovation with new revolution with a focus on hybrid releases of our products to market. services including through hybrid industrialization and customer networks and Defined experience, we are harnessing all We channel all of this global Networks (SDN) capabilities, our resources to undertake some reach and depth of expertise and customer experience and our unique of the largest and most complex capability with local knowledge and global reach. infrastructure and smart projects in go-to-market partnerships; in the the region, covering voice, contact Middle East we create high quality centers, network, integrated services, partnerships with telcos who hold smart cities and cyber defense. operator licenses and already have CAPEX invested.

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Beyond the scale, breadth and and critical data. Our ambition is to even when considering basics such depth of our capabilities we have accompany our customers in the as to stable power supplies. a unique strength in orchestrating definition and implementation of and designing all the components such a security governance. The opportunities and the potential of bespoke solutions that deliver far outweigh the challenges; we IT infrastructures and services that In terms of collaborative workstyle tend to see young populations, align with our clients’ business and smart and mobile ways of which are more tech savvy, with objectives. working our mobile activities, high penetration of mobile our IT competencies (workspace phones, technology and especially Q. How do you virtualization) as well as our smartphones. see your role in driving collaborative tools (voice, video, UCC, intra social networks) position Setting up basic broadband global innovation on us as a key player. connectivity can be a challenge connectivity, cloud-based and a satellite network can be very communications, and data- Q. As an integrated useful where a solid infrastructure is communication services needed to connect remote areas and center operations? sites/locations. A. Our Essentials2020 provider, how do you view program recognizes that digital the need for integrating The opportunity here is the ability technology is for everyone as it to take a digital leap and embark continues to transform society - and terrestrial and satellite on a fast and profound digital increasingly rapidly. communications and transformation that makes radical For Orange Business Services, it’s all Orange Business Services impact on society through the about supporting the transformation innovation that flows. of corporate customers through potential role in helping our Essentials 2020 strategy which terrestrial and satellite places a focus on five areas for operators collaborate more Q. What are your views our business customers with effectively? on the pace of digitization enriched connectivity, collaborative A. Network services represent in this region, and where workspace, cloud computing, a large proportion of the services improving business processes do you feel we are heading, we implement in the Middle East qualitatively speaking, as a through applications and connected and VSAT plays a big role within the objects and security. region relating to both primary and society? secondary connectivity. A. Digital transformation In terms of networks, Business VPN is gaining traction and becoming Hybrid provides flexible, secure Orange Business Services has a 50 a reality for many companies – connectivity and performance year history in the Middle East and and whole industries – especially and is the foundation for digital Africa and has developed a very in the Middle East region. Any transformation, meeting business strong business foundation and transformational change is demands for the Internet, cloud, and presence with an extensive regional disruptive, but the speed of IT mobility. network footprint, comprised of transformation is what makes it 138 points of presence, including especially interesting here. In terms of Cloud, our services are in 31 countries with terrestrial IP hosted in state-of-the-art cloud- VPN access nodes and 23 countries Perhaps the biggest challenge is the ready data centers to offer our with satellite IP VPN access nodes. scale of the ambition; nowhere else customers worldwide quality of This allows Orange to offer a fully- in the world have there been smart service and security. Cloud solutions managed, seamless MPLS and city projects launched on this scale can be based on public or private satellite network that is secure and and with this amount of energy and Cloud or hybrid Cloud optimized. drive behind them. The big vision, the leadership and the resources are Flexible Computing solutions and all in place but these are new models Business Together as a Service Q. What are some and so require new thinking; it is not (UCaaS) are available from three of the least talked about a question of importing a model regions: Europe, the U.S. and Asia. business connectivity from elsewhere and finding the right We also have our own data center challenges that still exist in partners who can match the vision, in Normandy (France) for customers scale and speed of these projects is and for our own needs. the emerging markets? an interesting strategic challenge. A. Emerging markets present For our customers, security means challenges and opportunities in Digital transformation is being the ability to monitor complex equal measure. On the one hand, pioneered and led collectively by infrastructures, trigger alerts and they can be relatively simple markets regional governments and the public correlate them to detect suspicious with little in the way of legacy sector to bring government bodies behaviors. It’s about building infrastructure and systems; on the and people closer together. This defense systems and protecting other hand, they can be complex movement is providing a platform their infrastructure, applications, environments in which to operate, for the further development of from regulatory perspective and

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SAMENA TRENDS _ FEB 2016 diversified economies, including with the emergence of knowledge economies and knowledge societies that are more closely integrated with the global economy. Further, digital transformation is providing sustainable and competitive development and opportunities for people and populations.

Q. How do you view the Orange Business Services role in realizing smart cities with sustainable infrastructure, and your ICT developmental role in 2016 and beyond? A. Governments in the Middle East want to attract new companies and industries to help support the diversification of the economies and realize their visions for sustainable and competitive knowledge economies.

Governments are looking at the development of smart city technologies to provide some of the economic answers, at the same time as enhancing the quality of life for citizens, residents and visitors. Governments are turning towards smart city technology to help manage energy and other resources in order to create sustainable economies.

The GCC may face similar growing pains and infrastructure challenges as in other parts of the world, but it also has some major advantages. City planners also need a partner to together and also with management There is no doubt that the region help in assessing, designing, building systems. benefits from strong leadership with and running smart cities, and playing a clear vision and this means that the role of master systems integrator This provides city authorities with it will move beyond other regions in these very complex smart city the insights they need to stay in the development of smart cities ecosystems. in control and make their cities – and much faster. In fact, the scale function efficiently and create the of smart city developments in the Connecting a city’s digital high quality lifestyle and experience region means that these projects components demands robust for citizens and residents through – the models created and unique networks to support them. A smart access to services. But it all starts experiences gained - are likely to city is all about digitization – the with the network. influence the development of smart digital network is the foundation cities everywhere. on which the smart city is built. We are already working with This ‘digital partnership’ is critical to King Abdullah Economic City and Orange Business Services sees a success and must be in place at the King Abdullah Financial District in great opportunity within this digital outset – even at the conception of Saudi Arabia, Lusail in Qatar and transformation of cities in the region the vision of the ultimate smart city. Masdar City in Abu Dhabi, UAE. to create a role as ‘digital partner’ to Smart cities are built on the These Greenfield sites create the governments and developers looking foundations of the digital network, opportunity to interconnect the to build new smart developments on which injects intelligence into the city different city services right at the the foundation of the network, which infrastructure. Software, connectivity, start and to build the city on the is where our global smart cities sensors, cloud solutions and M2M network foundation. experience, expertise and resources enable a wide range of infrastructure become valuable. elements to share real time data

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GLOBAL GOALS FOR SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT

Data Source: Adopted from CleanTechnica’s analysis

Research Note: In 2015, through a resolution of the General Assembly of the United Nations, countries adopted a set of goals to end poverty, protect the planet, and ensure prosperity for all as part of a new sustainable development agenda. Each goal has specifi targets to be achieved by 2030. The fulfi llment of these goals requires strategic partnerships, openness to experience-sharing, collaboration on matters of importance to the telecoms industry and other economic sectors, policy- makers and regulators, the society, the environment, and the natural ecosystem.

From the industry’s perspective, among other contributing factors toward the growth of digital development and the adoption of digitization, the rise of power consumption is inevitable. However, the industry shall play its role in not only providing smarter and innovative means to provide access to services and technologies, for example, through the use of cloud-based servers, but will also play its role toward realizing a much greener and safer environment.

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MEMBERS NEWS

Digital Services Officer, said: “Etisalat is at the forefront of IoT innovation using different types of connectivity options to provide innovative solutions for the best customer experience. We see LPWA as a key enabler of IoT solutions and International partnerships are leading the definition and adoption ‘Empower’ Etisalat’s efforts of global standards, which will drive economies of scale, consistency and to develop Internet of innovation. A global standard for LWPA is Things solutions critical for future success and Etisalat is at the forefront of making this a commercial MEMBERS Etisalat Group, the leading reality.” The new initiatives announced telecommunications operator in Middle by Etisalat build on the work the Group UPDATES East, Africa and Asia, is accelerating its has already led in creating a global work with global partners in the field of standard. Recently the GSMA announced Internet of Things (IoT). The foundation that the mobile industry has agreed on of an industry forum and new customer the technology standards for LPWA, an trials in several countries are the latest agreement supported by Etisalat and 26 initiatives announced by the company other operators from around the world. to develop Narrow Band-IoT (NB-IoT) Etisalat Group and have also set solutions, which will play a critical role up a (JIL) joint IoT innovation lab with in deploying Internet of Things services. which will focus on NB-IoT new service Narrow Band Internet of Things (NB- innovation and development. Smart IoT) is the proposed global standard Parking and Connected car, are the first that enables mobile operators to build applications using JIL platform. More Low Power Wide Area networks. LPWA verticals, including Smart Metering, networks are new types of networks Smart Tracking, and Smart Lamp Pole are to address a large number of IoT and being included for testing as part of this M2M applications that are limited due JIL after it was formally inaugurated on to cost, coverage or battery life. LPWA February, 2016 which is the first such NB- networks will improve the deployment IOT open Lab in the world. of IoT services for Smart Cities and in industries, such as Agriculture, Utilities and Asset Management and is a market estimated to be worth $589bn by 2020. Khalifa Al-Shamsi, Etisalat Group Chief

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training to deliver sustainable results. The lab will not only be a platform for proof-of-concept projects, but will also demonstrate innovative solutions to partners, enabling them to assess and ultimately use new technologies to STC takes part in Ooredoo and Huawei to enhance their business performance. sponsoring the Mobile open innovation lab Among the first-of-its-kind in the Ooredoo and Huawei have signed a region, the facility will host some of World Congress (MWC) memorandum of understanding (MoU) the most advanced communication in Barcelona to open a next-generation Innovations solutions and cutting-edge Lab in Qatar, at a ceremony at Mobile STC group is one of the sponsors experimental technologies. World Congress in Barcelona. The of this year Mobile World Congress agreement was signed by Waleed 2016 hosted by the city of Barcelona Al Sayed, CEO, Ooredoo Qatar, and from the 22nd to the 25th of Eric Xu, Rotating CEO, Huawei, in February. STC is represented by a the presence of senior Ooredoo and group of its top executives who Huawei executives. The agreement is will hold several meetings with the latest in major deals and initiatives the largest decision makers in the supported by Ooredoo to bring field of telecommunications and cutting-edge technology to Qatar, Turkcell posts revenue of data technologies as well as with and boost research and innovation international supplies and operators. TRY12.8bn for FY15, up in the country. Al Sayed said: “This In addition to being a gold sponsor of is an important step forward for 6% y-o-y Ooredoo, for Qatar, and for our future Turkcell, Turkey’s largest cellco by young technology leaders, creating a subscribers, has announced its financial research hub in our country that will results for the year ended 31 December explore the cutting-edge of network 2015, recording total revenues of technology. “We thank Huawei for their TRY12.769 billion (USD4.314 billion), partnership on the project and look up 6.0% from TRY12.043 billion in forward to working with them to share 2014. EBITDA amounted to TRY4.141 knowledge and break new ground in billion in the period under review, up network research,” he added. Based 10.1% year-on-year from TRY3.761 at Ooredoo’s state-of-the-art Qatar billion, while the EBITDA margin grew Data Centre 5, the facility will develop, 1.2 percentage points from 31.2% to test and demonstrate next generation 32.4%. Turkcell attributed the revenue information technology and increases to a 10.2% rise in consumer communication solutions, including segment revenues to TRY2.391 Mobile Broadband, 5G, digital the convention’s official broadcasting billion (up from TRY2.170 million) transformation, Internet of Things company “Mobile World Live” and a and a 6.0% rise in corporate segment solutions, 4K video enhancements, sponsor for all the visitors’ entry tickets revenues to TRY529 million (TRY499 among others. Eric said: “Advances (expecting one hundred thousand million). Net income, meanwhile in network technology are delivering visitors this year), STC has set up the rose from TRY1.865 billion in FY2014 faster speeds and a better online largest stand since the beginning of to TRY2.068 billion in FY2015, with experience, but more than that they the event alongside a stand that sheds CAPEX – including non-operational are helping transform our digital light on its services for visiting the items and the 4.5G license acquisition lifestyles and support the growth of holy sites during the Hajj period, as – reaching TRY8.536 billion, of which the Internet of Things. We are proud part of religious observances. STC will TRY7.752 billion was related to Turkcell that Huawei is making a significant also shed light on data consumption Turkey and TRY770 million to Turkcell contribution in Qatar through our work patterns for individuals living in Saudi International. In operational terms, with Ooredoo.” The MoU outlines Arabia. STC’s will also demonstrate Turkcell’s total domestic subscriber the companies’ intent to open an the services offered to users and base fell 0.3% from 35.9 million at the advanced facility that will contribute the related applications. the stand end of 2014 to 35.8 million one year to Qatar’s knowledge-based economy will also include Viva Kuwait, Viva later, with 34.0 million being mobile and help train and develop the next Bahrain and “Integral” the content subscriptions (having dropped from generation of technology leaders. company. It is worth mentioning that 34.6 million), broken down into 16.6 Huawei will provide technical support this convention is the most important million post-paid as at 31 December for Ooredoo’s research in the lab, of all the conventions held for this 2015 (against 15.2 million twelve including offering training courses domain every year as it encompasses months earlier) and 17.4 million pre- and supporting knowledge transfer all the mobile operators in the world in paid (19.4 million). Fiber connections, between the two companies. Huawei addition to governmental, legislative however, increased from 735,100 to and Ooredoo will collaborate on and regulatory authorities in the 899,400 y-o-y, while Turkcell’s ADSL an implementation process for new field of telecommunications and data customer base rose from 456,200 to young talent in Qatar, and regularly technology. 620,800 in the same period. Looking organise technical and management

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SAMENA TRENDS _ FEB 2016 SAMENA TRENDS _ FEB 2016 forward, Turkcell CEO Kaan Terzioglu existing size of the company’s IPTV will continue to build on our offerings. notes: ‘For a more efficient balance subscriber base, saying: ‘More than We’re just getting started and will have sheet, we increased our stake in 50% of our fiber network customers much more to share in the coming lifecell, our subsidiary in Ukraine to are already equipped with triple- months,” said a Microsoft blog post. 100%; restructured the debt of our play, which means that Mozaic (now subsidiaries; established a consumer Ooredoo TV) is part of the services finance company and raised USD2.9 they receive.’ The CEO also said that billion in funds at favorable terms Ooredoo Qatar has invested more having secured an investment grade than USD1 billion in its fiber-optic from three rating agencies. Moreover, and high speed infrastructure, having purchased the highest number including its ‘ultra-fast’ Supernet of frequencies at the 4.5G spectrum converged network, the fiber-to-the- Ooredoo signs MoU with tender, we have solidified our home (FTTH) access network and its Al Raffd Fund; enhances leadership in terms of the superior ‘4G+’ LTE-Advanced (LTE-A) mobile network … The highlight of the sector network. efficiency of 621 Sanad in 2016 will be the implementation Service Centers across of 4.5G infrastructure. Turkcell will … offer over 1000Mbps speed on mobile Oman devices through carrier aggregation Reflecting its commitment to support [CA] technology in the coming years.’ the growth and development of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in Oman, Ooredoo signed Microsoft launches a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Al Raffd Fund for internet Azure IoT Hub services for the Fund’s 621 Sanad Microsoft has announced the wide- Service Centers across Oman. Under scale launch of the Azure IoT Hub, the agreement, the packages will offer Ooredoo upgrades fiber which allows users to connect, the Centers greater connection speeds provision and manage billions of and a cost-effective range of business speeds; relaunches IPTV IoT devices. Microsoft says Azure services, among other benefits. Greg Ooredoo Qatar has announced that IoT Hub acts as the bridge between Young, CEO of Ooredoo, said “SMEs a free-of-charge speed upgrade on customers’ devices and solutions in make up almost 90% of Oman’s its fiber broadband network is now the cloud enabling storage, analyzing burgeoning business sector, making live, boosting all 50Mbps home fiber and acting on data in real time. The it vital that we provide them with the plans to 100Mbps, whilst multiplying hub also enables secure two-way products, services, and support they existing 100Mbps connections to communication over open protocols need to continue to thrive and support 300Mbps, Gulf Times reports. On such as MQTT, HTTPS and AMQPS, the nation’s development. With that top of the speed boost, Ooredoo is and is designed to make it easy to in mind, we developed two special also offering all fiber customers a connect with other Azure services packages to help the Sanad Service QAR100 (US$27.40) discount on a such as Azure Machine Learning and Centers increase their productivity, new enhanced Supernet Fiber Wi-Fi Azure Stream Analytics. In addition to efficiency, and effectiveness as they Broadband Gateway for all 100Mbps the launch, Microsoft also announced continue supporting Al Raffd Fund and 300Mbps customers; the device the expansion of Microsoft Azure and other SMEs throughout Oman.” supports more than 40 simultaneous Certified for IoT program. The Established in 2013 on the order from connections. Ooredoo Qatar has also program was launched to ensure IoT His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said, the relaunched its IPTV service under the solutions from global technology Al Raffd Fund aims to empower Omani ‘Ooredoo TV’ banner, replacing the leaders are fully interoperable from youth with the means to establish their legacy ‘Mozaic TV’ IPTV offering and the start. By offering trusted solutions own projects. To date, the initiative including what it claims is the region’s from verified partners that work with has 1,662 listed SMEs which have first commercial 4K TV service. Ooredoo multiple operating systems, including in turn created over 3,000 jobs for TV includes live TV, on-demand Linux, mbed, ROTS and Windows, Omanis. Tariq Al Farsi, CEO of Al Raffd content libraries and apps, delivered Azure Certified for IoT accelerates IoT said, “Ooredoo’s high-value business via the company’s fiber network and deployments. Over the past three- products and services are perfectly in-home Wi-Fi to multiple screens. The plus months, nearly 30 industry suited to providing our Centers with service, built on technology provided leaders have joined the program, the technical capabilities they need by Huawei, is available on a self-install said Microsoft. Now even more to continue operating at the highest basis to the 260,000 Qatari homes have announced their participation, performance levels. Agreements like passed by the Ooredoo direct fiber including: Advantech, , HPE and these are important for SMEs in Oman network. Ooredoo TV is available in Libelium. Previous certified partners to receive the support they need four packages featuring Arabic and include: Arduino, Beagleboard, and through them, the sector will worldwide channels whilst all bundles Freescale, , , continue leading the way in Oman’s are inclusive of 10Mbps broadband Samsung, and economic development.” Ooredoo and free fixed line calls. At the launch others. “IoT is poised for dramatic Internet Professional (OIP) service of Ooredoo TV, Ooredoo Qatar’s CEO growth in 2016 and we can’t wait to offers customers highly reliable, fast Waleed al-Sayed commented on the see what our customers and partners and secure bandwidths ranging from

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1 Mbps to 30 Mbps to meet the Avea and TTNet under the unified of and really goes to show that we needs of businesses in the Sultanate. Turk Telekom brand name, logo and are capable of being global leaders The service also provides customers website. The new logo is already in across multiple sectors with the right with a dedicated account manager, use, as is the single converged website investment, strategy and commitment choice of limited or unlimited data grouping all fixed line, broadband, to innovate.” “Our efforts are derived use, as well as a direct connection with mobile and pay-TV service divisions. from our new strategy ‘Omantel 3.0’ service management and a dedicated Avea and TTNet remain distinct legal which empowers us to lead Oman’s after sales support team. Additionally, entities as wholly owned subsidiaries digitalization through the technology business customers who choose OIP of Turk Telekom. we provide and innovate in our can also opt to receive a permanent offerings. We will continue to invest in IP address that will ensure lower expanding and enhancing our networks downtime and remote access from as they are a key elements in delivering anywhere in the world an unmatched customer experience,” Samy added. Investing in the future of the nation, Omantel connects even the most remote communities of Omantel puts Oman the Sultanate to each other and with the rest of the world. Omantel is the as 13th in LTE speed Sultanate’s first and leading integrated worldwide telecommunications services provider, Turk Telekom to invest The Sultanate of Oman has been enabling the digital society to flourish, named as having the 13th fastest 4G allowing new ways of doing business USD3.4m over next three LTE in the world in a recent report and delivering a world of information, years from Open Signal, a leading source news and entertainment. Today, of insight into the coverage and Omantel boldly innovates to deliver the Former monopoly fixed line operator performance of Mobile Operators highest levels of customer satisfaction, Turk Telekom (TT) plans to invest TRY10 worldwide. Oman’s ranking moved 10 the broadest and most reliable billion (USD3.4 million) in a ‘digital positions upwards in 3 months and nationwide network while investing for revolution’ over the next three years, exceeded advanced nations. Oman’s Oman’s future development. with TRY3.2 billion of this mooted to be ranking is attributed solely to Omantel, spent in 2016, according to the Daily the Sultanate’s leading provider of , citing the company’s CEO Rami telecommunications solutions and the Aslan speaking at a press conference. provider with the widest LTE network Commenting on TT’s TRY14.5 billion coverage in Oman. The results were sale revenue for 2015 – up 7% from the based on data collected from over previous year – Aslan noted: ‘We have 15 million devices around the world that constantly monitors the coverage Ufone awarded in the and performance of their mobile connection. Omantel became the first 5th Corporate Social provider in the Sultanate to introduce Responsibility Award 4G LTE networks in 2012. The 4G LTE network now reaches over 80 percent selection of the population in Oman, and Ufone received two awards in the according to the report, the network 5th Corporate Social Responsibility has an average speed of 20mbps. Award selection. The panel of judges In 2015 Omantel’s total network unanimously voted to acknowledge investments reached over 120 million Ufone’s contributions in the categories Rials. In addition, 4.5G technology, of “Innovation” and “Employee introduced April 2015 enables speeds Engagement”. This award is the first of up to 200mbps. Commenting on the and only registered CSR Award of exceeded our target numbers for 2015 achievement, Omantel spokesperson and, therefore, will use this surplus . The decision of the panel Samy Ahmed Al Ghassany, COO has subsequently been ratified by the to further the digitalization of Turkey Omantel, “It is deeply pleasing to in ways which will cater to customer executive board of The Professionals see Oman achieve such an excellent Network (TPN) and Ethical Business needs as well as Turkey’s local interests.’ global ranking, a fact that underscores TT estimates annual revenue for 2016 Update (EBU). The Innovation Award our commitment to provide the latest was given to the Ufone Emergency will see an increase of between 7% and most innovative technology to and 9%, with the operator’s long-term Alert System (EAS). In view of the our subscribers. It is very satisfying to overall security situation of the country, targets including connecting ‘every witness the significant investments in household to the fiber-optic network Ufone in collaboration with the Punjab the 4G LTE network come to fruition Police, launched a single click EAS. and [turning] Turkey into a digital hub and benefit the Sultanate as a whole. in the region.’ As previously reported The Police Department can extend the Oman ranked above nations such EAS to schools throughout Punjab for by TeleGeography’s CommsUpdate, as US, France, Sweden and Japan in last month TT announced the merging enhanced security. The system is free terms of 4G LTE network speed, this of cost and works on any cell phone of its respective mobile and ISP brands is something we should all be proud

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SAMENA TRENDS _ FEB 2016 SAMENA TRENDS _ FEB 2016 using Ufone SIMs. Schools are able with total prize money on offer in the growth of this competition as we to register their Ufone numbers with excess of US$150,000. Each of the three recognize that much of the region’s the Police Department and any alarm tracks will award the first three ranked future development will be driven generated through the number would winners with cash prizes in addition by young people in technology, alert the Police providing details such to many other benefits including: top whose ideas and the ability to turn as the name of the school, the person tier training, mentorship, coaching, them into something constructive who initiated the alarm and location. media exposure, and great networking and sustainable have been and will The Employee Engagement award opportunities. The selected 78 teams continue to be the success story of went to Ufone as it joined hands with will start receiving entrepreneurship- modern society. Congratulations The Diabetic Centre (TDC), a non- focused training during pre-boot to the 78 semi-finalists and we are profit organization to mark the World camps scheduled to be conducted in looking forward to interacting with Diabetes Day by initiating an employee Egypt, Jordan, Morocco, Saudi Arabia, this year’s aspiring entrepreneurs and centric health and awareness initiative. and the UAE later this month and in shall take the opportunity to capitalize early March, and will start working to on the most promising innovative achieve specific deliverables in their ideas in the regional digital space specific tracks. The national origins supporting our evolution to becoming of the groups and the corresponding a digital lifestyle provider.” On 13 number of semi-finalists who made April, during a four-day final event in it to the second round include: Egypt Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, 10 finalists will (19), Jordan (10), Lebanon (7), Tunisia be announced from each track. These Zain Group and (7), Saudi Arabia (6), United Arab short-listed teams will pitch their ideas Emirates (6), Palestine (6), Morocco (4), to a panel of investors and successful Community Jameel Kuwait (3), Bahrain (2), Qatar (2), Sudan entrepreneurs on 14 April, and the (2), Syria (2), Algeria (1), Yemen (1). Hala final three ranked winners of the Ideas, support MIT Enterprise Fadel, Chair of the Board of MITEF Pan Startups, and Social Entrepreneurship Forum Arab Startup Arab commented, “The record number tracks will be announced and awarded of applications submitted from across cash prizes during a gala dinner that Competition the Arab region this year clearly same evening. Also during the day, The MIT Enterprise Forum (MITEF) of indicates a steady increase in the spirit a MIT Technology Review Pan Arab the Pan Arab region, in partnership of innovation and entrepreneurship conference will be held. with Community Jameel, the Corporate of the region’s youth. Particularly Social Responsibility arm of Abdul noteworthy is the significant increase Latif Jameel and Zain Group, a leading in applications received from Saudi mobile telecom innovator across the Arabia, from five percent last year Middle East and Africa, announced to nearly twenty percent this year, that a total of 78 teams from 15 which promises a great event at King countries have qualified for the next Abdullah Economic City in Saudi round of the prestigious MITEF Arab Arabia this April. We look forward PTCL records robust Startup Competition, with the final to meeting and supporting some of winners’ ceremony now confirmed to the Middle East’s most promising performance in FY 2015 be held at King Abdallah Economic youth as they start and continue with 20% cash dividend City, in Saudi Arabia on 14 April, their entrepreneurial journeys.” Fady 2016. The ninth edition of the MITEF Jameel, President of Community PTCL has announced its annual Arab Startup competition received Jameel International commented, “The financial results for the year ended a record 5,967 individual and team launch of the MITEF Saudi Chapter last December 31, 2015 in a meeting applications (comprising over 16,500 year provided an extra opportunity for of PTCL Board of Directors held in the Saudi-based entrepreneurs Islamabad. PTCL earned revenues of to apply for the competition. Rs. 75.8 billion for the FY 2015. Data The applications submitted revenues significantly increased by for the MITEF Saudi Startup 12% compared with last year. The Competition demonstrated Company’s profitability continued to great promise, showcasing remain stable despite competition, quality entrepreneurial ideas and especially in the broadband segment. startups. Therefore, it was difficult Gross and net profit of the Company to choose from such a wealth of stood at Rs. 22.0 billion and Rs. 8.8 talent the six winners who will billion respectively. PTCL group’s go on to be part of the MITEF revenues for the year stood at Rs. Pan Arab Competition. With such 118.6 billion. PTCL cash flows remained impressive talent coming forward healthy and stable in FY 2015 due to in the competitions, it is with great continuous efforts to optimize costs pleasure that Community Jameel as well as strong market position. This entrepreneurs) from 21 countries pledges its continuous support to the impetus continued across all business across the Arab world. The three tracks entrepreneurs of the MENA region.” activities of PTCL including the fixed that entrants applied for are: Ideas, Zain Group CEO, Scott Gegenheimer and wireless broadband and enterprise Startups, and Social Entrepreneurship said, “We at Zain are proud to foster solutions. Walid Irshaid, President &

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CEO PTCL said, “Our robust results future for both stakeholders involved. were mainly highlighting fireworks again demonstrate the ability of Also present at the occasion were, over the fire incidence.” Instead, Bin our diversified line of business to Mr. Saad Warraich, Chief Technical Byat argues, telecommunications and perform to the expectations of our & Information Officer PTCL and Mr. data companies need to collaborate shareholders.” He further added, Espen Brettas Dahle ,Chief Financial and harvest the correct data, and “PTCL’s performance during the Officer Pakistan. Both were thereby manage situations in a past year is a strong indicator of our in agreement that the MoU signed smarter way. By collecting the data dynamic corporate direction, as well as would strengthen the bond between and using this to manage response our customers’ continued satisfaction PTCL and its cellular partners within effectively, he argues, the public sector in company’s products and services”. an evolving and highly competitive reduces the risk for both the public PTCL has declared 20% final cash telecom market. and the emergency response team. dividend, inclusive of 10% interim As the cities become Smarter (more dividend. agile, more responsive, and more predictive) the impact of the Internet of Things on the public in the UAE will be revolutionary, enabling improved safety, security, business and efficiency in managing city resources such as the du chairman envisions emergency services, he says. “Because by gathering, storing, processing PTCL signs MOU with the smart city of and aggregating all the data that we receive, we can apply and implement Telenor for infrastructure tomorrow greater operational efficiencies.” du “Technology has taken us in the has been supporting the Government sharing shortest amount of time from isolation Summit as Headline partner for three Pakistan Telecommunications to interpersonal hyper-connectivity. years in support of the Smart City and Company Limited (PTCL), the largest And now, imagination ICT services provider in the country has allowed us to build a has signed a Memorandum of universe in which the very Understanding (MoU) with Telenor things we have created can Pakistan. This MoU will facilitate have their own inter-object Telenor to avail of PTCL’s vast network connectivity: the Internet footprint and infrastructure spread of Things, a reality in which nationwide for their growing over 13 billion objects are subscriber base. Mr. Omar Khalid, already connected to each EVP Carrier Services & Wholesale, other today, and expected PTCL and Mr. Khurram Ashfaq, CTO to exceed 38 billion by signed the MoU in 2020,” begins Ahmad Bin a ceremony held at Telenor Pakistan Byat in his speech at the headquarters here in Islamabad. In the World Government Summit post 3G/4G regime, cellular operators 2016 today. Bin Byat, the are foreseeing a steep incline in the Chairman of du, delves into data usage patterns of subscribers. how the Internet of Things This requires a considerable backhaul will enable better societal of their BTS networks through fiber efficiencies today in a breakout future vision, which du has a vested connectivity. The aim of backhauling session entitled “The Smartest City interest in turning into reality. Having these networks are to ensure their in the World”, envisioning a Smart already built the foundations for readiness for the evolving data future whereby entire cities are Smart City with WiFi UAE and the first market of Pakistan. As per the MOU, connected by the Internet of Things Internet of Things network in Middle PTCL and Telenor Pakistan shall sign and powered by big data. The East (LoRa network), du is ensuring a frame agreement where Telenor discussion serves as a platform to the backbone to the smart city and shall utilize PTCL’s technical expertise discuss key benefits of building a city integration of Internet of Things is and extensive experience for the connected by the Internet of Things, available to help the Government deployment of their fiber network with the creation of cutting-edge, to realise this vision. By integrating infrastructure over a period of five global, smart technologies. As part systems of vendor agnostic and open years. During the signing, senior of his address, Bin Byat highlights the platforms du believes Dubai can foster management from both companies recent regional emergency situations unlimited innovation and adoption of emphasized the need for closer and how these challenges could be all evolving technologies to create a cooperative ties to provide innovative, aided by tech-driven innovations. Smart Dubai. cost effective and readily available Talking about the New Year’s Eve fire, services for the Pakistani market. he explains that news now breaks Mr. Sikandar Naqi, Chief Business on social media first, “we see how Development Officer PTCL, explained the news started to spread around in detail how this partnership would the world on social media before go a long way in paving a bright conventional media [but] the tweets

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provides a business-critical part of our with Ooredoo by launching the solution and enables us to monitor Lumia fl agship devices, the company and control our POS terminals. It’s a continues to expand and enhance the technical and business partnership that collaboration with the launch of the allows us to access Orange’s technical new Surface Pro 4 devices. Microsoft competence, geographical presence and Ooredoo have already created Orange Business Services and global expertise, along with local a remarkable experience for their powers Canny Quest’s contacts and service. This service has customers, by providing a concierge the potential to grow and develop service for Microsoft device customers e-payment strategy in and positively impact the country’s for the fi rst time. Exceptional offers Iraq with M2M solution GDP. Orange’s ability to connect have already been presented on Offi ce and deliver services seamlessly and 365. Additionally, Microsoft Qatar also Orange Business Services has signed an reliably is essential to our success.” announced today a new Surface 3 M2M solution agreement with Canny Orange Business Services works with Bundle Promotion for Education. The Quest International – the Dubai-based some of the region’s leading banking Surface 3 is bundled with Windows technology and business development institutions and has 100 banking 10, Black Type Cover and Pen. partner of International Smart Card customers in the Middle East and Microsoft Qatar General Manager, (ISC) in Iraq. ISC is the largest fi nancial Africa region, including Ecobank, Naim Yazbeck said: “Microsoft realizes institution in Iraq. It provides fi nancial EmiratesNBD, and National Bank of the importance of collaborating and transaction services including salary Abu Dhabi. Philippe Koebel, Senior partnering with Ooredoo, as it aims at and pension e-payment services to Vice President, Emerging Markets and bringing cutting-edge technologies to government employees and private Indirect, Orange Business Services, Qatar. This partnership is yet another sector organisations. ISC’s four million added: “This new strategic partnership step forward, refl ecting Microsoft’s holders of its debit card, the Qi Card, with Canny Quest International is commitment to realizing the goals access services through terminals at supporting real innovation and a of its national plan, which comes points of service across the country. digital transformation leading to a in line with Qatar’s National Vision ISC has created a new model for new model for the banking sector in 2030.” “We are proud to support e-payment services using smart Iraq. It’s our fi rst M2M application in Qatar’s unique national vision and cards to deliver personalized services the Middle East but more signifi cantly, contribute to one of the most dynamic with sophisticated biometrics to it’s making a real difference to people’s economies in the world. We believe authenticate customer ID and counter lives and we look forward to rolling it this new agreement makes sense from the risk of fraud. Orange Business out to other countries through our every angle: By working together to Services provides SIMs that enable extensive presence in the region.” deliver unprecedented technology seamless connectivity to support ISC’s opportunities for entrepreneurs 6,000 terminals at points of service and SMEs, we are also supporting (POS) across Iraq; an additional 8,000 the growth of our future clients and POS locations are planned at retail partners,” he added Microsoft Qatar merchants across the country and will is excited to announce today that be online by mid 2016. ISC plans to all Government Entities can now roll out services to the Iraqi diaspora order Surface Pro 4 as part of their and to other countries. The ISC POS Ooredoo and Microsoft government Enterprise Agreement. terminals are connected to the card This is a step to support the mobility management system, which validates Embark on new transactions through the Orange network. Orange interconnects with collaboration all the country’s mobile telecoms operators to ensure country-wide to serve Qatar’s coverage and optimized signal quality. businesses ISC customers can access a broad Ooredoo’s new range of virtual fi nancial account initiative will see the management services to access their introduction of the money including smart cards (closed latest technologies for and open loop), mobile apps and businesses in Qatar, wallets, and the Internet. ISC started including a broad operations in 2008 and the company’s portfolio of hardware fl agship Qi Card is the fi rst biometric and software services, international-standard card used as well as a wide range in providing payment services in of advanced Cloud fi nancial industries in Iraq. Dr. Hasan services. The exclusive Alkhatib, Managing Director of Canny launch of Windows 10 Quest International, said: “Iraq is through Ooredoo in an attractive Greenfi eld market for Qatar capitalizes on Ooredoo’s broad initiatives and increase productivity innovation, and the country’s banking base of business customers across across Government Entities. Details sector is underdeveloped, creating an multiple industries. As Microsoft can be found on the Government opportunity for the deployment of new builds on its successful partnership Agreement Portal. Visitors to the technology. Orange Business Services

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Microsoft Innovation Summit to help businesses use technology as high-profile deal in 2014 for €5.4 experienced the latest platform and their secret weapon,” said Mohammed billion, sales have been lacklustre. Last productivity solutions including from Hilili, General Manager for week it announced its Q4 Windows Windows 10 devices, Surface Pro 4 and Gulf & Saudi Arabia. The Microsoft Phone sales were 4.5 million, down Surface Hub, to Office 365, Internet Innovation Summit welcomed more 57 percent from the previous year. of Things, and business intelligence. than 600 industry professionals and According to figures from venture “Microsoft has seen endless support technology enthusiasts. The event capital firm Andreessen Horowitz’s from its partners: Intel, Dell, Qatar saw discussions on subjects like Benedict Evans, over its lifetime, Datamation Systems, Information and Windows 10, Microsoft Surface Pro Windows Phone amassed 110 million Communication Technology W.L.L., 4 for commercial customers, Surface sales, compared to combined iOS and Ebla, Everteam, Nintex, Diyar Middle Hub, apps, Windows enabled devices, Android sales of 4.5 billion during East, Mannai Trading Co. W.L.L, and and Internet of Things. As Qatar’s same period. Tim Coulling, Canalys Plantronics. We are pleased with leading communication company and Senior Analyst, was also pessimistic these productive partnerships and preferred business services provider, the future of the Windows Phone together, we look forward to enable Ooredoo enjoys a long-standing and ecosystem, even if it tries to follow the our customers to realize their goals multilevel collaboration with Microsoft, success of Microsoft’s Surface tablets. and aspirations,” concluded Yazbeck. delivering a full range of solutions for He said: “Creating a premium Surface Ooredoo has also launched a new consumers and businesses, supported Phone might generate some buzz set of Microsoft business devices by the nationwide Ooredoo Supernet. about the platform, but it will be risky in Qatar, which includes Lumia and repeating what it has achieved in smartphones, Surface Pro 4, and a the tablet space will be tough. It must full range of accessories, including get OEMs to buy into a platform in the Lumia 950 Display Dock, foldable decline as well as convince consumers Microsoft keyboard and Arc mouse, all to switch from an iPhone or high-end bundled with Ooredoo’s Shahry Smart, Android smart phone.” Mobile Data Plans, and Office 365. Commenting on the initiative, Yousuf Microsoft bought Abdulla Al Kubaisi, Chief Operating Officer, from Ooredoo, said: “Ooredoo keyboard app maker is striving to be an ICT innovation engine for Qatar, engaging with an SwiftKey ecosystem of innovative partners like The acquisition of the app, which is Microsoft in order to deliver the most installed in more than 300 million Cisco to acquire Jasper reliable and dynamic solutions for Android and iOS devices, could also businesses and consumers. We’re very boost its AI projects. The keyboard for $1.4bn proud to launch flagship devices and uses predictive technology that claims Jasper CEO Jahangir Mohammed services with Microsoft, and believe to learn a user’s personal writing style, to lead networking giant’s new IoT this event will provide essential adapts to unusual words or phrases software division; deal expected to insight and updates for participants.” that they commonly use and predicts close in third quarter. Cisco ramped up “As Microsoft’s first partner to ship what they will write next. SwiftKey its Internet of Things (IoT) strategy on Windows 10 on our new PCs last said users have clocked up more Thursday with the US$1.4 billion (€1.26 summer, we believe that Windows 10 than 23,000 years in combined typing billion) acquisition of IoT platform brings the best of mobility together in a time. Harry Shum, Executive Vice- provider Jasper. Headquartered more secure and easier-to-implement President, Technology and Research, in California, Jasper boasts 3,500 package, giving businesses a good at Microsoft said: “We’ll continue to enterprise customers and 27 operator reason to take a fresh look at mobility. develop SwiftKey’s market-leading partners, and reaches 100 countries. It By placing a higher importance on 2-in- keyboard apps for Android and iOS provides IoT connectivity and related 1 devices, Dell has been helping small as well as explore scenarios for the services to a number of verticals, businesses truly reap the benefits of a integration of the core technology such as logistics, retail, and home mobile and collaborative workplace. across the breadth of our product automation, among others. Jasper also We are delighted to attend Microsoft’s and services portfolio. “Moreover, has a big presence in the automotive “Innovation Empowered” event to SwiftKey’s predictive technology sector, underpinning AT&T’s showcase out newest devices on aligns with Microsoft’s investments connected car service, and providing Windows 10,” said Emad Sallam, Client and ambition to develop intelligent IoT services to Tesla’s range of electric Solutions Marketing Manager, Dell | systems that can work more on the vehicles, for example. “I am excited Middle East - Commercial. “We are user’s behalf and under their control.” about the opportunity for Cisco and delighted to continue our innovation Other plans for SwiftKey, whose team Jasper to accelerate how customers journey with Microsoft by introducing will join Microsoft as part of the deal, recognize the value of the Internet our newest X1 family members at include integrating its technology into of Things,” said Chuck Robbins, Cisco the event. Powered by Windows 10, Microsoft’s own Word Flow keyboard. CEO, in a statement. “Together, we can the X1 portfolio is optimized with The fresh focus on software comes enable service providers, enterprises unique features and for greater after more bad news for Microsoft’s and the broader ecosystem to connect, performance, better cloud access and Windows Phone ecosystem. Despite automate, manage, and analyse class-leading security and durability buying Nokia’s handset arm in a billions of connected things, across

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SAMENA TRENDS _ FEB 2016 SAMENA TRENDS _ FEB 2016 any network, creating new revenue ceremony that the innovation strategy streams and opportunities.” Cisco said set by the UAE is bearing its fruits now it intends to add new capabilities to as more companies are putting more Jasper’s IoT service platform, such as of their innovation capabilities on the enterprise WiFi, security for connected ground right now. devices, and advanced analytics to better manage device usage. Jasper Huawei partners with will form a new division within Cisco DIC to set up called the IoT software business, and will continue to be led by Jasper regional HQ CEO Jahangir Mohammed. He will Chinese electronics report to Rowan Trollope, SVP and giant, Huawei has general manager of Cisco’s IoT and pledged to fully support collaboration technology group. The UAE’s vision, to become deal is expected to close in the third an innovation-led quarter of this year. “IoT has become a economy and a Smart business imperative across the globe. City by establishing a Enterprises in every industry need multi-billion dirham integrated solutions that give them regional headquarters complete visibility and control over in Dubai. The Chinese their connected services, while also company is fully being simple to implement, manage supporting the UAE’s and scale,” Mohammed said. “By digitization agenda coming together, Jasper and Cisco will by strengthening its help mobile operators and enterprises respective services, accelerate their IoT success.” It is disclosed Charles Ding, Senior Vice worth speculating about whether this President, Huawei. Huawei announced acquisition will affect Ericsson’s go-to- its partnership with Dubai Internet City market strategy for IoT. In November, (DIC), a member of TECOM Group, to the Swedish kit maker established a set up its national headquarters within wide-ranging strategic partnership the region’s largest ICT (information with Cisco that will see the companies and communication technology) and offer a combined, end-to-end product technology community. The long-term Cisco predicts video will and services portfolio that spans investment for the new headquarters mobile, enterprise, data centre, and will serve as a platform to build upon represent 75% of global IP network infrastructure, as well as Dubai’s knowledge economy, as mobile data traffic by network control and management, well as support the Emirate’s vision and global services. Ericsson and Cisco to become a Smart City. Huawei 2020 also agreed to conduct joint R&D in has established an end-to-end ICT Cisco’s latest annual Visual Networking a number of areas, one of which is solutions portfolio in the UAE that can Index forecast (VNI) has revealed that IoT. Ericsson offers network software add value and support the building of the growth of mobile data traffic is designed to optimize the performance a knowledge economy and make the faster than ever, with video taking of IoT devices. It is also active in several UAE’s digital transformation possible. up an even larger share. In the 2016 IoT industry groups, such as the NB- The multi-storey complex will be build VNI, Cisco calculates that by 2020 IoT Forum and the GSMA’s Mobile IoT within the Dubai Internet City and will total traffic will reach an annual run Initiative. Ericsson is also developing accommodate modern infrastructure rate of 30.6 Exabytes per month, the a technology called network slicing, to cater to the burgeoning UAE equivalent of what is stored on 7,641 which partitions a single physical youth population. David Wang, CEO million DVDs or seven trillion online network in multiple virtual networks of Huawei Technologies UAE, noted video clips. Moreover, the forecasted with capacity and coverage tailored that Dubai has attracted the world’s incremental amount of traffic being to meet the individual requirements attention through many ambitious and added to the mobile Internet, between of various industry verticals. The successful innovative infrastructure 2019 and 2020, is expected to hit 8.9 initial focus for Ericsson and Cisco’s projects. Huawei is delighted to have Exabytes per month, more than two partnership is on service providers; contributed to the development of the times the estimated size of the entire however, they plan to extend it to country’s ICT industry during this time. mobile Internet in 2015. At the heart enterprises, and specifically refer to Besides the innovative technology of this explosion is mobile video, accelerating IoT uptake. It will be solutions Huawei also plans to develop which will have the highest growth interesting to see whose IoT services the human capital especially the youth rate of any mobile application. By take centre stage when the time population for a wider regional and 2020, said the Cisco Visual Networking comes. global community. The company has Index (VNI) Global Mobile Data Traffic invested $6.6 billion (Dh24.2 billion) on Forecast (2015 to 2020), mobile video R&D in 2014 compared to $5.1 billion will represent three-quarters of global in 2013. Majed Al Suwaidi, Managing mobile data traffic, up from 55% in Director of Dubai Internet City and 2015, as video streaming increases in Dubai Outsource City, after the signing popularity over traditional TV. In the

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UK alone, mobile video will be 77% to transform children into individuals to a new model for the banking sector of the mobile data traffi c by 2020, who are not only self-reliant and in Iraq. compared to 59% at the end of 2015. fi nancially independent but who Whilst Cloud applications will account are also adept at social integration,” for 92% of total mobile data traffi c by Naqi said. “By providing an enabling 2020 The research suggests that users’ environment, PTCL has encouraged demand for higher video resolution, the Sweet Homes children to learn and more bandwidth, and processing speed become better citizens,” he added. will increase the use of 4G connected Pakistan Sweet Homes is a non-profi t devices which are set to represent organization committed to the care Cisco Visual Networking more than 70% of all mobile traffi c, and and upbringing of nearly 100 orphans 4G connections will generate nearly aged between 4 and six years. Located Index forecasts 8-fold six times more traffi c per month than in various parts of the country, Sweet non-4G connections by 2020. “With Homes offer food, clothing and shelter surge in mobile data the ever-increasing billions of people as well as free education, medical care Mobile data traffi c will surge 8-fold and things that are being connected, and counseling/legal aid to young over the next fi ve years, according to mobility is the predominant medium victims of violence and abuse. Cisco Visual Networking Index (VNI) that’s enabling today’s global Global Mobile Data Traffi c Forecast digitization transformation,” said (2015 to 2020). The growth in mobile Doug Webster, vice president of data traffi c will be mainly due to the service provider marketing, Cisco. increase in mobile users, smart devices, “Future mobile innovations in cellular, mobile video and 4G networks. Cisco such as 5G, and Wi-Fi solutions will be Visual Networking Index report did needed to further address new scale not mention about 3G powered data requirements, security concerns, and Orange Business growth. Incidentally, several Indian user demands. IoT advancements will telecom operators such as Bharti continue to fuel tangible benefi ts for Services inks M2M deal Airtel, , , Tata people, businesses, and societies.” Docomo, with Canny Quest for and are making investment in e-payment in Iraq their 3G networks across the country. Airtel, Idea Cellular, Vodafone and Orange Business Services has signed Reliance Infocomm are investing in an M2M agreement with Canny 4G networks looking at revenue from Quest International, the Dubai-based mobile data business. Global telecoms technology and business development such as Verizon, AT&T, , partner of International Smart Card PTCL to provide free Vodafone, America Movil, Telefonica, (ISC) in Iraq. ISC has created a new TeliaSonera need to invest more in broadband to Pakistan model for e-payment services using network to manage mobile traffi c smart cards using biometrics to growth indicated by Cisco Visual Sweet Homes authenticate customer ID and counter Networking Index. 4G connectivity Pakistan Telecommunications the risk of fraud. Orange Business share will surpass 2G by 2018 and 3G Company Limited (PTCL) has Services provides SIMs that enable by 2020. 4G will represent more than provided free broadband services to connectivity to support ISC’s 6,000 70 percent of all mobile traffi c, and 4G Pakistan Sweet Homes, a non-profi t terminals at points of service (POS) connections will generate nearly six organization established by the Bait- across Iraq, and another 8,000 POS are times more traffi c per month than non- ul-Mal for the care of young orphans. planned at retail merchants by mid- 4G connections by 2020, according to In this way, PTCL will enable orphans 2016. ISC plans to roll out services Cisco VNI. Martin Bradley, director at to become contributing members to the Iraqi diaspora and to other Strategy Analytics, in its latest report, of society. Under the scheme, PTCL countries. The ISC POS terminals are suggests that mobile operators need has provided high-speed broadband connected to the card management connectivity free of charge to 12 Sweet system, which validates transactions Homes located in all the four provinces through the Orange network. Orange for a period of three years. The Sweet interconnects with all the country’s Homes are in Sargodha, Gujrat, mobile telecoms operators to ensure Okara, Attock, Karachi, Nawabshah, national coverage and optimized Mansehra, Mardan, Swat, Kohat, signal quality. ISC customers can access Zhob and Quetta. Sikandar Naqi, a range of virtual fi nancial account Chief Business Development Offi cer management services including smart PTCL, has reiterated the company’s cards (closed and open loop), mobile goal towards achieving various social apps and wallets and the internet. objectives and has emphasized the Philippe Koebel, senior OBS VP for role the Broadband service will play Emerging Markets and Indirect, said in the mental development of the the new partnership with Canny Quest children. “State-of-the-art ICT services International is supporting innovation to start investing in 4.5G networks to will defi nitely help the Sweet Homes and a digital transformation, leading look for additional revenue streams.

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Cisco Visual Networking Index says be IPv6-capable against 36 percent network to be constructed for the smart mobile devices and connections in 2015. IPv6 traffic will be 54 percent Khazzan Gas Project located between will represent 72 percent of mobile of mobile data traffic against 13 the Ad Dhahirah and Ad Dakhiliya devices and connections by 2020 percent in 2015. M2M connections Governorates, and provides for a against 36 percent in 2015. The will represent 26.4 percent of mobile- communications network spanning number of mobile users will grow to connected devices against 7.7 percent an area of 2,800 square kilometers. 5.5 billion, representing 70 percent of in 2015. M2M connections will Commenting on the scope of the population by 2020, according to generate 6.7 percent of total mobile the Khazzan Gas Project, Ahmed Cisco VNI. Smart devices will generate traffic against 2.7 percent in 2015. Mohammed Al Nasri, General Manager 98 percent of mobile data traffic by Global wearables will grow six-fold of Sales at Omantel Business noted, 2020. Smartphones will account for 81 from 2015 to 2020. There will be more “Our partnership with BP highlights percent of total mobile traffic by 2020 than 600 million wearable devices Omantel’s deep experience in meeting against 76 percent in 2015. in use by 2020 against 97 million in the needs of clients in the oil and gas Regional Mobile Data Traffic Growth 2015. Average global mobile network sector, who are often located in very Rates (2015–2020): speeds will increase 3.2 fold 6.5 Mbps remote regions of Oman. Deploying in 2020 from 2.0 Mbps in 2015. 4G our technical experience and expertise adoption is the primary catalyst for on this project means that BP Oman • The Middle East and Africa (15- mobile speed improvements. 4G will be able to conduct instantaneous fold) connections will account for 40.5 well monitoring, while onsite staff • Asia Pacific (9-fold) percent of mobile connections against will be reliably connected with high • Central and Eastern Europe (8- 13.7 percent in 2015. 3G connections quality mobile and fixed solutions, fold) will account for 38.7 percent of all and internet broadband.” Omantel’s mobile connections against 33.7 project scope is to design, deploy and • Latin America (8-fold) percent in 2015. 2G connections will maintain a comprehensive suite of • Western Europe (6-fold) account for 13.5 percent all mobile systems, ensuring • North America (6-fold) connections against 52.3 percent seamless voice and broadband in 2015. 4G traffic will grow 13-fold connectivity to cover the populated from 2015 to 2020. 4G connections Khazzan gas field catchment area. Mobile video will have the highest will account for 72 percent of total Once operational, the network will be growth rate of any mobile application. mobile data traffic against 47 percent delivering the highest quality of fixed Consumer and business users’ of total mobile data traffic in 2015. Wi- and mobile voice and high speed demand for higher video resolution, Fi hotspots, including home spots, will broadband solutions (LTE and GPON) more bandwidth, and processing grow 7X to 432 million in 2020 from for BP Oman and its contractors on speed will increase the use of 4G to 64 million in 2015. Home spots will site. During the project startup phase, connected devices. Global mobile grow from 57 million in 2015 to 423 telecommunication services will be data traffic will reach 30.6 exabytes million in 2020. VoWi-Fi will exceed initially supplied through a series of per month by 2020 from 3.7 exabytes VoLTE in the number of minutes used microwave links due to its high flexibly in 2015. Annual global mobile data per year by 2016. VoWi-Fi will exceed in providing connectivity without traffic will reach 366.8 exabytes from VoIP in the number of minutes of used getting impacted by the massive 44.2 exabytes in 2015. Mobile data per year by 2018. VoWi-Fi minutes of project work on ground. This setup traffic, which was offloaded, will grow use will account for half – 53 percent will then transition to a permanently to 55 percent by 2020 from 51 percent – of all mobile IP voice traffic by 2020. installed fiber optic network in a in 2015. Over 75 percent of the world’s The number of Wi-Fi-capable tablets self-healing rings topology, with the mobile data traffic will be video by and PCs at 1.7 billion will be more than microwave links retained as a system 2020. There will be 11.6 billion mobile- three times the number of cellular- backup. Ahmed Al Nasri added, “The ready devices/connections—including capable tablets and PCs at 548 million Khazzan field covers some 2,800 8.5 billion personal mobile devices by 2020. square kilometers, which is a land area and 3.1 billion M2M connections larger than an island like Zanzibar, so against 7.9 billion total mobile-ready the geographic reach of this project is devices and M2M connections in very extensive. The Omantel Business 2015. 67 percent of mobile devices team has been working closely with BP / connections will be smart by 2020 Oman to map out the communications against 36 percent in 2015. 98 percent solution needed to meet their exacting of mobile data traffic will come from technical requirements as the Khazzan smart’ devices / connections by 2020 project takes shape. This partnership against 89 percent in 2015. According Omantel partners with underlines our unique abilities to to Cisco VNI, smartphones, laptops, tackle projects of a challenging and tablets will drive about 92 percent BP Oman for 2,800 sq- nature, enabling our customers of global mobile data traffic by 2020 km Khazzan Project to remain connected locally and against 94 percent in 2015. M2M traffic Omantel, the leading provider of globally by providing the best-in-class will represent 7 percent of mobile data integrated telecommunication services communication services.” The Khazzan traffic by 2020 against 3 percent in for the oil and gas sector in the Sultanate gas field-Block 61 is operated by BP 2015. Basic handsets will account for 1 announced a strategic partnership Oman with 60% shares in partnership percent of mobile data traffic by 2020 with BP Oman. The agreement calls for with Oman Oil Company Exploration against 3 percent in 2015. 66 percent a comprehensive telecommunications of mobile devices / connections will

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& Production holding 40%. The senior management. du University at a press conference. The company’s development of the project involves a develops leadership, managerial investments in the upcoming stage fall 15 year drilling programme for around and interpersonal skills for all, and in line with its Essentials 2020 strategy 300 gas wells which will ultimately sales and sales management skills under which the company is scheduled deliver a daily production capacity of for those attending the ‘Retail Sales to invest more than JD300 million one billion cubic feet of gas, equal to & Service Academy’. Speaking about between 2015 and 2018, including a around a third of Oman’s total daily this ongoing initiative, Ibrahim JD200 million investment in its fi xed gas requirement. Construction work Nasser, Chief Human Capital and and mobile network infrastructure. on the Khazzan Project is already Administration Offi cer du, said: underway with the fi rst supplies “Building tomorrow’s leadership at all expected in late 2017. Saif Al Sawafi , levels of our organization is critical Regional IT&S Integration Manager to our future success. du University at BP Oman noted, “Geographically, is at the core of our objectives to Oman has a challenging terrain, enhance our employee’s capabilities. which often makes it diffi cult for our By engaging our employees in teams who operate in remote areas learning activities, not only are we PTCL Smart TV App to stay connected and communicate directly contributing to growing the within the Sultanate, or indeed with UAE knowledge economy, we are also nominated for GSMA our colleagues around the world. enhancing our employee retention Omantel has a unique and unrivalled levels and improving customer 2016 Glomo Awards experience in designing and operating service”. More than 850 du employees PTCL’s Smart TV Mobile Application communications networks in remote have undergone training through has been nominated for the GSMA areas and we are confi dent that the du University in 2015. This year, du Global Mobile Awards (GLOMO) Khazzan Project will benefi t immensely is aiming to engage 1000 employees 2016 in the ‘Best Mobile App (Media, from this new partnership,.” Omantel in educational initiatives through Film, TV or Video)’ category. The is the Sultanate’s fi rst and leading du University. Courses are offered PTCL Smart TV App is the fi rst of its integrated telecommunications to employees at all professional kind and has been recognized for services provider, enabling the digital levels. Launched in February 2015, integrating live TV with such handheld society to fl ourish, allowing new ways du University aims to facilitate a devices as mobile phones, laptops and of doing business and delivering transformation by changing mindsets tablets. Nomination of the Smart TV a world of information, news and and creating a seamless culture of App at this level is an indication of the entertainment. Investing in the future service throughout the organization. progress achieved by PTCL in internet of the nation, Omantel connects even and multimedia. “Congratulations the most remote communities of the to all of the nominees for the 2016 Sultanate to each other and with the Glomo Awards,” said Michael O’Hara, rest of the world. Today, Omantel Chief Marketing Offi cer, GSMA. “With boldly innovates to deliver the highest more than 930 entries this year – a new levels of customer satisfaction, the record – the competition is greater broadest and most reliable nationwide than ever, refl ecting the tremendous network while investing for Oman’s Orange invested JD200 diversity and pace of innovation across future development. The Omantel the mobile world. We are particularly Business Unit provides innovative million in its networks in excited to be celebrating the 21st communication solutions to meet year of the awards with a dynamic the individual needs of corporate and 2015 new format that will recognize and public sector clients. Orange Jordan invested JD200 million honor achievement throughout in 2015 to upgrade its second and Mobile World Congress.” Commenting third generation networks, in addition on the nomination, the PTCL Chief to introducing Fourth Generation Commercial Offi cer, Adnan Shahid services across the Kingdom, the said that winning a global nomination company’s CEO, Jerome Henique in the category is a matter of pride said. The company will continue for PTCL and the people of Pakistan. its investments in 2016 to upgrade He further said, “Open Innovation is du University celebrates services and its network, Hénique said the key driver of growth in the global ICT eco-system and PTCL the graduation of its is leading this through such innovations as the second batch of students Smart TV App. We made a du University congratulated 71 fresh conscious decision to allow graduates, who completed their the Smart TV app for all Mastery process from its ‘School of internet users of Pakistan. Leadership’ and ‘Retail Sales & Service We will continue to work Academy’, in a ceremony held at harder to maintain this du HQ Salam Tower, du auditorium, momentum by bringing and attended by members of du new world class products.”

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“Digital Entertainment is a core focus points of failure, provide better for us at PTCL. We understand the country resiliency, and efficiently need for people to have entertainment use international capacities. These on the go. PTCL Smart TV App adds aggressive expansion plans allowed that level of convenience to the lives Batelco to deploy new Points-of- of people in Pakistan,” he added. The Presence (PoPs) around the world, the multi-screen App offers a variety of company said. In 2015, Batelco formed features and is convenient and user- strategic partnerships with high friendly. People can access hundreds caliber companies such as datamena, of live TV channels and up to 5,000+ , Airtel, Turk Telekom, hours (and growing) of content on the and many others. This further allowed App for Video on Demand, Personal Batelco to offer high value services Video Recording, TV on demand and to its customers by providing cutting films. Interestingly, it also offers quick edge solutions, it said. Batelco’s global search options to access preferred foothold has also been solidified with TV shows and movies and is backed the company establishing its presence by a parental control facility. Smart in all major areas of the world. The TV App with its unique features has company’s active Points-of-Presence become the choice for broadcasters (PoPs), strategic partnerships, and joint and producers to bring exclusive ventures (JVs) have enabled it to secure content only through Smart TV App. a multitude of projects connecting Recent Pakistani films, eJunior Content multi-national organizations in for kids are few to name. Previously, disparate locations across the globe, it mega sporting events like Cricket said. Batelco’s expansion project was World Cup 2015 was telecast ads free shortlisted in Capacity’s prestigious exclusively on the app. Currently, the Global Carrier Awards for the Best Mobile App is available for download Middle Eastern Project Award. “All on both Android and iOS platforms. our efforts are geared towards A PC-accessible version has also been empowering customers to focus on added recently. The GSMA Global their core operations, while their Mobile Awards is an annual event that network is fully managed by Batelco is held to recognize efforts the world as a single point of contact no matter over for creating greater connectivity where they are,” highlighted Batelco and accessibility. This year, the Awards chief global officer Adel Al Daylami. will be held in Barcelona from February “This expansion project allows us to 22 to 25. offer a superior customer experience to more businesses around the world. We can offer this experience, with our expanded network, as we have unique capabilities and experts in the project office, an advanced monitoring portal, and a high quality resilient network,” Al Daylami added. Batelco completes global network expansion Bahrain-based Batelco, a major player in the telecommunications industry, has announced the completion of a major global network expansion project. The project allowed Batelco to grow its global business, ensure network diversity, avoid single

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REGIONAL NEWS

Smarter use of digital skills in the UK and Australia to 13 percent in China. “Businesses and governments in and technology to boost the MENA region are turning to digital to UAE’s economic output secure faster growth amid an uncertain global economic outlook, but the size of Optimizing the use of digital skills the digital economy is no guarantee of and technologies could generate $2 growth,” said Raymond Makhoul, Digital trillion of additional global economic Strategy lead for Accenture in the Middle output by 2020, according to a new East and North Africa. “Organizations study by Accenture (NYSE: ACN). The need to act aggressively in shifting study also reveals the vast role digital the focus of their digital talent and plays in economic activity, with more technology from making efficiencies to REGIONAL than one-fifth of the world’s gross creating entirely new business models. domestic product (GDP) attributed to That requires not just greater digital UPDATES some form of digital skills, capital and investments, but broader organizational goods and services. The Accenture and cultural transformation in order to Strategy report, Digital Disruption: the yield the greatest returns.” The report Growth Multiplier, provides a new and states that in order to generate higher comprehensive measure of the scale rates of growth, companies will need to of the digital economy in 14 major improve their Accenture Strategy Digital countries. It estimates the value added to Density score, which tracks the extent GDP by hardware, software and related to which digital penetrates a country’s technologies and by workers who need businesses and economy. This includes these digital assets to do their jobs. It also digital skills and technology, as well as calculates the value of intermediate digital broader enabling factors such as the ease goods and services used in production. of access to finance and the openness A little more than one-fifth (22 percent) of a country’s regulatory environment. of world output is linked to this digital For example, a 10-point increase in economy of skills and capital. The US is the overall digital density of the UAE the world’s most digital economy, with economy would result in a $8.9 billion existing digital investments accounting uplift to 2020 GDP, 1.8 percent higher for 33 percent of its output. Forty-three than current forecasts. But Accenture percent of the U.S. labor force and 26 Strategy calculates that an optimal percent of its accumulated capital are combination of improvements to digital capable of supporting digital related skills, capital and other accelerators could activity. The digital economy in other lift UAE GDP by an even greater $13.8 markets varies from more than 30 percent

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billion by 2020, representing a 2.8 home services, mobile money, mobile November 2011, Saudi Arabia was percent boost. The countries with the health, mobile and cloud the only country offering LTE services, greatest opportunity for improving services. Batelco will buy companies, and UAE’s Etisalat had just completed their overall digital performance are forge partnerships or go in-house to the deployment of its LTE network, Brazil (6.6 percent), Italy (4.2 percent), offer these. Hinnawi predicted so- but had not yet offered the services Saudi Arabia (4.2 percent), China (3.7 called adjacent services will provide commercially. Whereas in October percent) and Japan (3.3 percent). about 15 percent of revenue in 2019- 2015 twenty operators commercially The study shows how each national 2020, up from 5-8 percent currently. offered LTE services to their customers. economy could best prioritize its Batelco also is expanding its domestic In addition to the twenty operators extra efforts to achieve the greatest fiber network, which could be its providing LTE services in the Arab boost to revenues and economic revenue driver in Bahrain, Hinnawi World, the Kurdistan region in Iraq has output. For example, 50 percent of said. This will lift capital expenditure commercially launched LTE services. UAE’s extra digital efforts should be above 20 percent of revenue in 2016, Umniah Jordan began construction focused on the improved application although the longer-term average of its LTE (4G) networks and will of technology such as cloud and would be about 15 percent. launch the service in early 2016, analytics, whereas 40 percent should with comprehensive coverage of all be focused on digital skills, and 10 populated areas in the Kingdom. percent on accelerators that would Saudi Telecom’s revenue support enabling the regulatory up by 11% in 2015 environment, the quality of education Pakistan media group Saudi Telecom Company (STC) has and the government incentives. In the posted a net profit of SAR9.258 to buy stake in telecoms US, however, just 10 percent of extra billion (USD2.47 billion) for the twelve digital efforts need to be injected into service provider, months ended 31 December 2015, a technology, while a greater return decrease of 15.5% from SAR10.959 WorldCall will be gained from boosting digital billion in the year-ago period. STC Dunya Group has bought 70% shares skills and broader enabling factors. attributed the decline in net profit to in WorldCall from Omantel for an According to the report, platform a SAR2.64 billion increase in cost of undisclosed amount, reports local business models represent one of the services and a SAR1.96 billion increase news website, ProPakistani. Reports greatest opportunities for digitally in operating expenses during 2015, suggest that deal between Dunya driven growth. These models allow which was mainly due to: the booking Media Group and Omantel — that had organizations to create new markets of a SAR406 million impairment 70% shares in WorldCall — was signed and uncover value by bringing related to an early-retirement yesterday and details are likely to be partners and customers together program; a SAR306 million in losses made public during next few days. across a common digital platform. on the sale/disposal of property, plant It merits mentioning here that 12% In many cases, platform players can and equipment; and a SAR560 million shares in WorldCall reside with Salman enjoy strong growth without having rise in miscellaneous expenses. Taseer (late) while another 18% shares to own or manage assets, helping Gross profit for the twelve-month are floated publicly in Pakistan Stock them expand with low marginal costs. period totaled SAR30.343 billion, up Exchange. Omantel had bought 65% 7.8% from SA28.156 billion in 2014. controlling stakes in WorldCall in Revenue from services rose 11.8% 2008 for $193 million. It later bought Batelco cancels plan to year-on-year in the fourth quarter of preferred shares of the company as sell Jordan unit 2015 to reach SAR13.246 billion, and well. WorldCall has been in deep for the twelve-month period turnover financial crisis for past six years as its Bahrain operator Batelco has amounted to SAR50.837 billion, an overall loss figures currently stand at Rs cancelled plans to sell Jordan increase of 10.9% from SAR45.826 2.95 billion by end of September 2015. operator Umniah, Batelco’s CEO told billion the previous year. Sources said the present management Reuters, citing market conditions as of the WorldCall was convinced by it instead aims to make acquisitions Dunya Group to divest its shares to itself. CEO Ihab Hinnawi said the Twenty cellular a new buyer as soon as possible as company is terminating the sale multiple options were unsuccessfully process since it’s not an optimal time operators in nine Arab experimented to drag the company to sell or buy. Hinnawi said prices are countries commercially out of its financial quagmire. In 2014, reducing, the appetite of so many the Group decided to sell out its big players is declining and many are launched LTE Wireless Local Loop infrastructure for over-leveraged. In January, Batelco During the period between May Rs. 2.17 billion, however, talks didn’t revealed it had received non-binding 2014 and October 2015, the number go through. WorldCall operates cable bids for Umniah, which accounted of operators providing LTE services and digital TV service, EvDO, DSL, WLL for a fifth of the parent’s 2015 had increased by three operators and LDI service under various brands. revenue and in which it holds a 96 across the Arab World. By October Dunya Group, through this investment, percent stake. Hinnawi said Batelco 2015, Long Term Evolution (LTE) hopes to secure an upcoming DTH has a healthy balance sheet and it’s was available in nine countries in license, which WorldCall’s cable priorities are to cut costs, increase the Arab World, including all GCC business is contesting to win. efficiency, assess potential new countries, namely, Algeria, Bahrain, business areas and assess existing Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Oman, assets. He wants to expand into smart Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the UAE. In

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Mideast IT spending profit, meanwhile, remained in line $47.9 million in the Omani rial tranche. with 2014, sitting at BHD49.5 million, But in a statement Wednesday to by banks to rise during though operating profit recorded Muscat’s bourse, Omantel announced 2016 a loss, decreasing by 10% y-o-y to it would postpone issuing the sukuk BHD70.2 million. EBITDA for the year “at the present time.” “The interest IT spending by banking and was negatively impacted by reduced rates on the sukuk were higher than securities firms in the Middle operating results, dropping to what we expected,” Talal al-Mamari East and North Africa (MENA) will BHD137.9 million, against BHD144.7 told Reuters. “We have taken the be approximately $12.5 billion million one year earlier. In operational advice of our financial advisor that in 2016, a 2.4 percent increase terms, mobile subscriptions increased now is not the right time to issue the over 2015, according to Gartner. in Batelco’s domestic market, as well as sukuk due to the current economic This forecast includes spending in Jordan (via the operator’s Uminah situation worldwide.” Proceeds from on internal IT services (including unit), and in the Maldives (Dhiraagu). the Sukuk would have helped to fund personnel), IT services, software, Customer numbers declined by 21%, the company’s new headquarters and data center technologies, devices however, for cellco Sabafon due to the to diversify its investment portfolio. and telecom services. Software ongoing unrest in Yemen and a difficult Mamari said Omantel’s investments spending continues to have operating environment, while Batelco’s would not stop, but did not give the fastest growth rate at 9.3 Saudi Arabia-based subsidiary Etihad further details. percent in 2016, followed by Atheeb (GO Telecom) reported an internal services at 4.7 percent. annualized decline of 13% for its Banks are increasingly availing of broadband operations due to intense Algeria Telecom to advanced analytics across their competition. At the Sure-branded business, while investments to Channel Islands and Isle of Man participate in ITU enhance and strengthen digital (CIIM) division, Batelco noted ‘strong international contest channels continue moderately. consumer performance’, causing An Algeria Telecom project for Banks are enhancing their front- mobile and broadband subscriptions connecting to internet communities office solutions to empower the to rise by 1% and 9%, respectively, of less than 1,000 inhabitants, employees as well. “IT spending and Dhiraagu’s broadband services was selected by the International increases moderately in 2016, attracted 16% customer growth Telecommunication Union (ITU) dampened by the low oil prices. during the year. Overall Batelco’s total Investments for high-priority subscriber base decreased by 5%, programs in flight continue, attributed to declining numbers in while brand new initiatives will be Yemen on the back of the challenging selectively launched in 2016,” said political environment. Batelco Group Rajesh Kandaswamy, Research Chairman, Shaikh Hamad Bin Abdulla Director at Gartner. Further Al Khalifa, commented: ‘We continue information on the banking and to face demanding market conditions securities industry IT spending across a number of our group’s is available in the Gartner report: operations with the impact reflected “Forecast: Enterprise IT spending in reduced subscriber numbers and for the Banking and Securities negative revenue trends. While some Market, Worldwide, 2013-2019, of our operations ended the year on 4Q15 Update”. This vertical a positive note, the overall picture industries forecast provides total remains challenging. Nonetheless, to participate in international enterprise IT spending, including we are optimistic that our cost contest “WSIS Project Prizes 2016,” internal spending and multiple transformation activities, investment said Sunday Algeria Telecom in a lines of detail for spending on in new networks including fiber and statement. The project of Algeria hardware, software, IT services, efforts to develop and strengthen Telecom has been selected “aims at and telecommunications for our digital solutions portfolio, will connecting 1,321 villages with more vertical industries and 43 countries ultimately boost subscriber numbers than 1000 inhabitants with national within seven geographies. and the bottom line.’ fiber optic network before the end of 2017,” said the source. This public Batelco revenues fall service initiative, fully financed by Omantel postpones Algeria Telecom, “intends to provide 4%, subscriber base $130 million sukuk over Internet access to citizens, businesses, shrinks by 5% schools and local communities in high interest rates all regions of the country, notably in Bahrain Telecommunications Oman Telecommunications Co the most remote areas of extreme Company (Batelco) has announced (Omantel) cancelled plans for what south of the country, “said the public its financial results for full-year would have been a $130 million, five- operator. Organized annually by 2015, posting gross revenues year dual-currency sukuk issue due to the ITU, this international contest is of BHD372.4 million (US$956.5 high interest rates from lenders, the a competition on the information million), down 4% year-on-year. company’s CEO Talal al-Mamari told and communication technologies, The operator noted the fall was Reuters. The sukuk was priced last which follows the World Summit of due to competitive pressure in month at a profit rate of 5.3 percent, Information Societies (WSIS). The a number of markets and the after receiving commitments worth “Swis Project Prizes 2016” will be held resultant loss of subscribers. Net $82.1 million in the dollar tranche and in Geneva (Switzerland) from 2 to 6

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May 2016 to reward the top 18 ICT learning, etc. The Telecommunication Iran cites Turkey as projects spread over 18 categories. Policy 2015 is very much aligned with Post 2015 Sustainable Development priority, proposes new Goals and the WSIS Action Lines. The economic plan Queen Maxima Lauds Minister said the under-served and unserved areas are prime focus of the A senior Iranian official has cited MoIT Efforts to Uplift Ministry and all projects to provide Turkey as a “priority” in boosting Telecom Sector in connectivity for disadvantaged trade relations in the aftermath of segments will be rolled out by early the removal of sanctions, proposing Pakistan 2018. She said to benefit whole to establish a new economic plan Queen Maxima, who is also UN communities we are establishing for the development of overall Secretary General’s Special Advocate 500 tele-centers for people of these economic ties. [This may also include on Inclusive Finance for Development areas through Universal Service Fund cooperation and investment in the held a meeting with Minister of (USF). These tele-centers will not ICT and telecommunications sector.] State for IT, Mrs. Anusha Rahman only create employability for local “The Turkish state and government, here in Islamabad. The Minister people but also provide them basic which had stood with us during the apprised Queen Maxima that the e-services i.e., e-commerce, e-health, implementation of sanctions, are of present government under visionary e-education and e-agriculture. course among our priorities in this new leadership of Prime Minister Nawaz It will be a best model of public- process as the sanctions have been private partnership for welfare of the removed. We are aware of the capacity people. She said our policy vision of Turkish companies and also of the of accelerated digitization, which is capacity of Iranian companies. But very much aligned to the theme of in this new era we should introduce “Digital Inclusion”, is an indication a new economic plan because the of our commitment to development mechanisms that we had been of opportunities for women utilizing during the sanctions will not empowerment through ICTs. As a respond to the necessities of this new special initiative for Girls, she said the era,” Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Ministry has partnered with Microsoft Ebrahim Rahimpour told Hürriyet Daily Corporation to increase access for News in an interview Feb. 10. Iran has Sharif fully realizes potential of ICTs all girls particularly those extremely emerged as a new center of attraction to spur socio-economic growth; and disadvantaged, to learn coding for the world’s largest economies, after considers ICTs as a key enabler to and computing skills. Considering the removal of sanctions allowed the achieve efficiency, transparency, good the importance of e-payment oil-rich country to access more than governance and empowering the gateway, Ministry of IT is focusing on $100 billion in assets abroad as well people. The Ministry is pursuing with making online transactions readily as increase oil and natural gas exports vision of accelerated digitization to available to the buyers and sellers. to consumers. In an interview Iranian transform Pakistan into a knowledge E-commerce framework is also ambassador to Turkey Ali Reza Bikdeli based economy. Our focus remains being prepared in collaboration with said the Iranian energy portfolio was on ubiquitous development of ICT Ministry of Commerce, SBP and other up to $300 billion. With the removal infrastructure across the country stakeholders to unleash full potential of sanctions Iran is in the process of with special emphasis on serving of e-commerce for our economy. strengthening its economy while marginalized segments of the society Queen Maxima highlighted the need Turkey has lost some of its big markets, and bridging the digital divide. She of financial inclusion particularly the Iranian diplomat said, adding, “We said Ministry of IT has played its role women and marginalized segments can therefore work together. Countries as an important stakeholder with and said financial inclusion plays a that had not stood with us during respect to provision of affordable pivotal role in promoting inclusive sanctions are now stepping forward. telecommunication services, economic growth through enhancing Why should Turkey, which stood with especially cellular mobile services, to livelihood particularly for women. us during the sanctions, not be in help, interalia with improving access of She said affordable smartphones front and stay behind?” The Iranian un-banked people of Pakistan living in for women are pivotal and in this diplomat said a slowdown in bilateral remote areas to the financial services. regard, special incentives can be economic relations was observed in As a Policy priority, the Minister said given by Public Private Sector, along 2015 but it was time to look ahead. the government has launched Next with any additional fiscal measures “2015 has passed; we are now looking Generation Mobile (3G/4G) Services as may be adopted. Queen Maxima at 2016. Energy, trade, investments in Pakistan in 2014. On technology appreciated the commitment and and industry are areas where we think front, Pakistan has become at par dedication of MoIT in pursuing we can go ahead,” he said. with the developed world. Anusha the agenda of digital Pakistan and Rahman said today Pakistan has more working for communities to have than 15% broadband penetration and maximum connectivity that will Omantel scraps plans for growing as compared to less than 3% also lead to financial inclusion. She debut sukuk two years ago. Broadband (3G/4G) offered International Community’s data has enabled huge opportunity full support for further initiatives Oman Telecommunications (Omantel), for innovative products, apps and of Government of Pakistan in this the Sultanate’s incumbent telecoms services particularly in social sector regard. operator, has decided not to proceed domains e.g. e/m-medicine, e/m- with its proposed USD130 million commerce, e/m-health and e/m-

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SAMENA TRENDS _ FEB 2016 SAMENA TRENDS _ FEB 2016 debut sukuk issue ‘at the present a separate company, Reuters reports, Elsewhere, Zain Jordan signed up time’, following recommendations citing Saudi Arabian financial news a total of 4.1 million users, a 6% from its advisors. Last month the source Maaal. It is however unclear improvement compared to 2014. company opened for subscription whether the new business would a five-year dual currency Islamic be owned jointly by the telcos, or bond, but chief executive Talal whether they would sell it off to a third Pakistan stands 4th in al-Mamari told Reuters that the party. According to TeleGeography’s interest rates on the sukuk were GlobalComms Database, during Average Monthly Call higher than expected. ‘We have 2011 STC and Mobily were said to Charges-ITU taken the advice of our financial be finalizing the details of a scheme As per the International advisor that now is not the right to merge their respective cell tower Telecommunication Union (ITU), time to issue the sukuk, due to businesses in order to save on Pakistan is the fourth country in the the current economic situation infrastructure costs; completion was world where average monthly cost worldwide,’ he revealed. originally expected before end-2011, of running a is quite though talks subsequently stalled. reasonable as compared to rest of the More recently, in February 2015 world, regardless of being the eighth Mobily issued a tender for advisory Turkcell moving highest taxation telecom sector in the services to look at strategic options world. An average monthly cost in forward with Fintur for the its towers portfolio, with bids Pakistan is Rs 222.41 ($2.21) only. acquisition understood to have been submitted shortly afterwards. Turkey’s largest cellco by subscribers, Turkcell, plans to continue with its effort to fully acquire wireless joint venture Zain Group’s 2015 Fintur (inclusive of mobile revenues down 6% to operations in Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan, Georgia and Moldova), USD3.8bn reports Bloomberg. Turkcell, which Kuwait-based telecoms group Zain currently holds a 41.45% stake in has published its consolidated the subsidiary, has already made a financial results for the year ended 31 non-binding offer for the 58.55% December 2015, reporting a 6% annual 942Mbps achieved in stake owned by Swedish partner decrease in revenues to KWD1.14 TeliaSonera. Turkcell CEO Kaan billion (USD3.78 billion), down from “4.5G” speed tests in Terzioglu is cited as confirming the KWD1.21 billion reported in the that the company will follow this corresponding period of 2014. The Turkey with another bid after completing company disclosed that the slump was Vodafone’s Turkish unit has announced due diligence. mainly due to the recent appreciation a record speed of 942Mbps in tests of the US dollar against the Kuwaiti utilizing LTE-suitable spectrum won dinar, which affected revenues in the August 2015 auction. Claiming As previously reported by negatively by USD218 million in 2015. a first for the country, the operator TeleGeography’s CommsUpdate, EBITDA declined to KWD499 million has applied 256-QAM (quadrature in September 2015 Turkcell (down 2% year-on-year) in the period amplitude modulation) technology to declared that it was looking to under review, while the company frequencies aggregated across four appoint a strategic and financial booked a net profit of KWD154 million bands – 800MHz, 1800MHz, 2100MHz advisor to explore the possibility of in 2015, a 21% decrease on the profit and 2600MHz. Vodafone Turkey full acquisition of Fintur, while two reported twelve months earlier. Zain expects to launch commercial ‘4.5G’ months later the operator signed disclosed that additional amortisation technology on April 1, 2016. As noted agreements to hire Citigroup and on Zain Iraq’s 3G licence fee and Zain in TeleGeography’s GlobalComms HSBC Holdings to advise on the Jordan’s additional 3G and newly Database, Turkey’s three incumbent acquisition. The decision followed acquired 4G spectrum licence fees mobile network operators (MNOs), TeliaSonera’s announcement impacted the bottom line by USD52 British-owned Vodafone plus Turkish- that it had initiated a process to million. CAPEX for the year meanwhile owned Turkcell and Avea (Turk reduce, and over time fully exit, its amounted to USD797 million Telekom), each won 4G spectrum in presence in its ‘Eurasian’ (CIS and (excluding Saudi Arabia), down 10% the 26 August 2015 tender held by Asian) markets. y-o-y from USD881 million in 2014, the Information and Communication despite ‘heavy investments’ in 3G and Technologies Authority (BTK). 4G network expansion upgrades. Vodafone paid a total of USD869 Saudi cellcos in million for spectrum in the 800MHz In operational terms, Zain Group (2×10MHz), 900MHz (2×1.4MHz), discussion to create reported a 3% increase in its 1800MHz (2×10MHz) and 2600MHz consolidated customer base, which JV tower business (2×15MHz) bands, valid for 14 years. reached 45.6 million at 31 December Saudi Arabian cellcos Saudi 2015. In Kuwait subscribers increased Telecom Company (STC), Zain by 9% year-on-year, to 2.9 million, and Etihad Etisalat (Mobily) are while Saudi Arabia contributed 11.9 Pakistan’s 3G/4G users reportedly in discussions to spin million users to the total subscriber jump threefold in 2015 off their mobile towers assets into base, equivalent to 32% y-o-y growth. Pakistan’s five mobile operators

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added about 16 million 3G/4G users returns. The threats and breaches spend more on FDA in the next two last year, expanding the country’s include malicious insiders stealing, years. When looking at the reasons mobile broadband user base to 23.65 manipulating or destroying data. for increased investment, the survey million, according to the Pakistan Sixty-nine percent say that they need found that responding to growing Telecommunication Authority (PTA). to do more to improve their current cybercrime risks and increased 3G/4G connections now account for anti-fraud procedures, including the regulatory scrutiny are the top drivers nearly 19 per cent of total mobile use of FDA tools. Notably, this figure at 53% and 43%, respectively. How FDA connections, which increased by 1.65 increased to 74% for the C-suite tools are deployed is also changing, million in December to end the year cohort. Of those respondents citing with 63% of respondents saying they at 126 million, ProPakistani reported. regulatory pressure as the reason to invest at least half of their FDA budget Market leader Mobilink had a 29 per improve their procedures, C-suite on proactive monitoring activities. In cent market share in Q4, followed by respondents were found to be response to these increased risks, the Telenor (28 per cent), Zong (19 per the most concerned as regulatory use of advanced FDA is becoming cent), Ufone (18 per cent) and Warid enforcement becomes more rigorous mainstream, with new technologies and (8 per cent). Mobilink will widen its and widespread. Mike Adlem, MENA surveillance monitoring techniques lead over Norway’s Telenor after its Fraud Investigation and Dispute widely used to help companies planned merger with Warid, which will Services Leader, EY, says. “Cybercrime manage current and emerging fraud give it 47 million mobile connections and insider threats are an everyday and cyber risks. The rising maturity of compared with Telenor’s 34 million. reality, posing a dynamic and corporate FDA efforts is also evident Only China Mobile-backed Zong and relentless challenge. In MENA, 40% of through the growing sophistication Warid offer 4G service. Zong has a businesses consider this risk to have in their use of data. Seventy-five slight lead over Warid (283,000 vs increased, however globally more percent of respondents routinely 214,000). Warid recently expanded than 60% of businesses say the risk analyze a wide range of structured its 4G coverage to 34 major cities. has increased. This may be due to and unstructured data, enabling them Zong said it has 4G coverage in all lower awareness in MENA as well as to gain a comprehensive view of the major cities. The country’s mobile increasing regulatory pressures being their risk environment. Paul Marsters, teledensity ended the year at 65.3 applied in other regions. Businesses Director, MENA Forensic Technology & per cent, while the number of total in MENA need to continue to raise Discovery Services, EY, says: “Given the broadband subscribers increased to risk awareness with management and level of pressure on fraud prevention 26.3 million, the PTA said. prepare for the expected increased that organizations in MENA are facing, regulatory pressures that will be it is no surprise that the majority of applied in the future. The use of FDA respondents are expending more Nearly 40% of MENA should form a critical component of effort on proactive initiatives. With risk management and compliance technology becoming increasingly businesses believe cyber programs and be applied in both sophisticated, the opportunity to drive breaches or insider a proactive and reactive manner.” value from FDA efforts is improving. When looking at the current use of If the FDA plans are aligned with threats are the fastest FDA tools to investigate incidents or businesses investments in broader growing fraud risk manage risk, the survey found that Data Analytics, then there is a great internal fraud risk ranks highest for opportunity to raise FDA benefits Cyber breaches and insider threats the application of FDA at 77%, and case and awareness to executives.” are the fastest-growing risks and are cyber breach or insider threat risk The survey was conducted with driving investment in Forensic Data ranks second at 70%. With just 55% 665 executives globally across nine Analytics (FDA) according to MENA of respondents saying that their FDA industry sectors, including financial executives. This is according to EY’s spend is sufficient, a drop from 64% in services, life sciences, manufacturing 2016 Global Forensic Data Analytics our 2014 survey, it is no surprise that and power and utilities. Survey, Shifting into high gear: three out of five say that they plan to mitigating risks and demonstrating Board of Smart Africa holds meeting The third session of Smart Africa took place in Addis Ababa on this 31st of January 2016. Chaired by President Paul Kagame, the Board witnessed the signing of the Host Country Agreement by Rwanda’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation, Louise Mushikiwabo and Dr. Hamadoun Touré, the Executive Secretariat of Smart Africa. The signing of the Host Country Agreement seals the creation of the Smart Africa Secretariat and its Headquarters in Kigali. Commenting on the signing of the event, Dr. Hamadoun Touré said that the signing

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SAMENA TRENDS _ FEB 2016 SAMENA TRENDS _ FEB 2016 of the agreement in just three sector. The Arab Advisors Group’s takes into account nine categories, weeks after the establishment Cellular Competition Intensity Index with each category assigned a of the office is a testimony of for 2015 ranked Lebanon in 17th place weight based on its importance as the dynamist, sense of urgency among 19 countries in the Arab world, an indicator of competitive behavior. and commitment that founding unchanged from the 2014 index, but The categories include the number fathers are placing on Smart Africa up from 19th place in 2013. Even of licensed and expected operators for the rapid development of the impoverished Mauritania performed in 2015, the number of working continent. While officiating at the better than Lebanon, ranking 14th in operators, the market share of the opening of the session, President this year’s index for the Arab world. largest operator, the number of prepaid Paul Kagame commended his The report was carried by Lebanon plans, the number of postpaid plans, colleagues for championing their This Week, the economic publication the availability of smartphone plans, respective flagship initiatives that of the Byblos Bank Group. Lebanon the availability of corporate offers, the are positioning Africa for the 4th was among seven countries whose availability of 3G/4G LTE services and industrial revolution. “Africa is on rankings were unchanged from the the availability of international long the threshold of a truly connected 2014 index, along with Saudi Arabia, distance competition. future. Pooling our efforts Jordan, Palestine, Iraq, Tunisia and and committing to accelerate Mauritania. The rankings of Bahrain, digital talent development, Kuwait, Yemen, the UAE and Libya support innovation, expand and improved year-on-year, while those interconnect our broadband of Egypt, Morocco, Oman, Algeria, networks ably demonstrates that Sudan, Qatar and Syria regressed from trend,” President Kagame said. the 2014 index. Lebanon received a The immediate implementation of score of 41.83 percent in 2015, up from One Africa Network is landmark 40.76 percent in 2014, 40.71 percent decision taken by the Board, in 2013 and 38.84 percent in 2012, building on the successful but significantly below the regional experience of the One Network average of 59.4 percent. Lebanon’s Area of the Northern Corridor score increased by 1.07 percentage of East Africa. Commenting on points and posted the fifth-lowest this milestone, President Macky increase regionally. All Arab countries Sall of Senegal emphasized the posted increases in their 2015 score. significance of One Africa Network The Arab Advisors Group considered as an accelerating factor for Africa’s Saudi Arabia as having the most integration. The board noted the competitive cellular market in the progress made in operationalizing region as it hosts four operational and the Smart Africa Scholarship Fund, licensed mobile network operators in thanked the contributors to the addition to two mobile virtual network Fund and received pledges of all operators. It also offers smartphone the remaining members. The Board plans, corporate offers, 4G LTE services of Smart Africa is composed of the and international long-distance Heads of States of 11 Member competition. In contrast, it viewed the States and Heads of ITU and Lebanese cellular market as a duopoly African Union Commission. The as it hosts two operators with a market session in Addis was attended by share split of around 47 percent to 53 Presidents Macky Sall of Senegal, percent. It added that Lebanon offers Ibrahim Boubakar Keita of Mali, 13 prepaid plans and eight postpaid Uhuru Kenyatta of Kenya, Ali plans, in addition to smartphone Bongo Ondimba of Gabon, Rock plans, corporate offers and 3G/4G LTE Marc Kabore of Burkina Faso and services. Lebanon, along with the UAE, Edward Ssekandi, Vice President Qatar and Syria have a duopoly cellular of Uganda. Also represented were market, with the four countries ranking the AUC, ITU, UNECA and AfDB. at the bottom of the index. The index uses a relative approach, as it rates the intensity level of competition in the Lebanon, Syria and region’s cellular markets by comparing the state of every market relative to Libya’s telecoms rank the other markets. “As such, even if a worst for competition market’s absolute level of competition improved, its score on the index will Lebanon has the third-least- also depend on how other markets competitive cellular market in developed during the same period the Arab world after war-ravaged of time,” the report added. The index, Syria and Libya, a clear indication designed by the Arab Advisors Group, that the country has made no real effort to modernize this vital

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Regulatory NEWS

Regulators wrong to to merge in Denmark with a view to preventing a reduction in competition fear price rises from and the imposition of higher prices on consolidation – Vodafone consumers. Austria is often cited as a market in which prices have risen following CEO the 2013 acquisition of Orange’s local Colao backs European Commission on unit by Hong Kong’s Hutchison. Not so, Denmark decision, sees no problem Colao believes. “[Prices are] going down with planned Italian merger, but warns everywhere, including Austria,” he said. of conflicts in U.K. European telecoms Nonetheless, Colao has few complaints regulators’ fears over in-market about the European Commission’s track consolidation bringing higher prices record when it comes to mergers. “I for consumers are misplaced, Vodafone don’t think the Commission has been Regulatory CEO Vittorio Colao insisted on Monday. too aggressive with its stance,” he said. “The concern on pricing is overblown,” “In Denmark there was a certain market Updates he said, speaking to the media on the structure,” that gave the Commission sidelines of Mobile World Congress. cause for concern, he said. “In Italy it’s When looking at the potential impact a different case.” Hutchison Europe and of a merger deal, regulatory authorities Vimpelcom formally notified the European should recognise that price is not the Commission of their intention to merge same as consumer spend, Colao said. their Italian fixed and mobile businesses, In many cases, consumers are spending Wind and 3 Italia respectively, earlier this around 3%-5% more in return for 60%- month. CoLao believe the deal will get 70% growth in usage, he explained, while the green light from Brussels. “I don’t see in others Vodafone wishes it could reach problems,” he said. However, he is less that 3%-5% mark. “To me, it looks like an enthusiastic about the proposed merger excellent deal,” he said. “We should look between Hutchison’s U.K. businesses, at the overall customer deal,” rather than 3UK, with Telefonica’s O2, largely because headline prices. The desire to mitigate the the two mobile operators are involved in impact on the consumer wallet is usually separate network-sharing deals. “[That] the main focus of national competition conflicts with competition law,” Colao regulators and the European Commission said. “O2 and Hutch cannot pretend to when it comes to deciding the fate of sit on two different, exclusive,” network proposed M&A deals. Five months ago partnerships. European competition commissioner nixed Telenor and TeliaSonera’s plans

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India commission is expected to be 4G operator Reliance slamming and cramming Hispanic Jio Infocomm, which has already consumers. Specifically, the FCC is approves interim signed a spectrum sharing agreement calling out OneLink Communications, measure for spectrum with Reliance Communications and has TeleDias Communications, TeleUno yet to commercially launch services. and Cytel, which while operating liberalization But even operators without spectrum separately are actually all related India’s Telecom Commission has ruled sharing deals will potentially be able companies. The companies are that operators can liberalize 800MHz to benefit by negotiating agreements accused of slamming consumers, spectrum in the Rajasthan, Karnataka, to use existing infrastructure as they which means the companies switched Kerala and Tamil Nadu circles by expand into new areas. the consumers’ long distance carriers paying the reserve price for the without authorization, and cramming spectrum and matching the market- customers, meaning the carriers determined price for the airwaves Telenor Pakistan raises added unauthorized charges to following the conclusion of the next concerns over Mobilink- consumers’ bills. Federal regulators frequency auction, scheduled for June also say the companies “fabricated this year, the Economic Times writes. Warid merger audio recordings that they then submitted to the FCC as ‘proof’ the Operators with spectrum that was Telenor Pakistan reportedly has not purchased via auction must pay raised concerns over the proposed the government the market price for Mobilink-Warid merger with the the airwaves before they can trade or county’s Competition Commission, share the frequencies. No market price which is reviewing the deal for is currently available for the 800MHz regulatory approval. Mobilink’s parent band in the four circles in question, company, VimpelCom, announced however, as they were not auctioned in November it planned to merge its in the March 2015 sale. As an interim local unit with rival Warid Telecom, measure, the regulator has allowed which would expand its market share operators to liberalize airwaves in from the current 29 per cent to about these areas by paying the base price 37 per cent. Warid is the fifth largest and following up with the remainder player with 10.7 million connections once their market value has been and an 8 per cent market share. The consumers authorized these changes determined by the auction. commission confirmed that Telenor and charges.” “Charging consumers for complained that the merger could services they did not want or authorize “negatively impact the industry”, is simply unacceptable,” Enforcement India changes which has faced high taxes that have Bureau Chief Travis LeBlanc said. curbed growth, ProPakistani reported. competition rules; “We are committed to combating After receiving Telenor’s complaint, slamming and cramming because the commission directed the country’s approves active these unjust and unreasonable mobile operators not to interact with practices result in consumers paying infrastructure sharing the media or issue statements about for services they never requested India’s Department of Telecom has the planned merger, which is under or received, and spending their changed competition rules to allow for consideration, ProPakistani said. A time trying to reverse unauthorized active as well as passive infrastructure decision could take up to 90 days, carrier charges.” The FCC tallied more sharing, in a move expected to help but a source told the newspaper it than 140 complaints against the operators reduce capex costs by up to likely won’t take that long. Telenor is companies. According to the regulator, 35%. The move to let operators share number two with a 27 per cent market “Some consumers alleged that the equipment such as mobile switching share and 33.8 million connections, companies’ telemarketers pretended centers - as well as simply tower according to GSMA Intelligence. to be from the post office calling space - is also expected to help telcos Market leader Mobilink currently about a nonexistent package delivery reduce opex costs by around 5%, the has a user base of about 36 million. to obtain information to create fake Financial Express reported. The revised If the deal is approved, it will be the consumer authorization recordings. rules limit the infrastructure that can country’s first merger in the telecoms In other cases, it appears the be shared to “antennae, feeder cable, sector, which has nine players serving companies impersonated individuals Node B, radio access network and a user base of 127 million. transmission system,” a DoT directive in the authorization recordings. The states. Active infrastructure sharing companies then allegedly provided will also allow mobile operators to FCC alleges slamming, the fake authorizations to the FCC act on spectrum sharing agreements. in response to its investigation into Rules allowing for spectrum sharing cramming targeting the consumer complaints.” The were introduced in September but ‘consumers with Hispanic regulator body has classified the operators had been unable to enact long-distance carriers’ practices as such agreements without allowing surnames’ “unjust and unreasonable” per the Communications Act. Further, the for active infrastructure sharing. The Staff at the Federal Communications fake consumer authorizations violate DoT has also recently introduced laws Commission Enforcement Bureau applicable federal laws. 2014 was a allowing for passive infrastructure last week proposed fines totaling banner year in its enforcement of sharing, but this was largely limited to $29.6 million against four long- cramming violations. Sprint that year enabling tower sharing agreements. distance providers accused of The biggest beneficiary of the new rule was fined more than $100 million for

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SAMENA TRENDS _ FEB 2016 SAMENA TRENDS _ FEB 2016 the practice while AT&T Mobility was have been misused in the US will be dumped telecom stocks after Prime also fined $105 million for adding able to file complaints to a dedicated Minister Najib Razak said on January unauthorized charges. new ombudsperson. Companies 28 that the government will optimize handling the data will face deadlines revenue from telecommunication to reply to complaints, and European spectrum through redistribution and EU, US agree new privacy regulators can refer complaints to bidding process. The announcement the Department of Commerce and had sparked fears of unforeseen hefty shield for data transfers the Federal Trade Commission. expenditure for the telecom players The European Union and the US In addition, alternative dispute and triggered a selloff that wiped off have agreed on a new framework for resolution will be free of charge. The more than $2.17 billion of market value protecting the privacy of personal new ombudsperson will focus on of telecommunication companies on data passed by companies between complaints about possible access that day alone. “While this reallocation the two territories, the European by national intelligence authorities. development is still a negative for the Commission announced. To be known The agreement is still subject to a sector, we view the telco sell-down as as the EU-US Privacy Shield, the number of consultations before it is an over-reaction as the impact may be agreement comes on the deadline confirmed. European Commissioners lower than feared,” said AmResearch of 02 February set by EU privacy Andrus Ansip and Vera Jourova will analyst Alex Goh. , the country’s regulators to reach an agreement. EU prepare a draft “adequacy decision” in largest telecom company by revenue, regulators said previously that without the coming weeks. After obtaining the added 5.0% last week while Maxis, a new political agreement, they would advice of the Article 29 Working Party, which has the largest subscriber base start enforcing the court ban on the which unites EU privacy regulators, in Malaysia, finished Friday with 6.5% previous ‘safe harbor’ designation for and consulting a committee of weekly gain and Telenor-backed DiGi. the US. This was found by the EU court Com climbed 3.1%. Analysts note that to not include enough safeguards to separate disclosures by the respective protect the privacy of EU citizens or companies show that and offer them legal redress if their data Maxis received lower spectrum was misused. Since then businesses holdings while both DiGi.Com and have operated in legal uncertainty the unlisted -- controlled about whether they could still transfer by Malaysian gaming and retail data on EU customers to the US. tycoon Vincent Tan -- received higher The new arrangement will provide allocation. While the fees are “unlikely stronger obligations on companies in to be exorbitant,” the allocation will the US to protect the personal data of lead to heightened competition and Europeans. US companies wishing to potentially higher capital expenditure import personal data from Europe will representatives of EU states, the for the incumbents, said Chong Lee need to commit to “robust obligations” decision will be subject to clearance Len, an analyst at brokerage UOB on how personal data is processed by the full European Commission. KayHian. Celcom and Maxis collectively and individual rights are guaranteed. In the meantime, the US will make command more than half of the total The US Department of Commerce the necessary preparations to put in mobile subscriptions in Malaysia, will monitor that companies publish place the new framework, monitoring while Digi controls about a quarter of their commitments, which makes mechanisms and ombudsman. the market with the remainder is split them enforceable under US law by the between U Mobile and other smaller Federal Trade Commission. In addition, players. Mobile phone penetration any company handling human in Malaysia is high at over 100% and resources data from Europe has to Redistribution of more than half of the subscribers commit to comply with decisions by telecom spectrum partly own a smartphone. But the industry European data protection authorities. is facing pressure to upgrade their The US also committed to ensuring calms investors equipment and offerings that includes that American authorities, such as law Malaysia’s decision to redistribute rolling out latest fourth-generation enforcement and national security telecommunication bandwidth rather mobile network due to rising use of forces, have access to personal data than hold an open auction will spare video streaming and internet gaming. transferred from the EU only under the mobile phone service providers The massive capital outlay required clear conditions, when necessary from wading into an expensive to handle the surge in data traffic, and proportionate. The US ruled bidding war, but it will still intensify however, have been eroding profit out indiscriminate mass surveillance competition in a cut-throat market. margins, and frequently sparking a on the personal data transferred The Malaysian Communications price war among the top operators. to the US. To regularly monitor the and Multimedia Commission will BMI Research, a unit of Fitch Ratings, functioning of the arrangement, the assign the highly-prized 900MHz said the reallocation of the spectrum EC and US Department of Commerce and 1800MHz spectrums among will “level the playing field” by allowing will conduct an annual joint review, the country’s four largest operators smaller operators DiGi.Com and U which will also include the issue of --Axiata Group’s Celcom, Maxis, DiGi. Mobile to further expand their third- national security access. National Com and U Mobile -- and charge and fourth-generation networks. That intelligence experts from the US and an unspecified fee, according to makes U Mobile better placed to European privacy regulators will be a statement from the country’s challenge the top three, BMI Research invited to participate in the review. telecommunication regulator. The said, noting that the extra spectrum Europeans who suspect their data may news calmed investors who had will also enable U Mobile “to build its

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subscriber base and stimulate higher internet, but on the other, it negatively channels for ZAR99; subscribers also consumption of data applications impacts competition and transparency gain access to free-to-air content without compromising on network and would have ‘far-reaching from SABC, e.tv and community quality.” To make up for the lower consequences…on the structure of broadcasters. As previously reported spectrum holdings, Maxis and Celcom the internet.’ As such, the regulator by TeleGeography’s CommsUpdate, are likely to ramp up investments to has moved to impose a blanket ban the migration process, which was mitigate potential traffic congestion rather than approaching the matter on originally scheduled for completion in and deepen coverage, analysts say. a case-by-case basis: ‘Keeping in view November 2011 in line with a Cabinet That portends massive capital outlay India’s large number of internet users decision taken in 2007, has since been that could crimp dividend payments. and content producers, both of which pushed back to 1 December 2013, Overall, the absence of significant are rising exponentially, the Authority and subsequently 17 June 2015 (the developments over the next six to has taken a view that prohibition of International Telecommunication nine months will cap any upside in discriminatory tariff for data services Union’s [ITU’s] deadline for analogue telecom shares, said UOB Kay Hian’s is necessary to ensure that service switch-off). The country failed to meet Chong “Our Market Weight stance (on providers continue to fulfill their the international deadline, though the the sector) reflects limited earnings obligations in keeping the internet cabinet pledged in December 2015 to upside and pedestrian earnings open and non-discriminatory.’ initiate the project on 1 February 2016. outlook for Celcom, Maxis and Digi in The regulations came into effect Minister in the Presidency Jeff Radebe 2016, with earnings downside arising immediately (8 February), with the said at the time that the migration from spectrum reallocation and following caveats. Packs, plans or from analogue to digital broadcasting heightened competition,” he added. vouchers with unexpired validity services would release ‘the much- Shares of Maxis ended 1.97% higher at subscribed by a customer before the needed frequency spectrum’ – suitable 6.21 ringgit as investors continued to start date of the regulations will not for the provision of 4G LTE mobile cheer its last week’s announcement of be affected, allowing customers to broadband services – and would a 38% jump in October-December net make full use of plans that they have increase the competitiveness of the profit on improved services revenue. already paid for. Further, providers South African economy. Local markets were closed on Monday may reduce tariffs for accessing or and Tuesday for Chinese New Year. providing emergency services or at Meanwhile Axiata shed 3.6% at 5.68 time of ‘grave public emergency,’ Telecom operator ringgit and Digi.com lost 2.98% to end leaving the gate open for cellcos to urges Nigeria to at 4.88 ringgit in Kuala Lumpur trading offer free access to over-the-top (OTT) while the benchmark FTSE Bursa apps such as WhatsApp and Viber prioritize Sustainable Malaysia KLCI fell 1.09% to 1,644.41 during natural disasters. points. Development Goals agenda of the United South Africa launches TRAI implements net Nations DTT migration process Etisalat Nigeria Limited has called neutrality regulations South African government has on governments across the country The Telecom Regulatory Authority announced a significant milestone to prioritize meeting the critical of India (TRAI) has published new in the analogue to digital terrestrial development needs of the nation in regulations on net neutrality, television (DTT) migration project their renewed efforts at achieving prohibiting operators from providing by kick-starting the process of the Sustainable Development Goals discriminatory tariffs based on ‘dual illumination’, during which agenda of the United Nations. Vice content. The ruling prohibits the analogue and digital signals will President, Regulatory and Corporate provision of ‘zero-rating’ data services, coexist. TechCentral reports that the Affairs, Etisalat Nigeria, Ibrahim Dikko, where operators include unlimited dual illumination period started on made the call recently in Abuja while free access to certain applications or 1 February and is expected to last speaking at the seventh edition of the websites, such as Facebook and Twitter, ‘several years’ until as part of a package. As a financial analogue signals disincentive, the TRAI has set a flat are switched off at penalty of INR50,000 (USD735.8) for a future date, yet each day that a provider contravenes to be determined the new regulations, to a maximum of by cabinet. INR5 million. MultiChoice was the first provider to The new rules – dubbed the launch commercial Prohibition of Discriminatory Tariffs DTT services by for Data Services Regulations, 2016 introducing its – followed a public consultation on GOtv service via the matter of price differentiation in its subsidiary 2015. Summarizing feedback from M-Net. The stakeholders, the TRAI noted that on platform offers two the one hand, price differentiation standard definition helps drive up internet penetration channels for ZAR49 and lowers the cost of utilizing the (USD3.1) or twelve

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SAMENA TRENDS _ FEB 2016 SAMENA TRENDS _ FEB 2016 thought leadership breakfast series, Action Campaign, Hilary Ogbonna; competition and beginning the Sustainable Conversations, organized the Corporate Affairs Director, ultimate transformation of the market, by Thistle Praxis Consulting in Unilever Nigeria, Soromidayo George; the share is still disproportionately partnership with Etisalat Nigeria. Dikko MD/CEO, Galaxy Backbone, Yusuf unbalanced,” Arroyo said, in the lauded the UN-backed Sustainable Kazaure; Deputy Director, Research report. He predicted that “it will take Development Goals agenda, but and Statistics, Ministry of Science years” to bring balance to the market. noted that a country like Nigeria has and Tech, Mr. Anyanwu Anselem According to the latest IFT figures, to evaluate and priorities which goals representing the Minister for Science America Movil’s Telcel served 69.5% of constitute its most pressing needs and and Technology, Dr. Ogbonnaya Onu Mexico’s mobile customers at the end go for such without taking its eyes off and Director, Centre for Sustainable of June, while Telefonica had 21.5% the others in the UN-backed 17-goals Development (CESDEV), University of and AT&T 8.5%, with MVNOs making agenda block. His words, “The SDGs Ibadan, Prof. Labode Popoola. up the remainder. In the fixed market, are lofty and ambitious targets. I think America Movil had a 62% share at the the way around this is for countries same date, followed by Televisa with to look for what is the most critical AT&T seeks faster 19% and Telefonica with 7%. for them. Each country has its own priorities. For a country like ours that regulatory reform in has a very young, up and coming Mexico Croatia’s telcos to population, our primary concern for AT&T has, over the past 12 months, now should be to focus on education, continue investments often praised Mexican authorities health, security, peace and justice, for regulatory reforms that seek to despite legal uncertainty access to facilities, among others tackle the dominance of market leader needs. That is not to say we should and burdens on income America Movil and have as a result ignore the other goals and just focus Croatia’s three leading telcos – made the country a viable opportunity on these. We should priorities and Hrvatski Telekom (HT), Vipnet and for newcomers like itself. But a senior start with what is achievable now given Tele2 Hrvatska – all expect to have a executive at the company is now the resources at our disposal.” While challenging year in 2016. However, calling for faster change in the market, assuring of Etisalat’s commitment reports Poslovni, they will continue pointing out that the government’s to strengthening partnerships with to invest in infrastructure, advanced two-year-old reform efforts have governments and their agencies technology and innovative services. actually had no impact on America towards achieving the development Meanwhile, the regulator HAKOM Movil’s market share. The Carlos Slim- goals, Dikko disclosed that the expects high-speed internet access owned telco has more customers company is leading a quiet revolution to become available throughout now than it did when the regulator in providing telecommunications- the country this year. Davor introduced asymmetric rules designed focused education with training of Tomaskovic, the CEO of HT, said to curb its dominance two years ago, students and lecturers in that field. that the incumbent will invest even Thaddeus Arroyo, AT&T’s Mexico “When we started operations in 2008, more than last year’s HRK1.3 billion chief executive, told Bloomberg in an we realized that in our Universities, (€169.4 million) in infrastructure. At interview. “The real question, and it’s there were only such programs like the same time, it is waiting for the for the regulator to determine, [is] petroleum, electrical, mechanical and removal of administrative barriers what additional conditions are needed chemical engineering, but there was and for more legal certainty, as well to drive change faster?” the newswire no telecommunications engineering. as lowering excessive burdens on quoted Arroyo as saying. Regulatory In this 21st century, there is no way we income, to help with this investment. body the IFT announced in March can go forward and build capacity if Jiri Dvorjancansky, the CEO of Vipnet, 2014 that it was moving to tackle we did not try and address that. So we said that the challenges in Croatia and dominance in the telecoms and pay TV started a partnership with ABU, Zaria to Macedonia for Telekom Austria Group sectors and later imposed a series of sponsor students to Masters’ Degree would be an opportunity to create a new regulations on America Movil and programs in telecommunications strong convergent challenger, while Grupo Televisa. Initially, America Movil engineering in partnership with Malin Holmberg, the president of Tele said it would sell off a portfolio of Plymouth University, UK and the 2 Hrvatska and executive VP of Tele2 assets – sufficient to facilitate the entry Etisalat Academy, UAE. We are also Group for Central Europe, indicated of a new competitor into the market – training some lecturers at PhD level so that the beginning of 2016, like but that plan never came to fruition. there can be capacity for knowledge 2015, would be marked by significant Meanwhile, AT&T bought its way into sharing,” he said. Also speaking, investment. Mexico, snapping up third-largest Country Director, PLAN International, mobile operator Iusacell and smaller Dr. Hussaini Abdu, who expressed player Nextel early last year. The IFT delight at the prospects inherent in plans to review its anti-dominance Telenor Norway could be the goals, asserted that the attainment rulings in March, and may introduce of the development goals can be fast- in breach of competition changes or add new measures, tracked with the active involvement of Bloomberg explained, adding that law the organized private sector and other analysts believe it may be too soon Telenor could face regulatory action relevant segments of the Nigerian for anything other than fine-tuning. after being hit with a statement of society. Other discussants included the Nonetheless, AT&T plans to share its objections from the EFTA Surveillance Acting Regional Coordinator, Africa, thoughts with the regulator ahead of Authority (ESA), which claims the UN Millennium Campaign/SDGs time. “Even with our arrival bringing

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operator “may have abused its CEO issues stern dominant position in Norway”. In an announcement, the authority, warnings over 3UK/O2 which ensures Norway, Iceland and merger Liechtenstein adhere to rules set out in the European Economic Area (EEA) Sharon White says deal may lead Agreement, said Telenor obstructed to higher prices, establishing a competitors in two markets involving new fourth player would take time, the provision of mobile services to investment. OFCOM CEO Sharon Norwegian users, and today issued a White on Sunday made clear her statement of objections setting out its opposition to 3UK parent Hutchison’s preliminary conclusions. The statement proposed acquisition of O2, warning of objections issued relates to Telenor’s that it could lead to higher prices, conduct in three segments; wholesale disruption to networks, and less choice mobile access and origination for customers. Writing in the Financial services, the market for broadband Times, White said that U.K. consumers services to residential customers, and enjoy innovative services and some in mobile communications services of the lowest mobile tariffs in Europe, to business customers. Regarding thanks largely to four competitive the latter, the authority said it was mobile network operators, of which concerned that clauses included in 3UK is the disruptive challenger. “Our Telenor’s contracts “have impeded findings show that average prices are competition by making it very difficult around 10%-20% lower in markets for its customers to switch providers”, with four operators and a disruptive as well as making it overly expensive player than in those with only three for competitors to take new customers established networks,” White said. from Telenor. ESA added that clauses “Austria’s regulator says that, since implemented by the operator tie the deal there [between 3 Austria and subscribers into the company for Orange], overall mobile prices have two years, and impose high penalty climbed 15% and by 30% for customers fees for premature termination, with who only make calls and send texts.” the penalty exceeding any savings White also claimed that the 3UK/ the customer may get on such a O2 merger could also jeopardize the subscription. A look into lock-in network-sharing agreements between clauses also related to Telenor’s 3UK and EE – which last week officially contracts with government customers. became part of BT – and Vodafone These particular objections relates to and O2. In addition, the OFCOM the company’s activity from January chief pointed out that most phone 2008 to the present. On another point, contracts are sold in high street stores, the authority said Telenor’s pricing with independent retailers accounting of access and origination services at for a big share. She claimed that the the wholesale level “likely impeded proposed merger would shift the competing offers in the market for balance of power towards mobile mobile broadband to residential operators and away from independent customers”. These points relate to retailers, which help to constrain prices. the company’s behavior between With the mobile mergers that were 2008 and 2012. “Companies that are approved in Austria and Germany, dominant players in a market have a the European Commission applied special responsibility to ensure that remedies aimed at safeguarding their business practices do not impede competition, such as selling spectrum competition,” said Frank Buchel, to facilitate a new market entrant, and member of college – the authority’s providing wholesale network access decision making body – with special on favorable terms. Similar remedies responsibility for competition matters. are expected should Brussels give “Where competition is impeded, the green light to the 3UK/O2 deal; consumers ultimately suffer from however, “establishing a new mobile higher prices, lower quality and network might be one answer, but diminished choice and innovation and this would take time, and considerable products and services.” ESA added investment,” White warned on Sunday. if the preliminary conclusions are She said OFCOM has submitted confirmed, it may “adopt a decision these arguments to the European requiring Telenor to cease the conduct Commission, which has set 22 April in question”, and it may impose a fine. as a provisional deadline for deciding Telenor has until 11 April to respond whether to approve the deal. to the claims.

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A snapshot of regulatory activities in samena region

Algeria Algeria plans to embark soon on optical President: Mr. Toufik Bessai fiber production, CEO of Algeria Telecom [Regulatory Authority for Azouaou Mehmel told the Algerian Post & Telecommunication Managers (FCE) Forum. “Algeria Telecom (ARPT)] is in discussions with national industry Vincenzo Nesci, executive Chairman groups for the local production of of Algerian mobile operator Optimum optical fiber and accessories that the Telecom Algerie (OTA, Djezzy), has company imports,” said Mehmel, adding Regulatory revealed that his company has been that the company will engage “soon” in authorized by the government to deploy partnerships with these industry groups Updates 3G services in all wilayas (provinces) of for the production of optical fiber”. He the country during the ‘first months’ of noted that the need of Algeria in terms of 2016. The announcement comes two optical fiber is “very important”, especially weeks after rival Algerie Telecom Mobile for domestic wiring. Mehmel also noted (Mobilis) extended its 3G footprint to all the existence of project for the local 48 wilayas in the country. In December manufacturing of connection equipment 2013 Djezzy revealed that its 3G network such as terminals, modems, and some would be launched in four provinces in Q1 accessories. In this regard, AT plans to 2014, due to delays caused by government invest “more than DZD40 billion during interference, including a ban on Djezzy 2016,” the same official said. “Algeria is transferring currency abroad and an extremely promising market, which restrictions on purchasing 3G equipment. aims to deploy to the international”, The operator missed the self-imposed he added. Algeria Telecom will soon deadline, and belatedly introduced its launch an internet connection (fixed 3.5G services in seven wilayas in July 2014, broadband internet) of 20 megabytes / s, seven months behind rivals Mobilis and also announced CEO of Algeria Telecom, Ooredoo. Although Djezzy’s 3G footprint Azouaou Mehmel. “The fixed broadband has since been extended to 30 wilayas, its internet, now limited to 8 MB/s, will current coverage trails behind Mobilis (48 be increased shortly 20MB / s for all wilayas) and Ooredoo (36 wilayas). ( customers of AT,” he said. February 17, 2016) Maghreb Emergent (February 10, 2016) allafrica.com

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their knowledge, are not registered in their name with Bahrain the licensed mobile operators. The campaign will also Chairman: Dr. Mohammed Al-Amer [Telecommunication Regulatory Authority encourage residents and visitors to cancel any SIM- (TRA)] cards registered in their names in case they leave the country permanently. (February 7, 2016) zawya.com The Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (TRA) has issued its Resolution No. (18) of 2015 promulgating Regulation on the National Numbering Plan (NNP). Bangladesh The purpose of the Regulation is to approve and Chairman: Mr. Sahjahan Mahmud promulgate the updated NNP for Bahrain in line with [Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory the TRA’s powers under the Telecommunications Commission (BTRC)] Law. This plan aims to conform with the relevant and applicable ITU standards to meet challenges faced Telecom Regulator BTRC has set a new target for by the changes in telecommunication environments, launching its delayed mobile spectrum auction in the while promoting the efficient use of national scarce 1800MHz and 2100MHz bands by the end of June this resources and protecting future developments and year, and has revised the guidelines in an attempt to needs. TRA’s Director of Technical and Operations Eng. attract operators previously unwilling to bid due to a Mohammed Alnoaimi stated that the updated NNP had tax disagreement and licensing costs. Mobile World Live been designed to be scalable and flexible in the sense reports that auction terms have been amended to allow catering for different challenges of multi-operator and participants other than existing Bangladeshi mobile multi-service environments for years to come without licensees, while the reserve price for 1800MHz spectrum any change in its basic structure. He added that extra- has been reduced by US$5 million to US$25 million simplified measures have been implemented in the Plan; per MHz, although the 2100MHz floor price has been in addition to, allowing more numbers to be allocated by increased by US$3 million to the same level. The sale operators addressing the growing demand of numbers plans were suspended last year after domestic cellcos and short codes in particular. The updated NNP can be failed to resolve the long-running ‘SIM replacement tax’ viewed on TRA’s website at www.tra.org.bh. TRA invites argument with the BTRC and the government, and a all concerned and interested parties to view the update pending court case over the tax issue puts the regulator’s plan. (February 14, 2016) newsofbahrain.com new June 2016 auction target in doubt too. The operators had also questioned what they considered high base The Telecommunications Regulatory Authority issued prices for spectrum as well as a lack of guidelines on on December 31, 2015 a regulation on the SIM-card technology-neutrality, as the 1800MHz frequencies are enabled telecommunications services registration. In required for 4G LTE network development alongside the interest of the citizens and residents of the Kingdom, 2G services. The likelihood of new entrants bidding for the Regulation aims to safeguard consumers from fraud spectrum is thought to be low, as the market is crowded and identity theft related crimes. On this occasion, the with six well-established players (albeit soon to be five director of the Authority’s Cyber Security Directorate, Dr. with the merger of Robia Axiata and Airtel Bangladesh). Khalid Bin Daij Al Khalifa was quoted stating that “The (February 5, 2016) telegeography.com issuance of this regulation is an important step for the protection of the interests of all mobile subscribers. the Telecom regulator has revised its guidelines for the Authority, in cooperation with the mobile operators, planned spectrum auction in an attempt to attract will take a number of measures designed to regulate the country’s mobile players to the sale, which was the registration and verification process for consumers postponed several times last year due to a lack of interest applying for SIM based telecommunication services in from operators. The Bangladesh Telecommunication order to mitigate the rising number of identity theft and Regulatory Commission (BTRC) amended the auction fraud cases.” The regulation has also introduced a ceiling terms to allow non-license holders to participate and has for the number of pre-paid SIM cards consumers may reduced the reserve price of the 1.8GHz spectrum by $5 acquire, which has been set at 10 pre-paid SIM-cards as a million to $25 million per megahertz but increased the maximum from each licensed mobile operators (Batelco, price of the 2.1GHz spectrum by $3 million to $25 million Zain, Viva); as such a total of 30 pre-paid SIM-cards per per megahertz. The BTRC aims to hold the auction this person can be obtained. TRA will also prevent the sale fiscal year, which ended June 30, but that appears to of SIM-cards in shops as the regulation only permits be ambitious. The regulator delayed the sale multiple selling SIM-cards through the operators’ outlets and times last year after operators failed to resolve the long- their resellers who obtain a formal approval from TRA simmering SIM replacement tax issue with the regulator to conduct the registration and verification processes and the finance minster. A court case is now pending on behalf of the mobile operators. The new regulation over the dispute. The operators have also balked at will take effect within 7 months from the date of what they consider high base prices for the spectrum issuance. Simultaneously, TRA is preparing an awareness as well as a lack of guidelines on ‘technology neutrality’, campaign for consumers, which will convey a number meaning operators can use spectrum for any type of of informative messages. The focus will be mainly on mobile technology (2G, 3G or 4G). The move to accept educating consumers not to obtain SIM-Cards on behalf bids from non-operators was an effort to attract more of others and refrain from leaving SIM-cards registered bidders and make the auction more competitive, the in their names at the disposal of others. Misuse of SIM- BTRC said. But analysts noted it was merely an attempt to cards registered in the name of the consumers may make “spook” operators to join the sale. The likelihood of non- them subject to legal accountability. The consumers license holders bidding for spectrum in a market with six will be made aware to ensure that SIM-cards, without players is slim. The amended guidelines also call for an

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‘outcry auction’, which involves verbal bids and offers as accepted. ‘We can use credit lines and will no longer use well as hand signals to convey trading information in the foreign exchange dealers,’ he said. ‘There will be a giant trading pits. The Post and Telecommunications Division leap in the field of communications with implementation reported earlier this week that it will miss its revenue of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action,’ said the target for FY2015 set at BDT73.6 billion ($912 million) minister. (February 7, 2016) zawya.com since the sale of 1.8 and 2.1GHz spectrum couldn’t be held this fiscal year. But it aims to hit its target for fiscal 2016, the Dhaka Tribune said. The division and regulator Jordan are under pressure from the finance ministry to hit its Chairman of the Board of Commissioners/ target to help the government’s budget shortfall. CEO: Eng. Ghazi Al-Jobor [Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (February 4, 2016) mobileworldlive.com (TRC)] The Jordanian government has confirmed that work Telecom Regulator BTRC will hold a public hearing to extend the National Broadband Network (NBN) to on merger issue of Robi Axiata and Airtel Bangladesh the country’s northern governorates will commence Limited on February 17. The regulatory body yesterday in the next few weeks. The Ministry of Information & formally announced the public hearing date and Communications Technology (MoICT) is currently invited the people from different strata interested to assessing bids by several companies to extend the participate during the hearing. Interested persons are network, with a decision anticipated imminently. Nader requested to fill-up a prescribed form through online Dhneibat, secretary general of the MoICT, noted that the to participate the hearing by February 8, according to a governorates of Irbid, Ajloun, Mafraq and Jerash will be BTRC circular issued yesterday. BTRC is going to arrange covered by the second phase of the project. Work on the the public hearing on merger issue as per Bangladesh network, which started in 2003 and of which 35% has Telecommunication law 2001. On January 29, Robi and been completed so far, has been halted several times Airtel signed a merger agreement to venturing into a joint over the past few years due to lack of funds. However, the business operation in Bangladesh. The joint venture will government was able to float the tender for the second be recognized as Robi. The Malaysia-based Axiata Group phase of the project after receiving a JOD90 million Berhad and India-based Limited inked the (US$126.6 million) grant from the Gulf Cooperation deal at Kuala Lumpur in Malaysia. Prime Minister’s ICT Council grant in 2014. (February 12, 2016) Jordan Times Affairs Advisor Sajeeb Wajed Joy directed the BTRC to take public opinion before finalizing its Robi and Airtel merger in December last year while he sat with the high Kuwait ups of the telecommunications division at secretariat. Chairman and CEO: Mr. Salim Alozainah Joy also directed to form a committee to analyze the [Communication and Information Technology market at the same meeting. The commission already Regulatory Authority (CITRA)] formed a two-member committee comprising two teachers. The regulatory body also sought opinion from Saudi Telecom Co (STC) has completed the purchase of a others mobile operator in Bangladesh who submitted further 25.8 percent stake in Kuwait’s Viva, Kuwait’s stock its opinion. After their last September agreed merger market said. STC has “completed procedures to execute talks, the two cell phone companies submitted their the deal to acquire shares in Viva,” the bourse said. joint application to Bangladesh Telecommunication Kuwait’s Capital Markets Authority had approved the Regulatory Commission that is now carrying out the acquisition of 128.86 million shares in Viva, the bourse review of the merger’s impact on the existing telecom said in a statement. The purchase price was equivalent market. Rob and Airtel expect that they would get their to one dinar ($3.34) per share, it said. The deal raises required approval within the first half of 2016 to set foot STC’s stake in Viva to 51.8 percent. (February 18, 2016) zawya.com in the market jointly. (February 1, 2016) dhakatribune.com The Public Authority for Information Technology and Telecommunications plans to privatize the Iran communication sector at the Ministry of Communication, including the needed infrastructure, landlines, long Chairman: Dr. Ali Asghar Amidian distance cables and telephone exchange centers, [Communication Regulatory Authority (CRA)] Board chairman and CEO Salem Al-Othaina. Othainah

Iran has been in serious negotiations with foreign added that landlines are no longer run by governments firms in the last three weeks. ‘We have been in talks anywhere in the world. Further, Othainah said that all with France, Japan, Russia, and South Korea. One of executive, administrative and technical preparations the satellites is a national telecommunications satellite have been done to allow launching the authority as soon and other one is a national telemetry satellite,’ the as possible to be the sole executor of all the measures Minister Communication & IT told IRNA during a visit to be taken by telecom providing companies. Othainah to Isfahan on Saturday. He welcomed the post-sanctions added that the telecom authority would, from now developments notably in the economic areas and said on, take all responsibilities of the ministry and other that foreign countries and companies did not negotiate relevant authorities concerning information technology with Iran on technology transfer. ‘Things have changed and telecommunications as per law number 37/2014 and negotiations have started,’ the minister added. Vaezi that was amended by law number 98/2015 with the aim also said that following withdrawal of sanctions, Iran of developing the service and protecting subscribers’ will have more options to choose its foreign partners so interests. (February 1, 2016) news.kuwaittimes.net that prices decline, competition will increase, and Iran’s conditions for importing high quality goods will be

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Transport and Communications, to initiate the licensing Morocco process for the third telecom operator in Oman. In a Director General: M. Azdine El MountassirBillah tweet on his offi cial twitter handle while announcing [Agence Nationale de Reglementation des the move, Dr. Al Futaisi said the decision is aimed at Telecommunications (ANRT)] boosting competition and providing more options to Mobile calls through the free application WhatsApp have consumers. According to National Centre for Statistics resumed following a period of restriction after Morocco’s and Information (NCSI) issued in the end of December three telecom providers blocked VoIP services through reveals that the total number of fi xed telephone lines, free applications. All of the services provided through this including post and pre-paid, public, WLL and ISDN application, including VoIP calls made through 3G and channels, registered a growth of 13.7 per cent during the 4G are fully functional. Moroccans launched a campaign fi rst ten months of 2015. Fixed telephone subscriber base on Facebook to boycott all three Moroccan telecom stood at 426,558 by the end of October compared to providers on January 16 and 17 following the block of 420,491 till December 2014, according to fi gures issued VoIP imposed on applications such as WhatsApp, Skype by the NCSI. Among fi xed lines, pre-paid telephones and Viber. Maroc Telecom, Meditel and Inwi claimed that witnessed the highest growth at almost 60 per cent. Pre- their telecom interests have been adversely affected by paid mobile connections recorded 6.4 per cent growth customers relying on free VoIP services rather than using to reach 6,025,475, NCSI fi gures show. During the period, the call feature provided by their telecom providers, the number of Internet subscribers surged to 224,111 while at the same time “foreign companies have been (growth of 24.4 per cent) due to a 25 per cent growth in profi ting” from these Internet-based services at the fi xed broadband subscribers that reached 221,283 by the expense of Morocco’s telecom companies. According to end of October 2015. NCSI fi gures also show a growth of Article 1 of the National Telecommunications Regulatory 7.6 per cent in active mobile broadband subscribers to Agency (ANRT/DG/N° 04-04) which addresses the reach 3,112,104. (February 14, 2016) timesofoman.com protocol of VoIP services, the commercial provision of VoIP services to the public can only be done by telecom operators with a license. In a video posted on YouTube Pakistan on January 13, Moroccans expressed the importance of Chairman: Dr. Syed Ismail Shah these VoIP services in keeping families connected with [Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA)] their relatives and friends abroad. “Any restriction on these services means a restriction of communication between the families,” said one of the interviewees. “The In order to assess the current and future requirements Internet is a free service that no one has the right to of critical telecommunication infrastructure and services, censor or confi scate,” said another. Ministry of Information Technology (MoIT) and Pakistan (February 4, 2016) moroccoworldnews.com Telecommunication Authority (PTA) organized a workshop on ‘Regulatory Framework for Disaster Management using ICTs’ in collaboration with International Nepal Telecommunication Union (ITU) at PTA Headquarters. Chairman: Mr. Digambar Jha Dr. Tamer Demir, ITU expert, BCM. Global, Turkey shared [Nepal Telecommunication Authority (NTR)] international best practices and standards on disaster management, emergency telecommunications and business continuity management. Representatives from Nepal reached 28.80 million voice telephony subscribers MoIT, national and provincial disaster management at October 18, up from 28.76 on September 18. The authorities, PTCL, mobile operators and PTA attended country’s mobile voice subscriber base amounted to this workshop. The Ministry of IT &T has undertaken an 27.1 million users at October 18, up from 27 million initiative to develop “Regulatory Framework for Disaster in mid-September, according to data from the Nepal Management using ICTs” as part of a comprehensive Telecommunications Authority (NTA). The total includes National Disaster Telecommunications Plan. For the 25.80 million GSM users in October, up from 25.77 purpose, ITU, a United Nations Body, is providing million in September, with the remaining 1.31 million technical assistance to Pakistan for preparation of an use Nepal Telecom’s CDMA service, up from 1.29 in Emergency Communication Regulatory Framework. September. Nepal Telecom led the country’s voice Pakistan has been prone to natural disasters like fl oods, telephony services market in October, with a total of earthquakes and other calamities that result into loss of 13.51 million subscribers, followed by Ncell with 13 life and property. The workshop has facilitated interaction million. Nepal Telecom had 11.4 million GSM subscribers, of the ITU experts with the stakeholders of disaster and 1.31 million CDMA customers. Nepal had a mobile management in Pakistan. The workshop also provided a teledensity of 102.33 percent at mid-October, while fi xed platform for the stakeholders to share their views, ideas teledensity reached 3.20 percent. and ground realities of disaster management in Pakistan. (February 22, 2016) telecompaper.com (February 18, 2016) pta.gov.pk

Upon request from Information and Communication Oman Technology Institute (ICTI) to build the capacity and Executive President: Dr. Hamed Al-Rawahi skill set on Mobile application development and mobile [Telecommunication Regulatory Authority (TRA)] mediated solutions, International Telecommunication Union (ITU) and Pakistan Telecommunication Authority Telecom Regulatory Authority (TRA) has been urged (PTA) are jointly organizing a training course from 16- by Dr. Ahmed bin Mohammed al Futaisi, Minister of 26 February 2016 at PTA HQs, Islamabad. The main objectives of the training course are:

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- To build human and institutional capacity in mobile entirely new business opportunities. ICT applications application development and fill the gap which is the and services are an important demand-side driver that lack of skilled professionals in mobile application can encourage the adoption of broadband services and development in Afghanistan can create a virtuous circle for broadband infrastructure development, where new types of content and - To train instructors of ICTI so they can introduce a applications drive an ever-increasing need for more course on Mobile application development at ICTI bandwidth. (February 17, 2016) samenacouncil.org - Analyse Case studies on different countries of Asia Pacific region, so that international best practices can be A consultative meeting was held between Federal adopted Minister for Kashmir affairs and Gilgit Baltistan - Teach how to develop native applications on iPhone Chaudhry Barjees Tahir and Minister of state for IT and and Android devices/platforms telecom Anusha Rehman to discuss various aspects of policy directive for provision of Next Generation Mobile On the opening ceremony, Senior Advisor of ITU Mr. services to AJK & GB. Federal Minister Kashmir affairs Sameer said “ITU is committed for ICT development and GB informed that Prime Minister has made it sure in Afghanistan by building human and institutional that AJK & GB will get 3G/4G services soon. capacity and developing skill sets for trainers of ICTI, by (February 17, 2016) 3gca.org fostering international cooperation using expertise from Member State Pakistan leveraging the hands on practical experience from academia as well as industry experts for Qatar m-apps development that would serve as powerful tool President: Mr. Mohammed bin Ali Al Mannai for enhancing productivity , job creation and improving [Communications Regulatory Authority (CRA)] e-government / citizen services.” Chairman PTA, Dr. Syed Ismail Shah told that the collaboration of ITU to support m- apps development is an excellent example The Communications Regulatory Authority (CRA) is of international cooperation involving UN Agency participating in the Mobile World Congress (MWC) in (ITU), neighboring countries and local expertise from Barcelona, Spain starting February 22 till February 25. PTA, NUST and mobile industry in Pakistan. He said The CRA delegation will be headed by Mohammed Ali that Pakistan is ready to share its policy and regulatory Al-Mannai, CRA’s President. The MWC, organized by the expertise with countries in the Asia-Pacific region and GSM Association (GSMA), is the world’s largest gathering would be hosting international events and trainings in for the mobile industry with more than 95,000 attendees near future. Mr. Shahryar Khan from NUST, Pakistan is and 2,000 exhibitors expected this year, among which the lead developer of the training modules for 10 days are Qatari service providers. CRA President is attending extensive course using IOS and android platform. Mr. MWC as part of the event’s ministerial program. Aside Khan also developed mobile applications for Bhutan from an exhibition, the MWC Conference examines the working as ITU Expert in 2013.Mr. Muneeb Ahmed, CTO current and future of the mobile industry, highlighting SWAM Tech and Ms. Iram Tariq Bhatti, CEO Lab Magic and specific areas of growth as well as the latest technological Winner of ITU Young innovators competition, 2012 will developments, next generation of services and growth also assist in conducting the workshop. Mr. Muhammad strategies. Among the high profile MWC Conference Faisal from Telenor Pakistan and Mr. Mudassir Nazar from keynote speakers are the CEOs of AT&T Mobile, China Mobilink Pakistan have also contributed to the workshop Mobile, Ericsson, Facebook and Intel Corporation. As and shared their perspective. The proven contribution Qatar’s communications regulator, CRA’s mandate of Information Communication Technologies (ICTs) includes fostering a thriving communications sector, to national socio-economic development has been of which the mobile industry forms a large part. CRA the subject of numerous studies. ICTs and associated works with both mobile operators and consumers to applications, including mobile applications, which have raise industry standards and improve mobile services, come to be known as “e government”, “e agriculture”, with the ultimate goal of contributing towards Qatar’s “e education”, “e health”, “e entrepreneurship”, etc., development into a smart digitally connected nation. contribute to development by enabling access to and With MWC attracting the most senior professionals and exchange of information and services anywhere and thought leaders in the mobile industry, CRA is actively anytime, by supporting the rapid processing and participating at the event to keep abreast of the latest storage of information and by improving the provision mobile trends and developments to enable CRA to of public and private services, including education and deliver on its mandate and ensure Qatar has competitive, professional development, health, transport, industry, effective and innovative mobile services for the benefit human rights, environmental protection, trade, road of all consumers in Qatar. Among other highlights safety, urban management, transfer of information for of interest to CRA is Ooredoo’s demonstration of 5G social welfare, agriculture information and services, technology at the event. The Communications Regulatory government services, entertainment, information Authority (CRA) is the communications regulator in the services, and commerce in general, making them much state of Qatar established by virtue of Emiri Decree more effective, efficient, accessible and affordable, (42) in 2014. CRA regulates the communications & especially for poor and marginalized populations. information technology sector, postal services, and ICTs also enhance access to markets, and increasingly access to digital media. CRA uses its regulatory powers facilitate direct democratic participation. They provide mandated by the Emiri decree to protect consumer more cost-efficient and effective ways to preserve and rights, ensure competition, manage the resolution of promote local culture. They not only bring down the disputes, and manage the electromagnetic spectrum. In costs of economic and social activities, for example by all its activities, the CRA seeks to ensure the provision of replacing transport and postal services, but open up advanced, innovative and reliable ICT and postal services across the state of Qatar. (February 21, 2016) cra.gov.qa

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The Communications Regulatory Authority (CRA) has Saudi Arabia’s three telecom operators are in talks to facilitated the radiocommunication requirements of the create a company to own and manage their mobile international cycling event “Tour of Qatar 2016” with transmitter towers in a move that could cut costs and temporary licensing and approvals for the import and lower tariffs in the kingdom, a Saudi financial news use of radio equipment. As Qatar’s communications website reported on Wednesday. Etihad Etisalat ( Mobily regulator, CRA manages licenses and services relating ) in November said it was considering selling its towers, to the import and operation of telecommunications most likely to a tower company which would lease equipment, including radio devices, wireless cameras these back to the seller. But Maaal, citing unidentified and broadcast equipment. Clear, high quality and sources, said that Mobily along with Zain Saudi and interference-free radiocommunication is essential to the former monopoly Saudi Telecom Co (STC) are in talks to success of elite cycling competitions such as the Tour of establish a company that would share ownership of the Qatar, and CRA played a major supporting role in line trio’s towers. The newspaper said it was unclear whether with its national mandate which includes fostering a the firms, which all did not immediately respond to thriving communications sector for Qatar and managing requests for comment, would jointly own the new entity scarce resources such as the radio spectrum. The Tour or if this would be sold to another party. Tower companies of Qatar 2016 is a high profile international competition typically buy towers from one operator and then attract and significant preparation and planning was required others as tenants. This has proved particularly beneficial to service an event of this scale. CRA played its part in Africa, where operators face high costs in powering to contribute to the success of the event and met the generator-run towers, sites are tough to access due to challenges set in a professional manner with all necessary poor transport links and phone use and coverage are approvals granted quickly and efficiently. CRA received relatively low and so there is significant market growth a large number of applications requesting approvals potential. Saudi Arabia’s mobile penetration is 180 and licensing of radio equipment related to the Tour of percent, the sixth-highest globally, so the benefits are Qatar. In total, CRA approved 439 different types of radio likely to be less pronounced, although it should allow equipment, and 36 different frequency channels for the operators to reduce capital and operating costs. Maaal organizer, and 26 different types of radio equipment and said the deal would provide savings of up to 70 percent 17 spot frequency channels for broadcasters. Approvals and enable the operators to cut tariffs. Such reductions were granted within a short time period to meet the would help them fight back against low-cost, or often needs of the Tour and CRA also extended its full support free, Internet-based calling applications, the newspaper for the timely release of imported equipment shipped claimed. Valuing the thousands of assets involved makes to Qatar. For the benefit of organizers of big events tower deals complicated. Mobily and STC previously that require use of radio communication devices and abandoned a similar tower asset merger. temporary spectrum frequencies. (February 10, 2016) cra.gov.qa (February 10, 2016) zawya.com

Users of WhatsApp were a joyous lot as the call facility Saudi Arabia finally became available on the popular messaging Governor: Dr. Abdulaziz Salem Al Rwais service in the Kingdom. The facility, which is for free Deputy Chairman of the BoD now, through WhatsApp was earlier banned in Saudi [Communication & Information Technology Arabia and only messaging service was available. “The Commission (CITC)] ban has been lifted in the Kingdom,” said local media on Saudi Arabian telecoms regulator the Communications Saturday. Riyadh-based software engineer Faisal Haleem and Information Technology Commission (CITC) has termed it a good initiative which will “help open up the adopted the draft Interconnection Guidelines and the telecom market and bring the rates down for both local Guidelines for Access to Physical Facilities, which were and international calls.” Sultan Abdullah, a student at first published on its website in November 2014. The King Abdul Aziz University, said: “I heard about the free watchdog highlighted that Decision 333/1437 was call facility through my friend on WhatsApp. I tried and it taken in order to reflect ‘the technological and market was indeed working.” In the past, he said, every time you developments in ICT since the current Interconnection tried to call someone via WhatsApp, a standard voice Guidelines were issued in 2003’. The updated Guidelines message would tell you that this service is not available for Access to Physical Facilities establish new rules in your country. Mirza Abdul Muqeet, a Pakistani expat in governing access to physical facilities, including Jeddah, welcomed the news. “In this day and age when collocation and sharing of physical facilities; provide a such free apps are available, it was painful to spend huge framework for access to physical facilities and networks amounts on telephone bills,” he said. “I would run bills in a technologically neutral manner; foster investment in hundreds of riyals calling my relatives in Karachi.” He in and deployment of next generation networks (NGN); claimed that telephone call rates are among the highest and establish a process for dealing with access disputes, in Saudi Arabia and thanked the Saudi authorities for among other things. The Interconnection Guidelines, the move. A few months ago, WhatsApp had issued a meanwhile, seek to ensure that all service providers are statement on its website that read: “Unfortunately, the treated fairly and in a non-discriminatory manner, with WhatsApp Calls service is not available in all countries respect to the provision of interconnection services, to due to local laws and regulations.” The statement ensure good practice with respect to interconnection continued: “If you are in any of these countries, you will services between service providers and to promote the not be able to make or receive these calls, and if you are provision of high quality services for interconnection in a country that offers the WhatsApp Calls service, you through technical and economic efficiency. will not be able to call users located in countries that (February 23, 2016) telegeography.com do not offer the service.” Meanwhile, the CITC, telecom regulatory authority in the Kingdom, did not confirm whether the call facility is temporary or permanent. (February 7, 2016) zawya.com

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board member and prominent tech investor commented Sri Lanka on Twitter that “anti-colonialism has been economically D i r e c t o r G e n e r a l : M r . P. B . A b e y k o o n [Telecommunication Regulatory Commission catastrophic for the Indian people for decades,” adding, (TRC)] “why stop now?” The series of tweets by venture capitalist Marc Andreessen prompted a storm of criticism and With new tests in Sri Lanka, ’s Project Loon — the a rebuke by Facebook head Mark Zuckerberg, but the company’s “moonshot” effort to use a network of balloons debate also served to raise awareness of a key question floating in the stratosphere to deliver high-speed Internet about how western companies should approach Internet — is moving forward. The first of three balloons used efforts in other countries. With Project Loon, which in tests for the Internet program in Sri Lanka entered Google chief executive Sundar Pinchai has said he hopes the country’s airspace on Monday after being launched to bring to India soon, Google appears to be taking a from South America, says Muhunthan Canagey, head of different approach, though the effort will also involve Sri Lanka’s Information and Communication Technology partnerships with local telecom companies. “Think of the Agency, to Agence France‑Presse. “Two other balloons enormity of bringing billions of people to the Internet will reach [the] country’s coastline by the end of the and doing it in a way that is affordable and giving month. One is currently off the East Coast of South them abundant access and the scope of that is too Africa and is expected next week while the other one much for any one entity to tackle on its own,” Marilyn is expected in 12 days,” Mr. Canagey added, noting that Croak, a Google vice president told the Times of India in the first balloon is currently over the southern part of December. “So I always tell my team, don’t think of us as the country. Additional Google workers are expected to having competitors, think of us as only having partners arrive in the country later this week to test flight controls in this arena. We have to work together to solve this for the balloons, the efficiency of the radio spectrum that problem.” In developing its balloon-powered Internet carries the wireless Internet, and other technical issues, service, the search engine giant also faced technical Canagey told AFP. The company is hoping to partner challenges; including finding a balloon design that with local telecom companies to use the balloons, which was both inexpensive and durable enough to navigate move with the wind after being positioned by software through the stratosphere. The company eventually algorithms, to create a large-scale communications settled on a design with a lifespan of about 180 days network that could be used to provide Internet access in that can be recycled, the Wall Street Journal reports. The parts of the world where traditional fiber optic networks data connection made possible by the balloons has also and wireless coverage can be spotty. Google’s X unit, increased to 15 megabits per second, fast enough to now under the larger holding company Alphabet, has deliver streaming video, Astro Teller, head of Alphabet’s been testing the technology since 2013 in New Zealand, X unit, which oversees Project Loon, told attendees at California’s Central Valley, and Northeast Brazil. Last the annual TED conference in Vancouver on Monday, year, the balloons, which sit 20 kilometers above the tech site Recode reports. In Sri Lanka, officials eventually Earth, flew around the world 19 times over 187 days, hope to launch 13 balloons across the country in the company says. Sri Lanka’s government said earlier addition to the one balloon currently in the south. “This this month that it would take a 25 percent stake in the is a big victory for Sri Lanka and a golden opportunity to project in return for providing the wireless spectrum use connectivity to boost growth,” Harin Fernando, the needed to broadcast the Internet signals. The tech country’s telecommunication and digital infrastructure giant also has a similar partnership in Indonesia. An minister told the Journal. (February 16, 2016) csmonitor.com additional 10 percent of the project would be offered to existing telecom companies, in a move the partners The Sri Lankan government is planning to acquire a say promises to offer cheaper rates for data access while 25% stake in a joint venture with US search engine giant expanding coverage throughout Sri Lanka, AFP reports. Google, in a bid to deliver high speed internet services The partnership holds particular promise in Sri Lanka, via a network of high-altitude balloons to the whole which was the first country in South Asia to introduce of the country. Telecommunications Minister Harin cellphones in 1989 and the first nation to introduce a 3G Fernando said that 10% of the joint venture’s shares will network in 2004, unveiling a 4G standard two years ago. be offered to existing telecoms service providers in the But despite having some of the world’s cheapest data country. The official added that the trial of ‘Project Loon’ costs, according to the World Bank, less than a quarter is scheduled to take place later this month in Ratmalana of Sri Lanka’s more than 20 million people have Internet (Colombo District) and could last up to a year. ‘Our access. The country has about 3.3 million mobile data objective is to extend coverage so that the entire island connections and 630,000 wired Internet subscribers. will be covered. With competition, tariffs will also come In recent months, Facebook’s Free Basics, a competing down’, Mr. Fernando said. In July 2015 the state signed proposal to provide affordable Internet access to users a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Google around the world, has faced scrutiny in India and Egypt to deploy the latter’s Project Loon balloons in order to because of questions about the social network’s intent increase 3G coverage across the country. Google initially in launching the service. Free Basics, which Facebook launched its balloon-powered internet scheme in New maintained was intended as a humanitarian effort, Zealand in 2013, stating: ‘Each balloon can provide earned comparisons to the British East India Company connectivity to a ground area about 40km in diameter and raised questions about whether the service violates at speeds comparable to 3G. For balloon-to-balloon net neutrality, the principle that prohibits a service and balloon-to-ground communications, the balloons provider from funneling users to a particular group of use antennas equipped with specialized radio frequency websites or blocking access to others. The conflict over technology’. Project Loon utilizes unlicensed frequencies the service, which India’s telecom regulator essentially in the 2.4GHz and 5.8GHz bands. banned earlier this month, deepened when a Facebook (February 2, 2016) The Indian Express

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Sri Lanka’s Telecommunication and Digital Infrastructure yet to be determined, and each roaming offer must be Minister Harin Fernando has revealed that the takeover studied and approved by sector watchdog the National of cellco Hutchison Telecommunications Lanka (Hutch) Telecommunications Authority (Instance Nationale des by Mobitel, the cellular division of state-controlled Sri Telecommunications, INT). Responding to criticism Lanka Telecommunications (SLT), will be concluded that the 3G networks had ‘already failed,’ Mr. Mestiri ‘shortly’. The deal – which is estimated to value the unit explained that the 4G networks would solve many of at between USD115 million and US$135 million – was the issues affecting the country’s 3G platforms, noting agreed upon in February 2014, though disagreements that problems users were experiencing in connecting to over the purchase price were reportedly the reason 3G networks in the evening was due to a phenomenon behind the delay in regulatory clearance. Further, known as ‘cell breathing,’ whereby the coverage area Mr. Fernando revealed that the Telecommunications of an antenna is reduced during times of high usage. Regulatory Commission (TRC) has rejected an offer for Due to the greater capacity of LTE technology, and Hutch from UK-based MVNO . The official the propagation characteristics of the 800MHz band, said: ‘Too many operators are bad for the industry, which customers should no longer lose coverage during peak is why TRC rejected the Lycamobile proposal.’ hours. In terms of other developments, the official noted (February 2, 2016) Ceylon Today that the first test calls using voice-over-LTE (VoLTE) technology were expected to take place in H2 2016. Mr. Mestiri added that the cellco is also planning to continue Sudan developing its 3G network, and has scheduled work to Director General: Dr. Izz Al Din Kamil Amin boost coverage from 94% to around 99.6% by end-June [The National Telecommunication Corporation 2016. (February 22, 2016) telegeography.com (NTC Orange Tunisia has been issued a fine of TND183,715 Zain Sudan, the country’s largest mobile network (US$90,657), equivalent to 0.05% of the cellco’s total operator by subscribers, has been awarded an LTE license turnover for 2014, by sector watchdog the National by the local regulator the National Telecommunication Telecommunications Authority (Instance Nationale des Corporation (NTC), paving the way for the introduction Telecommunications, INT) for breaking rules regarding of high speed 4G data services in the country. In an the advertising of tariffs. The INT also ordered the announcement on social media, Kuwaiti-owned Zain cellco to cease offering its ‘3ajab’ plan, and to withdraw Sudan said the licensing agreement was signed on all marketing of the product, saying that Orange was February 18 by the firm’s managing director and continuing to carry out illegal practices by failing to CEO Elfatih Erwa and the director of the NTC, Yahya ensure that prices were displayed to the public in a Abdullah, in the presence of Minister of Science and ‘transparent, clear and readable’ manner. The watchdog Communications Tahani Abdullah Atiya. In early 2015 had warned the operator over its conduct in April 2015, the NTC revealed that it intended to issue licenses to issuing Orange with a fine of TND29,979, or 0.01% of its the country’s existing mobile network operators for the turnover, for breaching the advertising rules. Orange’s provision of 4G services. The regulator said it would 3ajab plan is a pre-paid tariff offering customers enter into negotiations with cellcos with a view to additional credit when they top-up, giving users five concluding uniform conditions for all licensees, such as times the value of top-ups of less than TND5, and ten quality of services and coverage commitments. In the times the amount for TND5 or more. past, Zain has indicated that it would use its spectrum (February 19, 2016) telegeography.com in the 1800MHz band to provide 4G services, subject to approval from the NTC. The cellco, which had a subscriber base of 11.869 million at the end of 2015, Turkey has claimed that as soon as it does receive permission, it Acting Chairman: Dr. Omer Fatih Sayan could begin offering LTE ‘within four months’, as much of [Information & Communication Technologies its mobile broadband network is already able to support Authority (BTK)] the technology. (February 22, 2016) telegeography.com Turk Telekom (TT) plans to invest TRY10 billion (US$3.4 million) in a ‘digital revolution’ over the next three Tunisia years, with TRY3.2 billion of this mooted to be spent in President: Mr. Hassoumi Zitoune 2016, according to the company’s CEO Mr. Rami Aslan [National Telecommunication Commission speaking at a press conference. Commenting on TT’s (INTT)] TRY14.5 billion sale revenue for 2015 – up 7% from the previous year – Aslan noted: ‘We have exceeded our Ooredoo Tunisia is ‘technically ready’ to provide target numbers for 2015 and, therefore, will use this LTE services to 20% of the Tunisian population, with surplus to further the digitalization of Turkey in ways coverage in all 24 governorates by the end of the which will cater to customer needs as well as Turkey’s year, Chief Technology Officer Hatem Mestiri said in local interests.’ TT estimates annual revenue for 2016 an interview with Tunisie Haut Debit. 4G licenses are will see an increase of between 7% and 9%, with the due to be allocated by mid-March and a commercial operator’s long-term targets including connecting ‘every launch should take place in April, or June at the latest, household to the fiber-optic network and [turning] the official added. Putting additional pressure on these Turkey into a digital hub in the region.’ TT announced deadlines, however, is a requirement for the licensees to the merging of its respective mobile and ISP brands offer national roaming on their 4G networks, enabling Avea and TTNet under the unified Turk Telekom brand customers throughout the country to access 4G from name, logo and website. The new logo is already in use, their provider. To date, the pricing for this facility has

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SAMENA TRENDS _ FEB 2016 SAMENA TRENDS _ FEB 2016 as is the single converged website grouping all fixed line, journey towards smart cities and governments. This broadband, mobile and pay-TV service divisions. Avea concept involves comprehensive societal, economic, and TTNet remain distinct legal entities as wholly owned and legal aspects. In light of this, UAE is eyeing IOT subsidiaries of Turk Telekom. (February 15, 2016) The Daily Sabah with great attention, particularly in light of the massive developments that the country is witnessing in terms of Vodafone’s Turkish unit has announced a record speed sustainable and smart cities. We are honored by chairing of 942Mbps in tests utilizing LTE-suitable spectrum this international study group, as it reflects the UAE’s won in the August 2015 auction. Claiming a first for the esteemed position in the international ICT industry.” country, the operator has applied 256-QAM (quadrature “TRA is overseeing one of the most vital sectors to the amplitude modulation) technology to frequencies smart transformation which is the telecommunication aggregated across four bands – 800MHz, 1800MHz, sector as it described as the nervous system of the Smart 2100MHz and 2600MHz. Vodafone Turkey expects to Cities. We are striving to ensure that this system is active launch commercial ‘4.5G’ technology on April 1, 2016. and responsive to the requirements of giant projects like Turkey’s three incumbent mobile network operators Dubai Smart City and Masdar.” On the sidelines of the (MNOs), British-owned Vodafone plus Turkish-owned meeting, a forum on the Internet of Things and Smart Turkcell and Avea (Turk Telekom), each won 4G spectrum Cities, entitled “a new era of smarter living” was held. in the 26 August 2015 tender held by the Information Jacob Ibrahim, Singapore’s Minister of Communications and Communication Technologies Authority (BTK). and Information delivered an opening speech where Vodafone paid a total of US$869 million for spectrum in he highlighted Singapore’s vision for Smart Cities. The the 800MHz (2×10MHz), 900MHz (2×1.4MHz), 1800MHz opening speech was followed by a speech by Mr. Chaesub (2×10MHz) and 2600MHz (2×15MHz) bands, valid for Lee, Director, Telecommunication Standardization 14 years. (February 4, 2016) telegeography.com Bureau, ITU. Then, the Chairman of ITU Study Group 20 presented the meetings most significant highlights. The Study Group 20 is responsible for developing United Arab Emirates international standards that enable developing Internet Director General: Mr. Hamad Obaid Al of Things (IOT) technologies including smart cities. The Mansoori meeting brought together more than 150 participants [Telecommunication Regulatory Authority from ITU Member States, industry leaders, international (TRA)] and regional organizations, and invited experts. From du does not expect to increase its share of dividend UAE, TRA and Etisalat participated. Moreover, Etisalat payments to the United Arab Emirates government. chaired a working group. (February 7, 2016) zawya.com The federal government relies on over 60 percent of its budget from oil and gas sales and amid falling commodity prices economists have called on structural changes to the way the country raises revenue. Royalties paid to the government by the country’s telecom operators du and Etisalat are to be reviewed this year. “We wait on instruction from the government, however, we don’t expect this to change,” Bin Byat told reporters at the World Government Summit in Dubai when asked whether he anticipates paying a larger dividend. du pays a percentage of its profit and revenue as a dividend to the UAE federal government, which owns 39.5 percent of the telecom operator through its sovereign wealth fund the Emirates Investment Authority, Bin Byat said. Last month, etisalat Group Chief Executive Ahmad Julfar also said that he didn’t expect there would be any changes in royalties paid to the federal government. (February 9, 2016) gulfnews.com

Represented by the General Authority for Regulating the Telecommunications Sector (TRA), the UAE has chaired the second meeting of the International Telecommunications Union standardization sector. The meeting of the (ITU-T) Study Group 20 “Internet of Things and Smart Cities” was hosted by the Infocomm Development Authority of Singapore. Engineer Nasser Al Marzooqi, Chairman of the ITU-T Study Group 20, UAE representative to the ITU-Geneva, and ITU Affairs Manager represented TRA in the meeting. The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the Russian Republic, Japan, Spain, Southern Korea, Argentina, Italy, and China held the position of the study group Vice- Chairmen which illustrates the great importance of the new Study Group. In this context, Hamad Obaid Al Mansoori, UAE TRA Director General, “Internet of Things (IOT) is shaping the future of the world, as it is going to facilitate our

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REGULATORY ACTIVITIES BEYOND THE SAMENA REGION

Australia Australian mobile networks have The Australian collectively paid AU$543.5 million in Communications and a radio spectrum auction run by the Media Authority has telecoms regulator, the ACMA. The directed mobile service auction, which commenced on 30 provider Lycamobile to comply with November last year, ran over 179 rounds, the Telecommunications Consumer enabling bidders to identify and place Protections Code (the TCP Code) following bids on spectrum within the band in those a complaints handling investigation. The geographical areas they valued most. investigation found Lycamobile had failed • Optus Mobile - $196 million Regulatory to keep any records of due response dates • Telstra - $191 million for its complaints, and in some limited • TPG Internet - $88 million Updates circumstances had not advised customers of delays in dealing with their complaints or • Vodafone - $68 million kept records of proposed resolutions. “The “The 1800 MHz band spectrum auction ACMA has seen significant improvements process ran very efficiently and the in complaints-handling practices in the simultaneous multi-round ascending telecommunications industry since the (SMRA) auction format proved highly Reconnecting The Customer (RTC) inquiry effective in testing the market value of the in 2011,” said ACMA Chairman, Chris spectrum and allocating it to those parties Chapman. “However, we will not fail to that valued it most,” said ACMA Chairman, act where a provider’s standards do not Chris Chapman. Any of the spectrum lots meet the requirements of the industry that were left unallocated may be later code. Good record keeping practices offered for allocation by a procedure are essential to for providers to track and at a time to be determined by the the progress of complaints received and ACMA. No consideration has presently resolutions proposed -- both essential been given to any future allocation of this for maintaining a good customer unallocated spectrum. (February 9, 2016) experience and relationship.” Lycamobile cellular-news.com has undertaken to review its complaints- handling record-keeping to ensure it meets the requirements of the TCP Code. Australia announced that its auction (February 16, 2016) cellular-news.com of 1800-MHz spectrum has drawn to a close, more than two months after it began, raising a total of A$543.5 million.

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Four bidders emerged victorious from the sale, with Optus Mobile spending the most, closely followed by Czech Republic incumbent Telstra; they were the only companies to The Czech Telecommunication Office secure spectrum in all regions of the country. Optus’ (CTU) announced its intention to auction total bill came in at A$196 million for 55 5-MHz blocks the remaining frequencies in the 1800MHz of paired spectrum, the Australian Communications and and 2600MHz bands in the express Media Authority (ACMA) announced. Telstra also walked hope that the move will ‘contribute to the efficient away with 55 5-MHz blocks and two 2.5-MHz blocks at use of the entire range of the pertinent part of these a cost of A$191 million, the ACMA said. The other two spectrum bands, to create conditions for the further spectrum winners were TPG Internet, which secured 18 development of mobile broadband, and thus support 5-MHz blocks for A$88 million, and Vodafone, which competition’. The CTU has published the details of the committed A$68 million for 11 5-MHz blocks. Six blocks tender documentation on its website, noting that the remained unsold. “There was very strong competition conditions of the tender lay down specific requirements among all bidders, with the auction running over 29 for population coverage, the requirement for winners working days between November 2015 and February to provide minimum data transmission speeds of 2016,” said ACMA chairman Chris Chapman. “Strong 5Mbps over the seven-year term of the award, and bidding resulted in the majority of lots on offer being commitments to supply national roaming and wholesale sold for an amount that exceeded our expectations.” offers – akin to the terms laid out under previous Chapman noted that the 1800-MHz band is already auctions. The initial reserve price for the frequencies is in use in Australia’s major cities for the provision of CZK734 million (US$30.33 million) per allocated block, 4G services. “With previously unallocated 1800-MHz with bidding applications to be received on or before spectrum in regional areas now in the hands of mobile the CTU’s deadline of March 22, 2016. The auction phase broadband service providers, the auction should enable will follow due diligence on the applications received, improvements to the availability and performance of and successful bidders will be invited to join the auction 4G telecommunications services right across regional which the CTU expects to complete in time to allow the Australia,” he said. In a separate statement, Telstra said assignment of specific frequency bands to the winners in the newly acquired spectrum would help it deliver the second quarter of this year. greater capacity and faster speeds to meet growing (February 10, 2016) telegeography.com demand, particularly in regional areas. “As a result of the auction, we’ll be at least doubling the amount of spectrum in the 1800-MHz band that we can use to Costa Rica provide 4G services in these areas,” said Telstra CEO The government has instructed the Andy Penn. “In fact, in some regions we will more than Superintendency of Telecommunications triple the amount available.” The telco noted that its new (SUTEL) to begin the process of allocating spectrum licenses will come into force in May next year 70MHz of unused spectrum in the and will have 11-year duration. 1800MHz and 1900MHz/2100MHz bands, left over from the 2010 auction. Deputy Minister of Telecommunications (February 5, 2016) totaltele.com Emilio Arias said that the spectrum would be distributed in a transparent manner, via a competitive auction, Four Australian operators have spent AUD543.5 million potentially paving the way for a fourth cellco to enter ($385 million) in an auction for 1.8GHz spectrum in the sector. The specifics of the tender process have 12 regions, with the two largest players paying nearly yet to be decided, however, and SUTEL has appointed AUD400 million. Singtel-based Opus spent AUD196 a team of experts to hammer out a framework for million while market leader Telstra invested AUD191 the sale. One of the main questions to be resolved by million in airwaves in all 12 regions. TPG Telecom paid the regulator will be the involvement in the tender of AUD88 million for its spectrum, and Vodafone Hutchison state-backed operator Grupo Instituto Costarricense de spent AUD68 million. The Australian Communications Electricidad (Grupo ICE), which offers telecoms services and Media Authority (ACMA) started the auction in late under the Kolbi brand. Mr. Arias explained that, whilst November and the bidding went through 179 rounds the auction must be kept free and open to any company to cover 147 separate allocations of small blocks of that meets the minimum conditions, Costa Rica’s anti- spectrum. After pressure from Optus and Vodafone, trust authority has previously ruled that the procedure ACMA limited the block size to 2x25MHz out of the for allocating spectrum must take into account the issue available 2x60MHz per region. The licenses have 11- of concentration, referring to the disparity in spectrum year terms. Telstra now has 2x25MHz of contiguous holdings between Kolbi, and its two competitors Claro 1.8GHz spectrum in nine regions, 2x20MHz in two and Movistar: Kolbi owns rights to 550MHz of spectrum, regions and 2x10MHz in Canberra, while Optus has whilst its rivals each hold just 130MHz. 2x25MHz in six areas and 2x20MHz in six other areas. (February 11, 2016) El Financiero Vodafone has 2x15MHz of contiguous 1.8GHz airwaves in Canberra, 2x10MHz in three areas and 2x5MHz in South Queensland. TPG holds 2x10MHz in eight regions European Union and 2x5MHz in Western New South Wales (NSW). The Europe wants to work out a common regions covered by the spectrum licenses are North strategy to provide innovative services Queensland, Central Queensland, South Queensland, for mobile Internet access. Thus, the EU Northern NSW, Western NSW, Southern NSW, Regional Commission has suggested reserving the Victoria, Regional SA, Regional WA, Darwin, Canberra 700 MHz band to this purpose from 2020, in all 28 member and Tasmania. The CEO of market leader Telstra, Andy states. In 2020, the Commission estimates, demand for Penn, said as a result of the auction, “we’ll be at least mobile broadband spectrum will be eight times as much doubling the amount of spectrum in the 1.8GHz band as it is today, especially owing to a rise in mobile video that we can use to provide 4G services in these areas. consumption on smartphone and tablet screens. The In fact, in some regions we will more than triple the European challenge is creating a Digital Single Market. amount available”. (February 4, 2016) mobileworldlive.com Frequencies, however, do not respect national borders: hence the need to coordinate neighboring states so that

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SAMENA TRENDS _ FEB 2016 SAMENA TRENDS _ FEB 2016 certain frequencies are allocated to broadband services connected cars or remote health care, to work across while different ranges are reserved for national television the continent. The EU also has to cope with the growing broadcasting in the respective adjacent areas, so as to demand for wireless broadband. By 2020 there will be avoid interference. “Twenty-eight distinct approaches to nearly eight times as much mobile internet traffic as the regulation of frequencies make no economic sense,” today. As part of its strategy to create a Digital Single according to Andrus Ansip, Vice President in charge Market, it proposes a balanced long-term approach for of the DSM. The band in question is UHF, from 470 the use of the ultra-high frequency (UHF) band (470- to 790 MHz, which is used for television broadcasting 790 MHz). Currently, this band is mainly used for TV in Europe. The Commission suggests we reserve the broadcasting. According to the proposal, more spectrum band from 694 to 790 MHz to mobile Internet access will be made available for mobile services in the 700 by 2020. Why not choose other frequency ranges that MHz band (694-790 MHz) by 2020. This band is ideal are not used by television? Because these are the only for providing high-quality internet to users, wherever frequencies that can provide high-quality service both in they are, be it a large city, a small distant village or on a major metropolitan areas, notably inside homes, and in highway. Frequencies in the sub-700 MHz area (470-694 rural areas with isolated country houses, thus reducing MHz) will remain available, as a priority, for audiovisual the present digital divide. Frequencies from 470 to 694 services. This approach will make sure that Europeans MHz shall remain, as a matter of priority, allocated to can have access to creative content on tablets and television services at least until 2025. The 700 band, smartphones - an increasing trend - but also through according to Gunther Oettinger, commissioner for classic TV services. The EU said that the proposal is also Digital Economy and Society, will give citizens mobile in line with the most recent international agreements on Internet access wherever they are, and will be “the the use of the UHF band including the 700 MHz band. ideal range to connect moving cars, tele-medicine The proposal comprises two major elements: In the 700 and the Internet of Things,” with the new 5G network. MHz band: a common schedule for making it effectively France and Germany have already called for tenders available for wireless broadband use under harmonized from telecommunication operators for the 700 band, technical conditions, and related coordination measures preceding the EU Commission’s decision. Denmark, in support of this transition; in the sub-700 MHz band: Finland, Sweden and Great Britain have fine-tuned their long-term priority for the distribution of audiovisual plans to allocate it over the next few years (Great Britain media services to the general public, along with a has already set aside compensation funds for television flexible approach for spectrum use to cater for different broadcasters that will be obliged to give it up). The real levels of digital terrestrial television (DTT) uptake in hurdle is Italy. According to the proposal for a Council Member States. The Commission proposes that the 700 decision, the 700 band will have to be awarded by means MHz band should be assigned to wireless broadband of a tendering procedure in all European countries by by 30 June 2020 at the latest in all EU countries. This June 30th, 2020. If they want to respect this deadline, will be in line with the deployment of 5G, foreseen as member states will need to adopt a national plan to from 2020. To meet this deadline, Member States will allocate these frequencies and make the plan public by need to adopt and make public their national plans for June 30th, 2017. They will also need to close coordinating network coverage and for releasing this band by 30 agreements with neighboring states by the end of 2017. June 2017. They will need also to conclude cross-border At the moment, Italy has no agreement in place with any coordination agreements by the end of 2017. Such plans of its neighboring states, as Italian television channels will smooth the transition and ensure good network normally also broadcast on frequency ranges to which coverage that will help to bridge the digital divide and these states should, by international right, be entitled. create the necessary coverage conditions for connected With the transition to terrestrial , said vehicles or remote health care. Two Member States frequencies have mostly been allocated to local channels; (France, Germany) have already authorized the use of so much so the Italian government has had to give up the 700 MHz band for mobile services. Further Member 76 frequencies used by 144 local television channels, States (Denmark, Finland, Sweden, UK) have outlined for the most part in regions of the Adriatic basin, and plans to repurpose the 700 MHz band in the next few decided to assign unused national frequencies (which, years. (February 10, 2016) cellular-news.com however, are mostly in the 700 band) to select local content providers that will need to be cherry-picked in a future ’beauty contest.’ Italy, in other words, has too The European Commission has laid out its proposals to many television networks, both national and local: the allow operators to launch mobile broadband services on flip side to a high concentration of audiences, resources the 700MHz band by 2020. The band is already used by and broadcasting rights. A fragmented yet concentrated operators across Asia and Latin America. Brussels has system that has a hard time keeping in step with EU been exploring the possibility of operators using the requirements and timing. That’s why it is having trouble band for the past few years and finding an alternative organizing a national plan for all its 700 MHz band home for the broadcasters which have formerly been television networks according to the schedule provided using it. The EC sees the proposals as a key means of by the EU Commission – even though a tender to award enabling its Digital Single Market strategy. Digital Single the 700 band for mobile Internet access will be a source Market Chief Andrus Ansip said the current approach of of considerable revenue to the Italian government as 28 different ways of handling radio frequencies across to other European governments (the French tender the continent does not make economic sense. Brussels brought in €2.2 billion). The EU Commission’s prudential has given the deadline of 30 June 2020 for the 700MHz estimate for the 28 member states sets the total income band to be assigned to operators. EU members must lay out their plans for network coverage and freeing up the at €11 billion. (February 18, 2016) italy24.ilsole24ore.com band by 30 June 2017. A statement said: “Such plans will smooth the transition and ensure good network The European Commission has presented a proposal coverage that will help to bridge the digital divide and to coordinate the use of the 700MHz band for mobile create the necessary coverage conditions for connected services. Radio frequencies know no borders: spectrum vehicles or remote health care.” Under the terms of needs to be better coordinated at EU level to avoid the proposal, audio-visual services will be prioritized interferences and to allow innovative services, such as to the sub-700MHz band. However, it suggested “a

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flexible approach for spectrum” should be taken, with media services” in the sub-700MHz bands, with a companies including Google and Microsoft exploring the “flexible approach for spectrum use to cater for different possibilities of dynamic spectrum use. Last November, levels of digital terrestrial television uptake in member French regulator ARCEP held an auction of 700MHz states”. The Commission is proposing that the 700MHz spectrum for the country’s operators. Germany also sold band should be assigned to wireless broadband by 30 off chunks of 700MHz to telcos last summer. Denmark, June 2020 at the latest in all EU countries. To meet this Finland, Sweden and the UK are among the other deadline, member states will need to adopt and make Member States aiming to free up 700MHz during the public their national plans for network coverage and coming years. Günther Oettinger, Commissioner for the for releasing this band by 30 June 2017. Two states Digital Economy and Society, said: “We cannot have high (France and Germany) have already authorized the use quality mobile internet for everything and for everyone of the 700MHz band for mobile services, while Denmark, everywhere unless we have modern infrastructure and Finland, Sweden and the UK have outlined plans to modern rules. With this proposal we show that we can repurpose the band in the next few years. The proposal have both: a vibrant audiovisual sector as well as the will have to be examined by the European Parliament spectrum we will need for 5G. “The 700 MHz band will and Member States, under a co-decision procedure. be ideal for new promising fields like connected driving After taking their positions, negotiations will begin, and the Internet of Things. I want Europe to lead in 5G. which “may take between a few months and one year”. That is why all Member States must act by 2020.” (February 2, 2016) mobileworldlive.com

(February 7, 2016) mobileeurope.co.uk France The European Commission (EC) has presented a proposal The telecoms regulator ARCEP proposed to coordinate the use of the 700MHz band for mobile to the Government that it issue a call for services. It will improve internet access for European 4G network deployments in Guadeloupe, citizens and help develop cross-border applications. As Guyana, R union Martinique, Mayotte, part of its strategy to create a ‘Digital Single Market’, the Saint Martin and Saint Barth lemy. The Government EC has proposed a balanced long-term approach for the issued these calls for applications January 29, 2016. The use of the ultra-high frequency (UHF) band (470MHz- purpose of this process is to allocate spectrum in the 790MHz), which is chiefly used for TV broadcasting. 800 MHz and 2.6 GHz bands that remains unassigned According to the proposal, more spectrum will be in these overseas markets, along with still available made available for mobile services in the 700MHz band spectrum in the 900 MHz, 1800 MHz and 2.1 GHz bands. (694MHz-790MHz) by 2020. Frequencies in the sub- These allocations will give operators the means to deploy 700MHz range (470MHz-694MHz) will remain available, 4G and to continue to develop their 3G networks. The as a priority, for audiovisual services. Andrus Ansip, vice deadline for submitting an application with ARCEP has president for the Digital Single Market, commented: been set for May 10, 2016. ARCEP plans on completing ‘28 different approaches to manage radio frequencies the allocation procedure in 2016. It will issue licenses to in the Commission do not make economic sense in the winning operators which will then be able to roll out the Digital Single Market. Today we come with our first 4G services before the end of the year. On the specific proposal on how to better coordinate spectrum in the matter of Réunion and Mayotte, ARCEP decided to EU. We propose a joint approach to use the 700MHz provide a framework for commercial 4G rollouts, and to band for mobile services. This band is the sweet spot set a launch date of December 1, 2016. Competition has for both wide coverage and high speeds. It will give top- been particularly fragile in these markets since SRR and quality internet access to all Europeans, even in rural Outremer Telecom merged in late 2014. A new operator areas, and pave the way for 5G, the next generation of emerged following an injunction that the Competition communication network’. (February 3, 2016) telegeography.com Authority issued to SFR-Numericable to divest itself of the Outremer Telecom mobile business. To maintain a lasting market structure of at least three operators, The EC presented a proposal to coordinate the use of ARCEP and the Government decided that the launch 700MHz spectrum for mobile services, in a move it date for 4G should be postponed for several months, i.e. said would “improve internet access for all Europeans until December 1, 2016. (February 11, 2016) cellular-news.com and help develop cross-border applications”. The body said that spectrum needs to be better coordinated at the European level “to avoid interferences and to allow The telecoms regulator (ARCEP) has invited applications innovative services, such as connected cars or remote for the award of available 3G/4G spectrum in the health care, to work across the continent”. Andrus Ansip, French overseas territories (‘departement d’outre-mer’, VP for the Digital Single Market, said: “28 different DOM) of Guadeloupe, Guyana, Reunion, Martinique, approaches to manage radio frequencies in the EU do Mayotte, Saint-Martin and Saint-Barthelemy. The not make economic sense in the Digital Single Market.” watchdog will auction spectrum in the 800MHz and The 700MHz frequencies, which are already used for 2600MHz bands (yet unallocated overseas), along with mobile broadband in some APAC and America markets, additional frequencies in the 900MHz, 1800MHz and were harmonized for mobile internet services globally 2100MHz bands. All interested parties are invited to at the ITU’s World Radiocommunications Conference submit their applications by 10 May 2016. The regulator 2015. At the same time, frequencies below the 700MHz will award up to four licenses ‘per zone’, each with band were allocated to television services, which the specific deployment obligations; ARCEP said that the EC now said will “make sure that Europeans can have authorizations in Guyana will come with obligations to access to creative content on tablets and smartphones improve the coverage of the two national highways (NR1 – an increasing trend – but also through classic TV and NR2). In regards to Reunion and Mayotte, ARCEP services”. The proposal contains “two major elements”: decided to set the commercial launch of 4G services a common schedule for making 700MHz available for for 1 December 2016, due to the ‘particularly fragile’ wireless broadband use under harmonized technical competition environment since the November 2014 conditions, and related coordination measures; and a merger of SFR and Outremer Telecom. Back in July 2013 “long-term priority for the distribution of audiovisual ARCEP unveiled a ‘broad public consultation’ covering

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SAMENA TRENDS _ FEB 2016 SAMENA TRENDS _ FEB 2016 mobile frequency assignments in the 700MHz, 800MHz, 1 billion users, Granryd said, although admittedly we 900MHz, 1800MHz, 2100MHz and 2600MHz spectrum have no written evidence for that target. “We have bands, with a view to facilitating the introduction of LTE. surpassed that,” he said. “We now have more than 2 The process was successfully concluded in February billion enabled users.” Later, Granryd, the former Tele2 2014, and a formal tender was expected to be introduced chief executive who took over from Anne Bouverot in 1H14, only for the regulator to miss its self-imposed as leader of the GSMA at the start of this year, invited target. (February 4, 2016) telegeography.com the organization’s chairman and former Telenor CEO Jon Fredrik Baksaas to the stage. The GSMA has often struggled to align its goals with others in the industry Fiji to generate the necessary scale for its various initiatives, The Minister for Communications, Aiyaz Baksaas admitted. “But on this occasion we have really Sayed-Khaiyum, is close to finalizing a done it,” he said. He added that with the move from 4G new licensing arrangement between to 5G, with its increased numbers of connections and domestic mobile operator Digicel Fiji services, the concept of identity will become increasingly and pay-TV provider Sky Pacific. The permanent important. Rest assured that this will not be the last time secretary for communications and IT, Ewan Perrin, says we hear 5G mentioned at this Mobile World Congress. that the matter needs to be ratified and authorized by (February 22, 2016) totaltele.com the minister, adding that this should happen ‘soon’. In September 2015 Digicel Group’s Fijian arm completed the acquisition of Sky Pacific, a division of Fiji Television, The GSMA, alongside seven mobile operators, has for FJD5.75 million (US$2.66 million), but said it was still unveiled extensive security guidelines for developing awaiting the final Special License required to complete IoT services and products. The global telecoms body the takeover. The matter has rumbled on, however, said the guidelines have been designed with the entire leaving the status of Digicel Fiji’s subscription-based TV IoT ecosystem in mind; including IoT service providers, service ‘in limbo’. Following the September deal, Digicel device manufacturers, developers and network operators. submitted an application for an operating license with According to research undertaken by Telecoms.com the Ministry of Communications, as per the rules set Intelligence, concerns over security is the biggest barrier down in the Media Industry Development Decree. Digicel to implementing IoT among telecoms operators – Fiji CEO Darren McLean is quoted as saying that his identified by nearly half of those surveyed. Meanwhile, company has agreed to all license conditions set down just 10% said they’re capable of launching fully secured by the government and hopes that the completion of IoT services. What this illustrates in the context of today’s its takeover of Sky Pacific will be announced very soon. announcement is a clear desire to see more guidance in (February 18, 2016) Daily FijiVillage securing IoT. The GSMA says the guidelines will outline various ways to identify and address potential IoT threats, thus helping service providers build secure services Finland from the outset. The guidelines also apparently explain The Finnish Ministry of Transport and risk assessment methodologies to ensure IoT services Communications announced plans to are capable of collecting, storing and exchanging data auction the 700 MHz band for mobile securely while mitigating possible cybersecurity attacks. services by the end of this year. The “As billions of devices become connected in the Internet band is expected to be released from broadcasting and of Things, offering innovative and interconnected new available for the mobile sector by 2017, so an auction will services, the possibility of potential vulnerabilities be arranged by the Finnish Communications Regulatory increases,” said the GSMA’s CTO, Alex Sinclair. “These can Authority by the end of 2016. The ministry said the new be overcome if the end-to-end security of an IoT service frequencies will help boost the coverage of 4G networks. is carefully considered by the service provider when Questions related to the use of the band, such as designing their service and an appropriate mitigating whether to allocate part of the frequencies to the public technology is deployed. A proven and robust approach authority network, will be decided by this spring, and the to security will create trusted, reliable services that scale government will also work on coordinating use of the as the market grows.” The GSMA partnered with AT&T, band with neighboring Russia. Provisions on the details China Telecom, Etisalat, KDDI, NTT DOCOMO, Orange, of the auction will be laid down in a government decree Telefónica, Telenor and Verizon for operator and service and a Finnish Communications Regulatory Authority provider input, while Ericsson, and u-blox regulation. A hearing with operators was already held contributed from the vendor community. Telefónica’s on 02 February. (February 22, 2016) telecompaper.com Chief IoT Officer, Vicente Muñoz Boza, says the industry needs such guidelines so that service providers can feel secure about their IoT services. “These guidelines GSMA build on the long experience of secure communications The GSMA’s Mobile Connect initiative has over cellular networks. Security of IOT solutions is of in excess of 2 billion users, the industry utmost importance and these documents represent an body’s new director general announced important step in supporting our customers to deliver at the opening session of Mobile World secure end to end services.” (February 9, 2016) telecoms.com Congress in Barcelona on Monday. 24/7 connectivity is “all good stuff,” Mats Granryd told conference attendees, referring to what already looks set to be an over-arching Mobile industry group the GSM Association (GSMA) has theme of MWC 2016, but consumers and operators criticized the high reserve price recommended by the need to be mindful of privacy and security concerns Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) for 700MHz in a world of multiple online identities and passwords. spectrum in the upcoming auction, and called for the With that in mind, two years ago the GSMA launched government to set prices at ‘reasonable levels.’ The Mobile Connect, an initiative that gives consumers a Indian watchdog set a reserve price of INR114.85 billion single, mobile phone-based identity that allows them (US$1.69 billion) per MHz (paired) of pan-India spectrum to access multiple mobile and digital services securely. in the 700MHz range, with prices per circle ranging from Last year the organization challenged itself to sign up INR440 million (North East) per MHz of paired spectrum

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to INR15.95 billion (Delhi). In its statement, the GSMA 2016, though the frequencies in the 2100MHz band that noted that India has one of the lowest levels of ARPU in have been allocated by it will remain in use until the end the world at around US$2.45, adding that competitive of the authorization term (i.e. March 30, 2022). Telecoms pressure on revenues, high capital expenditure and the regulator, the Post and Telecom Administration (PTA), ‘so far limited revenue contribution from data services’ disclosed that the act ‘no longer served its purpose’ as would make it diffi cult for operators to recover from high a number of conditions outlined in the legislation ‘made spectrum prices. Moreover, the association stressed that it diffi cult’ to allocate the remaining available spectrum the high base prices left cellcos with less capital to invest in the band. The watchdog is now planning to launch in the rollout of new networks. ‘Spectrum’s greatest value a tender for the vacant frequencies later this year, on does not come from high sale prices, but rather from its a technology-neutral basis. Going forward, the PTA will use to expand social and economic opportunity for all of also auction spectrum for high speed mobile broadband India’s citizens,’ the GSMA’s chief regulatory offi cer, John services in the 900MHz (2016), 2600MHz (2016) and Giusti said, adding: ‘As the digital economy becomes 700MHz (2017/18) bands. (February 10, 2016) telegeography.com increasingly important to India’s future prosperity, we encourage greater focus on the long-term benefi ts of connecting more people in India to affordable mobile India broadband, rather than on short-term fi nancial gain… The Indian government is threatening to Setting reserve prices at reasonable levels will be key to seize Vodafone’s assets in the country if it achieving the objectives, allowing operators doesn’t pay a disputed US$2.1 billion tax to focus their resources on building the necessary demand. Both sides have been in dispute infrastructure to deliver high-quality mobile services for over the tax demand ever since Vodafone made its initial Indian citizens.’ India has had mixed results from spectrum investment in the country in 2007. An attempt by the auctions in recent years. The government raised INR1.1 Indian government to retrospectively change the law trillion from the sale of airwaves in the 800MHz, 900MHz, after it lost a court case scared away foreign investors 1800MHz and 2100MHz bands in March 2015, although and the government has been seen as keener now to the amount was infl ated somewhat by incumbent seek an amicable settlement and close the issue. Now it operators striving to repurchase existing concessions is reported that the Income Tax dept at the government under pressure from acquisitive newcomer Reliance Jio has sent a letter to Vodafone warning that it may seize Infocomm (RJIL). Similar conditions also helped drive Vodafone assets if it doesn’t pay the outstanding tax bill. up prices in the February 2014 auction, which raised In the letter, the tax department said that it may seek INR611.6 billion, with operators scrapping over highly to recover any overdue amounts, even from overseas sought-after 900MHz and 1800MHz spectrum. Sales companies, “from any assets of the non-resident which in November 2012 and March 2013 fared far worse, are, or may at any time come, within India.” The Indian however. With little incentive for the larger incumbents government has argued that although the transaction to weigh-in, and investor confi dence in the sector at an took place via subsidiaries in Mauritius, as the bulk of the all-time low following the mass license cancellation in assets were within India, then taxes should be paid to the February 2012, the November 2012 tender brought in Indian government. In addition, under Indian law, it is the less than a quarter of the anticipated INR138.5 billion. buyer of assets who pays taxes, not the seller. Vodafone Similarly, in March 2013 only one bidder took part in the International Holdings BV, a company registered in auction for 800MHz frequencies, leaving large quantities the Netherlands, acquired the entire share capital of of spectrum unsold and unused. CGP Investments (Holdings) Ltd; a Cayman Islands (February 3, 2016) telegeography.com based company from Hutchison International (HTIL). CGP, itself, owns 52 per cent stakes in Hutchison India. Vodafone Essar has argued that Vodafone Holdings, CGP Investments as well as HTIL are foreign companies Hong Kong and as the transaction was structured through Mauritius, The Offi ce of the Communications capital gains cannot have been accumulated within Authority (OFCA) has launched a public India. Also India and Mauritius have a double taxation consultation into the future of spectrum in avoidance treaty, so it would not be possible for India to the 900MHz and 1800MHz bands which is apply capital gains tax on transactions that are already currently assigned to the four incumbent operators until taxed within Mauritius. A High Court ruling was issued 2020/21. The regulator is proposing three approaches to in favor of Vodafone, but the government then changed the reassignment of the frequencies: to give the existing the law to make similar transactions subject to tax, and licensees the right of fi rst refusal; to revoke the licenses also retrospectively applied it to past transactions. The once they expire and hold an auction for all 200MHz of lack of legal clarity and the risk of doing business in a available spectrum; or to reserve one-fi fth (40MHz) for country where tax laws can be retrospectively changed existing assignees and to auction the remainder. OFCA spooked foreign investors. The current government had says it expects 2G networks to still be active after 2021 been making conciliatory noises about the situation, so it is keen to see at least some of the territory’s existing until this latest development. (February 18, 2016) Bloomberg GSM networks maintained, though under technology neutral guidelines, some of the 900MHz and 1800MHz frequencies have already been transferred to 3G or 4G The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has use. A fi nal decision on the future of the spectrum is published its performance indicator report for the three expected to be made by November 2017. months ended 30 September 2015, confi rming its earlier claims that the instance of call dropping was increasing (February 8, 2016) telegeography.com in certain areas. According to the report, operators failed to meet the overall call drop benchmark of 2% in four Iceland circles compared to three in June 2015, and 29.51% of the The Icelandic parliament has revoked the affected cells reported drop rates of worse than 3%, up Act on Third Generation Mobile Telephony from 24.59% three months earlier, and 12.50% in March (No. 8/2005), with effect from February 1, 2015. In October 2015 the TRAI introduced new rules obliging cellcos to automatically compensate users at a

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SAMENA TRENDS _ FEB 2016 SAMENA TRENDS _ FEB 2016 rate of INR1 (US$0.015) per dropped call, to a maximum both terminate and receive calls from any other mobile of INR3 per customer per day. The rules came into effect carrier operating a CS network by merely installing a from 1 January 2016 but have faced legal opposition media gateway switch” said B K Syngal, ex-chairman of from the nation’s cellcos, which claim the rules could erstwhile VSNL (now, ), who is now cost the industry INR540 billion per year. In addition Senior Principal at Dua Consulting. Mukesh Ambani- to compensating consumers for poor quality of service owned Jio, which recently started beta-testing its mobile (QoS) the new rules were also intended to encourage broadband network by issuing connections to employees operators to invest in improving infrastructure to meet and friends, is looking at primarily at a VoLTE-based 4G the demands of their growing subscriber bases. rollout. In a VoLTE or `Voice over LTE’ scenario, voice calls,

(February 18, 2016) telegeography.com typically, will be provisioned over a 4G LTE data network, instead of the circuit-switched 2G or 3G networks which are commonly used. The VoLTE technology, typically, The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has allows voice to become just another app that rides called for the Department of Telecom (DoT) to amend on an LTE data network. Long-term evolution, or LTE, a clause of the Unified License framework in order to is the technology standard for delivering high-speed enable it to set interconnection rates for VoIP calls, the broadband services, popularly known as 4G. European Economic Times writes, citing a senior TRAI official. brokerage Credit Suisse had recently said Jio’s 4G voice At present, the license refers to interconnection of coverage using VoLTE technology is at par with that of networks carrying circuit-switched traffic and makes no incumbents, which could pose a strong threat to rivals provision for IP-based networks. The TRAI has the power such as Bharti Airtel, and Idea Cellular. to determine charges for interconnection, but is not (February 10, 2016) telecom.economictimes.indiatimes.com authorized to alter licenses, however, which remains the remit of the DoT. The official explained that the regulator needs to move to facilitate interconnection, as IP-based Telecom regulator TRAI has recommended public- networks continue to proliferate whilst circuit-switched private partnership (PPP) model to revive Bharat networks are gradually being phased out. The loophole Broadband Network (BBNL), India’s national optical fiber could potentially give rise to operational and service project. The NOFN project aims to connect 250,000 quality issues, and complicate the process of migrating Gram Panchayats (GPs) by laying 600,000 km of optical to IP-based networks, the TRAI warned. fiber in 3 phases: 100,000 GPs by March 2015, 100,000 GPs March 2016 and 50,000 GPs by March 2017. Due (February 15, 2016) The Economic Times to poor management, the connectivity project suffered and TRAI took up the issue by issuing another set of The telecom regulator has recommended suitable recommendations. According to BBNL, the tenders amendments in the Unified License to pave the way for activities of trenching, ducting and laying fiber for interconnection to happen at the IP or ‘internet have been signed for over 50,000 GPs, but only 3,384 protocol’ level between licensed operators. If accepted GPs had been connected as of November 2015. The by the government, users on newcomer Reliance Jio BBNL project has already negatively impacted India’s Infocomm’s VoLTE-based 4G network will be able to broadband projections. India has more than 120.88 call subscribers of other telcos who operate traditional million broadband subscribers — largely concentrated `circuit switch’ (CS) mobile networks, such as Bharti in Andhra Pradesh, Delhi, Karnataka, Kerala, Airtel, Vodafone India or Idea Cellular, and vice-versa. and Tamil Nadu, with 27.20 million rural subscribers. The Reliance Jio is tipped to commercially launch its 4G National Telecom Policy of 2012 (NTP 2012) aims to services by April. This interconnection was one area of ensure broadband on demand by 2015, and 175 million concern for sector experts as under current rules, largely broadband subscribers by 2017 with a minimum speed only Jio- to-Jio calls would have been possible, which of 2 Mbps and up to 100 Mbps on demand. The negative could also have limited the telco’s hand in offering local impact on the cost of the project is significant. According and international roaming services. Since “voice traffic to estimates, there will be increase in cost of the project is being carried over IP and traditional `CS’ networks under the BharatNet from the previous cost estimate to are gradually being phased out, there exists a need Rs 72,778 crore, and increase penetration by 1.9 percent to facilitate interconnection at the IP level,” which is of the estimated population in 2018-19. Last year, an why, “the Authority recommends the amendment to expert committee had suggested a model involving the Clause 27.3 in the Unified License” for this to happen, participation of Central public sector units in some states said Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) in its and the private sector for the engineering, procurement recommendations on `Interconnection over IP Interface’. and construction (EPC) contracts for the fiber program. The sector regulator has suggested that Clause 27.3 Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) – headed be reworded to broaden the scope of interconnection. by RS Sharma, said that a PPP model works better than “Interconnection between networks of different licensees EPC model. for carrying CS traffic shall be as per national standards, and for (also) carrying IP-based traffic as per Telecom Engineering Centre (TEC) standards,” says the amended BBNL targets Clause 27.3 of the unified license proposed by TRAI. The • Connect 2.5 lakh Gram Panchayats with broadband telecom regulator has recommended the tweaking of the • Lay 600,000 km of incremental optical fiber in three Clause 27.3 in the absence of “an explicit clause relating phases by 2017 to interconnection at the IP level in existing licenses”. • To spend more than Rs 72,778 crore It has also suggested that similar “amendments to this effect may also be incorporated in relevant clauses” in other license agreements. The regulator, however, has “A PPP model that aligns private incentives with retained a key portion of the existing Clause 27.3 that long-term service delivery in the vein of the Build- says a “licensee shall install a media gateway switch Own-Operate-Transfer/ Build-Operate-Transfer (read: a piece of hardware) for inter-networking between models of implementation be the preferred means CS and IP-based networks”. “If the telecom department of implementation,” said the telecom regulator in its accepts TRAI’s proposals, Reliance Jio will be able to recommendation titled Implementation Strategy for

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BharatNet. At present, a special purpose vehicle Bharat is in the process of grabbing MTS India and Aircel. Broadband Network under the Telecom Ministry – headed Videocon India has agreed to sell its 4G spectrum to by Ravi Shankar Prasad — is handling roll out of optical Idea Cellular. (February 1, 2016) telecomlead.com fiber network. State-run telecoms such as BSNL, RailTel and Power Grid are running the broadband network project. TRAI said the task of rolling out broadband Jamaica network should be given to a concessionaire selected The Jamaican government is considering through reverse bidding process to arrive at fund to be the award of a third mobile network provided by the government. “A BOOT operator having operator license, creating new competition incentive to complete the project in time, as his revenue for the well-established duo of Digicel and stream from the project starts only on its completion, Flow (formerly LIME). Minister of Science, Technology, is more likely to anticipate problems and make all the Energy and Mining Phillip Paulwell is quoted by the efforts to resolve them early so as to complete the Jamaica Observer as saying that the plan has already project well in time. The risk of delay in completion of been approved by the country’s telecoms watchdog, the the project is relatively less in such model than in EPC Office of Utilities Regulation (OUR), and the Spectrum model,” TRAI said. TRAI added that the current proposal Management Authority, and has now been passed to envisages the network to be auctioned at the district the Cabinet for discussion. A timescale for the licensing level. This concept is fraught with the 28 danger of process has not been given. Jamaica is currently home to creating an administrative nightmare. Implementation of just over three million mobile users, with Digicel claiming this proposal will result in a complex and unmanageable more than two-thirds of the overall market. Digicel was web of contracts. Assuming that one entity is auctioned able to tighten its grip on the island’s mobile sector in one pair of fiber, there will be a minimum of a dozen late 2011 through the controversial acquisition of third- contracts at each district. This will put the total contracts placed rival Claro Jamaica from Mexico’s America Movil pan-India at 6,000 at the minimum. The telecom (AM). (February 1, 2016) telegeography.com regulator said it is desirable to structure the private sector’s involvement in a manner that aligns long-term incentives with the State’s social and public service Kyrgyzstan delivery objectives. The TRAI recommendation primarily The government is planning to auction focuses on the implementation part of the optical fiber off its shares in Alpha Telecom, which project in India. (February 2, 2016) telecomlead.com operates under the Megacom brand, with a starting price of KGS18 billion-KGS19 billion (US$241 million-US$254 million). The report India telecom network operators Bharti Airtel, Vodafone, cites Almazbek Kadyrkulov, Head of the State Property Idea Cellular and Reliance Communications may not Management Fund, as saying that the government bid for 700MHz spectrum during the 2016 spectrum made its decision in 2015, assessing the value of the auction. The main reason is the high price for the company at the end of June that year. Meanwhile, 700MHz spectrum. There are other reasons as well, says Deputy Prime Minister Oleg Pankratov commented: ‘It Fitch Ratings. The top four telecoms will not be willing is necessary to avoid problems with corruption issues. to make investment in 700MHz due to their stretched As a result, we will find an investor, who will not only balance sheets and need to preserve cash to challenge save the company, but ensure its development, and the the entry of Reliance Jio, a part of Reliance Industries state will not lose tax base. In market conditions, the (RIL) in March-April 2016, said Fitch Ratings. Fitch state should not have commercial assets in the areas Ratings said the 700MHz spectrum auction planned in with sufficient competition.’ Megacom was established, H2 2016 may not be attractive to telecoms, given limited and until late 2009 owned, by BiMoCom, itself majority- device availability and that telecoms possess alternative owned by Russian-owned and Cyprus-registered Eventis spectrum in 850MHz, 1800MHz and 2300MHz to roll Telecom affiliate Penwell Business. Following subsequent out 4G services. Bharti Airtel owns about 40 percent disputes, the government took full control of Megacom of the private telecoms’ 900MHz, and will offer 4G in July 2014. The company operates 2G and 3G networks services in 1800MHz and 2300MHz. Reliance Jio, after with a total 98% coverage and 2.89 million subscribers making an investment of about $15 billion on spectrum as at end-September 2015. (February 8, 2016) 24.kg and networks, has access to the pan-India 800MHz and 850MHz spectrum. The reserve price of $1.7 billion per MHz for pan-India 700MHz spectrum for Lithuania deploying 4G services on 700MHz will be insufficient The Communications Regulatory to offset the relatively high price. The reserve price of Authority (RRT) has published the final 700MHz spectrum is about 2.0x, 3.4x and 4.0x of the results of its auction of spectrum in the recommended reserve price for 800MHz, 900MHz and 880MHz-915MHz and 925MHz-960MHz 1800MHz spectrum, respectively. In March 2015, the paired frequency range, and the 1710MHz-1785MHz and telecoms committed the largest-ever investment of 1805MHz-1880MHz paired band. The country’s three $17.7 billion, mainly due to the necessity to retain their existing mobile network operators – Tele2, Omnitel and expiring spectrum to avoid network disruption. The Bite Lithuania – were the only participants in the auction, auction saw aggressive bidding as spectrum offered bidding a combined total of EUR38.1 million (USD42.5 was limited. Fitch Ratings did not say anything about million). With the highest bid of EUR14.3 million, Omnitel the possible interest from telecom businessman Mukesh won the right to choose its preferred spectrum first, Ambani for the costly 700 MHz spectrum. Fitch Ratings and the TeliaSonera-owned company selected block A2 says the 2016 spectrum auction may be less attractive (891.7MHz-903.3MHz and 936.7MHz-948.3MHz) and to telecoms. The BJP-ruled government’s decision to block B1 (1710MHz-1735MHz and 1805MHz-1830MHz). allow spectrum sharing and trading among telecoms Mobile market leader Tele2 paid EUR13.7 million for its could make bidding in spectrum auctions unattractive. chosen blocks A3 (903.3MHz-914.9MHz and 948.3MHz- It may be noted that Airtel Chairman earlier 959.9MHz) and B2 (1735MHz-1760MHz and 1830MHz- indicated that there will be six major telecoms in India 1855MHz), while third-placed Bite Lithuania bid EUR10.1 after a series of consolidation. Reliance Communications million for A1 (880.1MHz-891.7MHz and 925.1MHz-

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936.7MHz) and B3 (1760MHz-1785MHz and 1855MHz- reasoning behind choosing these operators for spectrum 1880MHz). The trio currently has the right to use the reallocation, MCMC chairman Dato’ Sri Dr. Halim Shafie frequencies for wireless telephony and data services said that this was because all four already have sufficient until October 31, 2017, and as such, the new licenses infrastructure to expand upon, adding: ‘The reallocation will be valid from November 1, 2017 to October 31, takes into account the development of the sector and the 2032. Omnitel, Tele2 and Bite will be required to ensure nation as a whole. Specifically, a high priority has been territorial coverage of at least 98% within three years put on communications coverage, quality of service and from the date of authorization, as well as ensuring high affordability of services.’ While the spectrum fee is yet to speed (at least 30Mbps) wireless broadband population be determined, the MCMC has confirmed that, similar to coverage of at least 85% of the country. the previous practice for 3G frequencies, payments will

(February 9, 2016) telegeography.com be made in phases, a system which it has claimed will allow operators to roll out services without passing on the cost to consumers. Looking ahead, meanwhile, Dr. Malaysia Halim said that the regulator will also look to address Malaysia’s proposed spectrum reallocation ‘the optimal usage of other relevant spectrum bands will intensify competition as the country’s such as the 700MHz, 2300MHz [and] 2600MHz bands two smallest operators will gain access … by the end of 2016.’ On the back of the regulator’s to more capex-efficient spectrum, which announcement both Digi and Maxis have separately will help them to challenge the two market leaders – confirmed their new spectrum allocations. The former Celcom and Maxis, Fitch Ratings said. The Malaysian revealed it had been allocated 2×5MHz in the 900MHz Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) band and 2×20MHz of 1800MHz spectrum for a 15-year plans to directly assign the 900MHz and 1.8GHz bands period, while Maxis has reportedly received a reduced by August to Celcom and Maxis, and the two smaller spectrum allocation of 2×10MHz and 2×20MHz for the players Digi and MVNO U-Mobile. The two bands will 900MHz and 1800MHz bands, respectively. Prior to the be fully available by 1 July 2017 for a period of 15 reallocation exercise, Maxis – along with both Digi and years. Digi has received 2x5MHz of 900MHz spectrum Celcom – had 50MHz in the 1800MHz band, while it had and 2x20MHz in the 1.8GHz band. Celcom and Maxis, 32MHz in the 900MHz band, more than Digi’s 4MHz in with 29 and 30 per cent market shares respectively, had the band, but less than the 34MHz allocated to Celcom. their spectrum allocations reduced to 2x10MHz in the Notably, as per the current spectrum allocations, 900MHz band and 2x20MHz in the 1.8GHz range. This U Mobile had no frequencies in either of the two will leave U-Mobile with 5MHz of 900MHz and 15MHz aforementioned bands. (February 3, 2016) telegeography.com of 1.8GHz spectrum. U-Mobile previously only had spectrum in the 2.1 and 2.6GHz bands. The spectrum The Malaysia government’s plan to raise cash by fees have yet to be determined, but there will be an re-farming spectrum and holding an auction has upfront fee, with additional payments to be made in riled operators and sent their share prices tumbling, phases. Fitch didn’t mention Prime Minister Najib Razak’s wiping MYR9.45 billion ($2.28 billion) off the top three statement in a budget speech that the government will operators’ market cap the day after the announcement. optimize revenue from the telecoms spectrum through Malaysia’s plan to auction spectrum, announced by a “redistribution and bidding process”. Analysts said the Prime Minister Najib Razak as part an updated budget reallocation effectively means Celcom and Maxis will to boost government revenue, caught investors by need to give back spectrum they currently own. The surprise. He said in a speech that the government will agency sees the two smaller operators benefitting from optimize revenue from the telecoms spectrum through a larger allocation of the coveted 900MHz. The lower- a “redistribution and bidding process”, which will be frequency band is more cost-efficient for 4G deployment implemented soon. Kuala Lumpur-based TA Securities because of its wider coverage and better penetration telecom analyst Paul Yap told Nikkei Asia Review that within buildings. In addition to the spectrum reallocation, “the revelation that it will be via a bidding process Fitch believes competition will intensify in the mobile comes as a surprise” as the government has previously sector following incumbent fixed-line operator Telekom never had a spectrum auction. The move to re-farm Malaysia’s domestic roaming arrangement with Celcom the spectrum was widely expected. The country’s 3G last week. This will enable TM to gain immediate (2.1GHz) 15-year licenses are up for renewal in 2018-20, nationwide wireless coverage and offer quad-play while the 2.6GHz spectrum’s five-year assignment period services. Fitch forecasts operators’ revenue to grow is up for review in December 2017. An auction is likely by a low-single-digit percentage, as fiber broadband to result in mobile operators paying billions of ringgit to expansion is likely to offset the slow recovery in mobile retain or acquire more 900MHz and 1.8GHz spectrum. revenues. U-Mobile reportedly is considering raising CIMB analyst Foong Choong Chen told Edge Markets: funds to pay for the spectrum via bonds, private debt “This is a negative surprise, as our recent conversation securities or an IPO. (February 4, 2016) mobileworldlive.com with the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission suggested that the regulator was quite The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia happy and did not intend to disrupt the good progress Commission (MCMC) has outlined plans to reallocate made by the existing mobile operators in building out frequencies in the 900MHz and 1800MHz bands among their mobile data networks.” CIMB Equities Research said four telecoms operators by August this year, in line that Maxis and Celcom stand to lose the most, given the with the government’s decision to optimize the use of potential cash outlay for their larger spectrum holdings. spectrum resources through reallocation and bidding. While DiGi could obtain more 900MHz spectrum, it may As per the plans, the two aforementioned spectrum have to fork out a lot of cash to win some in the auction, bands will be assigned, for a fee, to Celcom Axiata, the Star Online reported. Axiata’s shares fell 8.5 per cent , Maxis and U Mobile for a on Thursday and Friday, while Maxis suffered a 6.4 per period of 15 years, with the frequency assignments cent decline and Digi saw its shares drop 4.3 per cent expected to be issued to the quartet by August 2016 over the two-day period. The government’s move to for full implementation by July 1, 2017. Explaining the generate funds from an auction are similar to efforts

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by other countries, such as Pakistan, which has been previously reported by TeleGeography’s CommsUpdate, pushing for a year to hold a spectrum sale that operators 80MHz worth of 4G-suitable spectrum will be sold via a aren’t keen to join. (February 2, 2016) mobileworldlive.com Combinatorial Clock Auction (CCA). In September 2015 the watchdog noted that the auction will comprise 30MHz of AWS-1 airwaves (1710MHz-1725MHz/2110MHz- Mali 2125MHz) alongside a 50MHz block of AWS-3 spectrum With Alpha Telecom Mali, which secured (1755MHz-1780MHz/2155MHz-2180MHz). the country’s third mobile network (February 8, 2016) telegeography.com operator license back in 2012, still to launch commercial services; the government is preparing to offer another concession. It is understood The Federal Telecommunications Institute (IFETEL) that the Malian authorities are aiming to launch a new could stage its planned auction of 2.5GHz (2500MHz- international license tender before the end of March 2690MHz) spectrum as early as the second half of this 2016, with a person close to the matter cited as saying year, Alejandro Navarrete, director of the watchdog’s that the country had ‘lost a lot of time’ waiting for the Radio Spectrum Unit has informed. The official noted, company to inaugurate its network. Alpha Telecom however, that it has yet to be established as to whether submitted a winning bid of XOF55 billion (approximately the concessions will be auctioned on a regional or US$104 million) for its concession, but in November national basis. In July 2015 IFETEL announced that, as 2014 it was revealed that a prosecutor for the Ministre part of its ‘Plan Nacional de Espectro Radioelectrico’, it de l’Economie et des Finances (Ministry of Economy and will make available spectrum in the 2.5GHz band from Finance) had begun a preliminary investigation into the 2016. The watchdog took the decision after taking into license award, following criticism of the process by the account the recommendations of the International country’s Office of the Auditor General at the start of that Telecommunication Union (ITU) and the Comision year along with the ongoing delays in the introduction Interamericana de Telecomunicaciones (CITEL). Local of a commercial service and litigation linked to the media reports had previously suggested that market payment of the fees for the concession. newcomer AT&T had approached IFETEL with a request

(February 8, 2016) Les Afriques for a 50MHz block of frequencies in the 2.5GHz band. (February 4, 2016) El Economista Mexico The bidding stage of Mexico’s AWS auction has ended, with America Movil Montenegro submitting the highest offers for three- Montenegro’s Agency for Electronic quarters of the available spectrum, the Communication and Postal Activities country’s telecoms regulator revealed on Thursday, (EKIP) has launched a public consultation adding that it will post the final results of the sale within regarding its planned multi-band 10 working days. America Movil, which is participating in spectrum auction. Frequency bands under consideration the process through its local Telcel brand, has submitted include: 800MHz (790MHz-862MHz); 900MHz bids worth 2.1 billion pesos (€103 million) for 2x10 MHZ (880MHz-915MHz/925MHz-960MHz); 1800MHz of AWS-1 spectrum and 2x20 MHz of AWS-3 spectrum (1710MHz-1785MHz/1805MHz-1880MHz); 2000MHz (1755-1780/2155-2180 MHz), the Instituto Federal de (1900MHz-1920MHz/1920MHz-1980MHz/2110MHz- Telecomunicaciones (IFT) revealed. Taking its existing 2170MHz/2010MHz-2025MHz); and 2600MHz holdings into account, Telcel will have 2x20 MHz of (2500MHz-2690MHz). Interested parties are invited to spectrum in both the AWS-1 and AWS-3 bands, the submit their comments by March 11.

regulator said. Auction participants were required to (February 16, 2016) telegeography.com agree to the rearrangement of existing spectrum to allow for the creation of contiguous frequency blocks, which IFT says will enable more efficient use of the airwaves for the deployment of 4G services. AT&T, meanwhile, Myanmar bid MXN1.03 billion for 2x10 MHz of AWS-1 spectrum, Myanmar’s cellcos have raised concerns which in total will give it 2x25 MHz across the AWS band. about the Ministry of Communications Factoring in the annual license fees for the spectrum, the and Information Technology’s (MCIT’s) IFT claims the auction will yield close to MXN45 billion plans regarding spectrum management. (€2.2 billion) in revenues over the next 15 years. America The MCIT published a spectrum roadmap and plans for Movil will contribute around MXN31 billion and AT&T an auction of 2600MHz frequencies earlier this month, MXN12.7 billion, it said. The auction result changes the opening both for public consultation, but the officials spectrum landscape in Mexico, the IFT noted. Presuming from and Ooredoo Myanmar have the result stands, America Movil will hold 41.2% of the questioned the move, noting that the roadmap will total available spectrum in the IMT bands, up from 29.8% not be finalized and implemented before the auction, previously, the regulator explained. AT&T’s share will scheduled for late March. Ooredoo CEO Rene Meza drop to 38.2% from 43.7%, while Telefonica’s will slide to wrote: ‘We are extremely concerned about this action. 19.5% from 25.1%. Construction firm Grupo SAI will see The first order of business should be a coherent spectrum roadmap. Auctions should follow once the roadmap is its share fall to 1.1% from 1.4%. (February 19, 2016) totaltele.com in place. To conduct beforehand a hasty, insufficiently planned auction is truly putting the cart before the The Federal Telecommunications Institute (IFETEL) has horse.’ His counterpart at Telenor, Petter Furberg, approved the participation of AT&T Mexico (registered meanwhile, added: ‘We think it’s a rush and unnecessary as AT&T Comunicaciones Digitales) and Telcel to auction out spectrum before you actually have agreed (registered as Radiomovil Dipsa) in the government’s on the plan for how you want to use the spectrum imminent Advanced Wireless Services (AWS) spectrum going forward.’ Both executives also questioned the auction. The bidding will commence on 15 February. As government’s rush, pointing out that the spectrum was

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SAMENA TRENDS _ FEB 2016 SAMENA TRENDS _ FEB 2016 not a high priority for the sector, especially compared and 36% using 2G devices. In October last year MTC to frequencies in the 700MHz or 1800MHz bands. An commissioned eight new 3G sites in the North. In unnamed industry source was cited by the paper as November, another ten 3G sites were commissioned in saying that the government was keen to conclude Swakopmund and Walvis Bay. At the end of last year, the sale before the transition to a new administration, MTC commissioned ten additional 3G sites in Windhoek. following the current government’s defeat in the polls in By the end of December 2017, MTC plans to deploy late 2015. (February 17, 2016) The Myanmar Times another 127 3G sites and 116 4G sites, Ekandjo added. In related news, the CRAN last week held public hearings on sharing telecoms and broadcasting infrastructure. Myanmar’s fourth mobile network license is set to CRAN CEO Festus Mbandeka said that the hearings be awarded later this month, the government has will lead to the completion of a consultation process confirmed, after seven companies submitted bids. The on establishing an effective regulatory framework winning bid is to be set up as a joint-venture between on network sharing, under the stipulations of the the foreign company and a local firm which is being Communications Act which requires dominant carriers formed from 11 local companies designated by the to share infrastructure to promote fair competition. The government. When set up, the local consortium will own CEO added that ‘the primary purpose of the proposed 51 percent of the company, with the foreign investor legal framework is to provide for an infrastructure owning the remaining 49 percent. “We will choose the sharing regime that would create fair competition and foreign partner from seven applicants. I can say now a leveled playing field between and amongst existing that we’re finalizing the process and will issue the license and future licensees,’ which he said will lower barriers for this month,” said Chit Wai, deputy permanent secretary new entrants and other industry players and ultimately of the Ministry of Communications and Information enable the offering of a wider range of communications Technology. Telenor and Ooredoo are the current two services to consumers without unnecessary duplication foreign owned mobile networks, competing against the of infrastructure. (February 4, 2016) telegeography.com state-owned MPT. (February 12, 2016) cellular-news.com Netherland Namibia The Dutch government has presented a Namibia’s MTC has blamed delays in proposal to auction the digital terrestrial a network upgrade on the lack of radio TV license in July. The DTT service is spectrum being supplied by the telecoms currently operated by KPN’s Digitenne, regulator. MTC Nambia plans to spend and its license will expire in February 2017. According to N$1 billion (US$62 million) on network upgrades, the draft proposal from the economic affairs and culture but company spokesman, Tim Ekandjo says that the ministries, the plans should be finalized by April, in order implementation of the project is now at risk because the to open applications for the licenses in May. The new regulator won’t release the necessary spectrum. MTC has license would run until February 2030, in the 470-790 said that its upgrade project will expand 3G coverage to MHz band, up to the edge of the spectrum reserved for 64 percent of the population, and allow the expansion mobile services. The license holder will be expected to of its urban 4G network. However, the regulator has ensure a smooth transition with Digitenne and offer a indicated that the mobile network is seeking spectrum similar level of coverage, with a minimum 25 TV and while it still has unused assets that could be deployed, radio channels. While no technology has been set, the and the regulator wants the unused spectrum to be used government has said previously it prefers DVB-T2. In first.(February 11, 2016) cellular-news.com response, KPN said the government’s timeframe is too short. The operator wants its current license extended Namibia’s dominant cellco Mobile Telecommunications by two years, in order to ensure a smooth transition. (MTC) says that its plan to invest NAD1 billion (US$62 The government had previously considered this plan, million) in expanding 3G and 4G networks is currently but late last year another, unnamed candidate for the stalled due to a lack of frequencies, The Namibian license emerged. KPN added that it supports the move reports. Spokesman Tim Ekandjo claimed that the to DVB-T2, which offers room for more channels, and implementation of the project is at risk because the in HD. This will also be needed when the 700 MHz Communications Regulatory Authority of Namibia band is opened to mobile services from 2020. However, (CRAN) has not allocated MTC the necessary spectrum, the upgrade will require all network equipment to be although an industry source quoted by the newspaper replaced and new receivers for all subscribers. KPN reckoned that the CRAN has not granted MTC’s requests reported at the end of 2015 381,000 customers for because the company wants additional spectrum before Digitenne and its analogue TV services. That compares it fully utilizes its current allocation. Last year, MTC to over 1.8 million subscribers for KPN’s IPTV services. announced plans to upgrade its 3G and 4G network (February 9, 2016) telecompaper.com in urban areas, but if the CRAN allocates additional frequency, Ekandjo said that 3G/4G will cover more rural areas and 64% of the population. ‘To successfully New Zealand implement this project, MTC requires only 5MHz of The Commerce Commission has 900MHz spectrum to roll out 3G in rural areas and released a report detailing the findings 5MHz for expanding 3G in urban areas. If granted to of its review of standard form consumer MTC, this will bring MTC’s total spectrum allocation to contracts in the telecommunications 73MHz, which will still be lower than that of Telecom sector. The review was completed to assess the sector’s Namibia and Paratus,’ he said. MTC currently has a compliance with the unfair contract terms provisions total of 63MHz of frequencies, while Telecom Namibia of the Fair Trading Act introduced in March 2015. The has a total allocation of 132MHz in various bands and unfair contract term provisions are designed to protect mobile sector newcomer Paratus 80MHz (including the consumers from contract terms that create a significant latter’s original WiMAX license). According to statistics imbalance of rights or obligations between the provided by Ekandjo, 1.4 million of MTC’s subscribers company and the consumer. After the new provisions or 57% already use data, 21% using the 3G/4G network were introduced the Commission launched a project

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to review a range of standard form consumer contracts existing systems. We have situations where people for unfair terms. Commissioner, Anna Rawlings said engage in wilful destruction or damage of telecom the telecommunications sector was chosen as its first infrastructure in order to extort money from service focus for two reasons. “Overseas regulators told us in providers. “The industry has continued to lose huge their experience it was an industry in which potentially sums of money as a result of vandalization of telecom unfair terms were common. In addition, many of the infrastructure and more importantly, the nation has lost past complaints we had received about unfair contract a lot of services as a result of this menace”, he noted.

terms related to telecommunications contracts.” As part (February 14, 2016) vanguardngr.com of the project 19 separate standard form contracts from 7 different companies were reviewed. “The majority of telco companies had made real efforts to comply with The number of active GSM lines in Nigeria – Africa’s largest the provisions before they were introduced. However, mobile market by subscribers – grew by 8.7% in 2015 to we did identify 66 terms that we considered potentially reach a total of 148.681 million at the end of December, unfair. Many of the terms were common across the according to the latest figures from the Nigerian contracts, particularly those that limited the liability Communications Commission (NCC). In comparison, the of the company, allowed the company to unilaterally number of active mobile CDMA lines declined by 1.8% vary the contract or made the customer responsible from 2.188 million at the end of December 2014 to 2.149 for unauthorized charges,” Ms. Rawlings said. In million twelve months later. Combined, the total number some instances the companies were able to provide of GSM and CDMA mobile lines totaled 150.830 million information to the Commission to show that the term was at December 31, 2015, an increase of 8.5% from 138.960 necessary to protect the legitimate business interests of million in 2014. The regulator reported that the West the company. In all other cases, the companies accepted African nation ended 2015 with just 187,155 fixed and the Commission view and have amended or agreed to fixed-wireless lines in service, up slightly from 183,290 amend the terms concerned. “This is a great outcome the previous year. (February 12, 2016) telegeography.com for New Zealand consumers. Most New Zealanders have one or more standard form consumer contracts The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) plans with a telecommunications company and they can to auction off the five remaining regional infrastructure now be more confident about the fairness of those company (InfraCo) licenses within the next six months, contracts. We were pleased that the telco companies said regulator’s executive vice chairman, Umar Garba were receptive to our concerns, amending or agreeing Danbatta, as saying at a press conference. The regional to amend the majority of terms, avoiding the need for permits allow for the deployment of metropolitan the Commission to consider court action,” Ms. Rawlings fiber-optic infrastructure and associated transmission said. All companies have been issued with compliance equipment on an open access, non-discriminatory and advice letters from the Commission reminding them of price-regulated basis. Under the next phase of licensing, their obligations under the law and cautioning them to permits will be awarded for the five remaining zones, ensure their standard form contracts remain compliant namely: North East, North West, South East, South West with the law. (February 10, 2016) cellular-news.com and South South. MainOne Cable and IHS secured the first two concessions – for Lagos State and the North Nigeria Central Zone, respectively – in January 2015, although Effort to protect telecommunication the NCC says that it is currently engaging with the two infrastructure across the nation will companies to resolve issues hindering infrastructure soon start yielding the expected result rollout in the two zones. (February 3, 2016) The Daily Trust as the regulatory authority, the Nigerian Communications Commission has disclosed that the The Association of Licensed Telecommunication Commission was consulting with law makers to finalize Operators of Nigeria (ALTON) has warned that local a bill on critical infrastructure protection. The Excutive government agencies are threatening to shut down Vice Chairman of NCC, Prof. Umaru Garba Danbatta base transceiver stations (BTS) in a number of states if who disclosed this in Lagos recently during a road show companies fail to pay multiple taxes and fees. ALTON’s campaign against vandalization of telecom infrastructure executive chairman Gbenga Adebayo as saying at a press in Nigeria noted the bill seeks to treat all telecom conference that services are being affected by parties infrastructures as public property. The road show, he working on behalf of tax-raising bodies in the states of noted provided another opportunity to urge the national Ogun, Ondo, Akwa Ibom, Ebonyi, Kaduna and Osun, and legislature to give an urgent consideration In passing has warned that telecoms operators may opt to shut the bill into law in order to give more legal teeth in the down sites that have been subject to local taxation. ‘We prosecution of offenders and enable the Commission believe that taxes and levies should be broad-based protect telecom infrastructure for the benefit of the and fairly distributed across all sectors of the economy,’ Nigerian citizens. According to him, the benefits and he said, adding: ‘There is therefore no justification for the useful services the country is currently enjoying now targeted and sometimes very high taxes on telecom were threatened by the spate of vandalization of telecom operations. We are calling for a cross-sector/multi- infrastructure across the country. “We are worried that stakeholder approach to reduce the growing burden of vandalization of telecom infrastructure is slowing the taxation on our industry.’ (February 1, 2016) BiztechAfrica pace of growth, contributing to poor quality of services “Vandalization of infrastructure comes in several ways. Some vandals cut or destroy cables that provide services Paraguay across geographical distances or communities. Some Telecoms operators Tigo and Claro met engage in stealing of generators or diesels which are the February 14 deadline for the final used to power base stations that make services available payment of their respective 4G licenses, at all times. “We have situations where local communities La Nacion reports. The concessions cost or individuals bar technical staff of the service providers each operator US$45 million at auction, with both cellcos from installing equipment or carrying out repair on required to pay a deposit of US$15 million following

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the conclusion bidding in December 2015. The US$30 and Vaynakh Telecom. (February 22, 2016) telegeography.com million balances have now been paid in full, enabling Tigo and Claro to now move ahead with their commercial launches. Both expect to activate 4G networks within Telecoms regulator Roskomnadzor said that all eight three months. In other news, Tigo parent Millicom applications to participate in a secondary tender for International Cellular (MIC) has addressed recent press 2600MHz 4G mobile frequency licences have been speculation by confirming that it has sealed the takeover approved. Applications to bid for spectrum in the of TV Cable Parana, the leading cableco in Ciudad del Este, 2570MHz-2620MHz band were submitted by Mobile Paraguay’s second largest city. According to MIC’s press TeleSystems (MTS), VimpelCom (Beeline), MegaFon, statement, TV Cable Parana’s network passes around Tele2 Russia (T2 Mobile), Your Mobile Technologies, 40,000 homes, and has approximately 15,000 clients R-TeleCom, Yekaterinburg-2000 and Vaynakh Telecom. on its books. The transaction is subject to regulatory (February 9, 2016) telegeography.com approval. Mauricio Ramos, CEO of MIC, commented: ‘This acquisition is an example of an investment that Senegal adds value to our core business and which will deliver The Regulation Authority of Post and Telecoms (ARTP) multiple post-merger synergies, leveraging our existing in Senegal has published its market assets in Paraguay such as our network, our customer observatory for the fourth quarter of base and our content’. (February 17, 2016) telegeography.com 2015, illustrating that growth in the country’s mobile sector slowed in 2015 Peru as the market reaches near saturation levels. Senegal The Agency for the Promotion of Private Investment was home to more than 14.958 million cellular users at (ProInversion) has reportedly set a 31 December 2015, up 4% from 14.380 million a year minimum price of USD248.7 million for before, although quarterly growth decelerated to 0.82%, each block (2×15MHz) of 4G-suitable 0.60% and just 0.34% in the second, third and fourth spectrum in the 700MHz band. While the quarters, respectively. Marginal gains were reported agency previously claimed that the auction would be from Orange and Expresso Telecom in Q4 – the former’s held in Q1 2016, it has yet to reveal the final date for the base was up 1.05% quarter-on-quarter to 8.415 million, tender. The 4G tender – which was originally scheduled while Sudatel-backed Expresso edged up 0.41% to for 2013 – has since been postponed several times, with 3.188 million – while second-placed Tigo saw accesses sales lined up to take place in June 2014, then December fall by 1.46% to 3.356 million from 3.406 million at 30 2014, Q1 2015 and now Q1 2016, though no reason has September. The fixed line sector, meanwhile, went into been given for the delays. Three blocks of the highly reverse. The total number of broadband (i.e. ADSL) sought-after frequencies are up for grabs, and all four connections slumped 1.05% q-o-q and 3% over the of the nation’s cellcos – Movistar, Claro, Entel and Bitel year to 100,611 from 103,362, while dial-up usage also – have expressed an interest in bidding for the airwaves. stagnated at 18,436 lines and fixed telephony customers dropped to 300,219 from 311,945 previously. Incumbent (February 8, 2016) TeleSemana PTO Sonatel (Orange) controlled 94.3% of all fixed telephone lines at that date, compared to 91.1% at end- Poland 2014, and Sudatel had the remainder (5.7%). Sonatel NetNet, a winning bidder in Poland’s auction of 800MHz (Orange) also has a monopoly on the ADSL segment. wireless spectrum last year, has asked (February 22, 2016) telegeography.com the Office of Electronic Communications (UKE) to withdraw its reservation. The start-up firm, which is linked to Zygmunt Singapore Solorz-Zak’s Midas Group, agreed to pay PLN2.05 billion Singapore’s telecoms regulator shared its (US$548 million) for a 5MHz block of paired spectrum plans for this year’s multi-band spectrum in the 800MHz band suitable for 4G LTE services. The auction, and set a reserve price for the second highest bidder for that block was T-Mobile frequencies it has reserved for a new Poland, with an offer of PLN2.02 billion, the same mobile operator. The Infocomm Development Authority amount which won it an adjacent block in the 800MHz of Singapore (IDA) will carry out the sale of spectrum in range, and it is thought that the German-owned telco the 700 MHz, 900 MHz, 2.3 GHz and 2.5 GHz bands before could now take over NetNet’s frequencies to enlarge its the end of this year. The allocation process will take place in two parts, the first being the auction of a package of holdings in the band. (February 12, 2016) Rzeczpospolita frequencies reserved for a new operator. Companies that do not already operate a nationwide mobile network in Russia Singapore will be able to take part in the new entrant Russia’s Ministry of Communications (Minsvyaz) has auction, provided they pass the prequalification phase, announced the completion of an open the regulator said. Would-be new entrants will be able tender for 2600MHz 4G mobile frequency to bid on a package of 60 MHz of spectrum in the 900 licenses. The ministry revealed that it MHz and 2.3 GHz bands, which carries a reserve price sold 81 regional and one federal lots of S$35 million (€22.5 million). “Potential new entrants... of spectrum to six unnamed telecoms operators for a indicated strong interest to enter the mobile market,” total of RUB8.3 billion (US$108.9 million); two regional the IDA said, in a statement. It did not give any further spectrum lots, meanwhile, remained unsold. In early indication of how many companies it expects to take February Russian telecoms regulator Roskomnadzor part in the auction. However, it has made provision said that all eight applications to participate in the for the reserved spectrum in the event that there is no 2600MHz tender were approved. Applications to bid qualified bidder for the new entrant auction: it will be for spectrum in the 2570MHz-2620MHz band were sold in part two of the process, which is open to the submitted by Mobile TeleSystems (MTS), VimpelCom country’s existing operators, Singtel, StarHub and M1, in (Beeline), MegaFon, Tele2 Russia (T2 Mobile), Your addition to the winner of the new entrant package. This Mobile Technologies, R-TeleCom, Yekaterinburg-2000 general auction will include 175 MHz of spectrum across all four available bands; Singapore has 235 MHz up for

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grabs in total. The 700-MHz and 900-MHz frequencies to initiate the project on February 1, 2016. Minister in will be split into lots of 2x5 MHz and will carry a the Presidency Jeff Radebe said at the time that the minimum price of S$20 million per lot. 5-MHz lots of migration from analogue to digital broadcasting services 2.3-GHz and 2.5-GHz frequencies have a reserve price of would release ‘the much-needed frequency spectrum’ – S$3 million. Licenses in the 700 MHz band will start from suitable for the provision of 4G LTE mobile broadband January 1, 2018 and will have duration of 15 years. All services – and would increase the competitiveness of the other bands are available from April 1, 2017 and licenses South African economy. (February 4, 2016) TechCentral will last for 16 years. “The spectrum auction is designed with the interests of consumers in mind. The spectrum made available will allow all mobile operators to roll out South Korea or enhance their high speed networks as early as 2017,” South Korea’s ICT ministry did not award said IDA managing director Jacqueline Poh. “Having a fourth mobile license to any of the three more players in the market will give consumers a greater firms submitting applications because choice in selecting an offering that best suits their they lacked qualifications. The Ministry of needs,” Poh said. Should a new entrant win spectrum it Science, ICT and Future Planning (MSIP) said all three will be allowed what the IDA describes as a “reasonable companies failed to meet the minimum requirements, period” to build out its network. It will be required to Yonhap news agency reported. K Mobile, Sejong Telecom offer nationwide coverage outdoors by September 30, and Quantum Mobile passed an initial government 2018, road tunnel and in-building coverage a year later, assessment in November, and a MSIP committee was and coverage of the underground rail network by the assigned to assess the companies’ service, financial end of September 2021. (February 18, 2016) totaltele.com and technology capabilities. The ministry said the firms needed a score of at least 70. Quantum Mobile was rated 65.95, Sejong Mobile had a score of 61.99 and K Mobile South Africa had a 59.64 rating. “All three firms lacked credibility South Africa’s mobile operators need and viability of their fund-raising plans, and they also more spectrum to facilitate the wider lacked detailed plans on ways to establish networks and rollout of high-speed broadband services, provide services,” the ministry said. MSIP said in May it the country’s telecom regulator said this would introduce measures to pave the way for a fourth week. Pakamile Pongwana, chief executive officer of the operator. The ministry has long discussed the need Independent Communications Authority of South Africa for an additional operator to bring more competition (ICASA), warned that the country risks falling behind in to the market, which is dominated by three operators broadband and as a result constraining GDP growth, — SK Telecom, KT and LG Uplus. In August it started Bloomberg reported on Tuesday. He said he would accepting applications. The government introduced the like to see an auction take place before the end of the plan to add another mobile player in 2010, but none of year. However, the government must approve spectrum the firms applying for the license in six bids have met auction policy before ICASA can move forward with any the requirements. Sejong Telecom is a mobile virtual sale. The government has been discussing the spectrum network operator (MVNO). K Mobile was set up by issue for the past decade. A spectrum auction would executives who left Korea Mobile Internet, which failed be the best method of allocating new frequencies, to win a licence after six attempts but didn’t participate Pongwana said, noting that other methods, including in this round. Quantum Mobile is held by a consortium, beauty contests, have resulted in legal challenges. An including Solid Inc, which took over South Korea’s auction would ensure fair competition, he said, adding smartphone maker Pantech. SK Telecom has a 49 per that “everybody” the regulator has spoken to is keen cent share of the country’s mobile connections, while KT for a spectrum sale to go ahead. Indeed, Vodacom told has a 32 per cent share and LG Uplus has a 19 per cent Bloomberg that it welcomes any intervention by the share, according to GSMA Intelligence.

regulator with regard to pushing the spectrum auction. (February 2, 2016) mobileworldlive.com Operators are experiencing “an acute shortage of spectrum,” a company spokesperson said. (February 16, 2016) totaltele.com Spain Spanish telecoms regulator the Comision Nacional de los Mercados y South African government has announced a significant la Competencia (CNMC) has proposed milestone in the analogue to digital terrestrial television stricter controls on radio spectrum, (DTT) migration project by kick-starting the process of saying that such a move was ‘essential’ to ensure ‘dual illumination’, during which analogue and digital that companies are using spectrum effectively and signals will coexist. The dual illumination period started efficiently. In addition, the watchdog has suggested on February 1 and is expected to last ‘several years’ that the revised rules would also help avoid ‘speculative until analogue signals are switched off at a future date, hoarding and anticompetitive rights use’. As such, it yet to be determined by cabinet. MultiChoice was the has proposed that the Ministerio de Industria, Energia first provider to launch commercial DTT services by y Turismo (MINETUR) amend the draft royal decree on introducing its GOtv service via its subsidiary M-Net. the use of public radio spectrum (IPN/DTSA/026/15/ The platform offers two standard definition channels Reglamento espectro). The regulator has recommended for ZAR49 (USD3.1) or twelve channels for ZAR99; a more intensive monitoring of spectrum, claiming that subscribers also gain access to free-to-air content from the MINETUR has a wealth of information which would SABC, e.tv and community broadcasters. the migration allow it carry out such checks. Specifically, the CNMC has process, which was originally scheduled for completion argued that controls should also be extended to bands in November 2011 in line with a Cabinet decision taken commonly used for Wi-Fi technology. Meanwhile, it in 2007, has since been pushed back to December 1, has also suggested that in order to avoid competition 2013, and subsequently June 17, 2015 (the International issues with regards to spectrum sharing a mandatory Telecommunication Union’s [ITU’s] deadline for analogue report should be produced which would allow for the switch-off). The country failed to meet the international implementation of commitments in frequency sharing deadline, though the cabinet pledged in December 2015 agreements. Finally, the CNMC has recommended

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SAMENA TRENDS _ FEB 2016 SAMENA TRENDS _ FEB 2016 tweaking existing regulations to ensure that MVNOs to pay the first installment of the THB 75 billion ($2.1 do not face an ‘additional barrier to the already difficult billion) it bid for a license to operate spectrum in the process’ of negotiating new or updated deals with the 900 MHz band. The regulator also threatened Jasmine nation’s network operators. ( with the revocation of operating licenses. The two 900

February 3, 2016) telegeography.com MHz license winners, Jasmine and True Corp, have until March 21 to pay the first installment of the LTE license fee. The regulator said it may have to organize a new Sweden spectrum auction if Jasmine fails to meet the deadline. Sweden plans to put a single block of True Corp CFO Noppadol Dej-udom recently said the 1800-MHz spectrum up for sale towards company was ready to meet the payment and bank the end of the year and is canvassing guarantee conditions. According to local press reports, opinions on the auction process. Last Jasmine has faced difficulty securing a bank loan to week the country’s telecom regulator, the Swedish Post pay for the license due to the high cost. Jasmine is in and Telecom Authority (PTS), held a meeting to go over talks with potential joint venture partners in Singapore its proposals for the auction and has invited interested and Malaysia, with one possible candidate being parties to submit written comments, setting a deadline Singaporean state investment vehicle Temasek Holding of February 24. The PTS will sell off a single 5-MHz block or its majority-owned subsidiary SingTel. Jasmine of paired 1800-MHz spectrum, with license duration previously announced plans to invest THB 25 billion of 10 and half years, beginning on June 1, 2017. The to roll out its LTE wireless broadband network over the auction itself is due to take place in the fourth quarter next three years. Half of the budget is set to be used of this year. PTS has set November 1 as a preliminary this year and the company expects to attract at least 10 auction date. It did not share any guide prices for the million LTE customers by 2018. Current mobile operators spectrum. The auction will be conducted via sealed bids. in Thailand are Advanced Info Service, Total Access (February 9, 2016) totaltele.com Communication (DTAC) and True Move. (February 15, 2016) rcrwireless.com Swedish telecoms regulator PTS is conducting a consultation on its plans to assign a 2×5MHz block Trinidad & Tobago in the 1800MHz band (block ‘14’) through a spectrum The Telecommunications Authority of auction, with a preliminary auction date set for Trinidad and Tobago (TATT) discloses November 1, 2016, it disclosed in a press release. that contracts were signed on February Industry stakeholders can submit comments by February 16, 2016 between the country’s telecoms 24 on the plan which involves a highest price, closed bid service operators and specialist provider Porting XS auction with a minimum floor bid, and a license period (Netherlands) to implement commercial mobile number June 1, 2017 to December 31, 2027. PTS will finalize portability (MNP) from March 31, 2016. the exact spectrum block placement depending on the auction winner, to prevent interference in neighboring (February 18, 2016) telegeography.com frequencies. As it stands TeliaSonera Sweden holds 2×35MHz in the 1800MHz band (1710MHz-1745MHz / 1805MHz-1840MHz) whilst the joint infrastructure Ukraine venture Net4Mobility has access to another 2×35MHz Ukraine’s telecoms regulator, the National block (1745MHz-1780MHz / 1840MHz-1875MHz). The Commission for the State Regulation of latter block is owned by Tele2 Sweden (2×15MHz) and Communications and Informatization Telenor Sweden (2×10MHz) with 2×10MHz directly held (NCCIR or NKRZI), has extended the duration of GSM mobile operating licenses held by Net4Mobility. (February 8, 2016) telegeography.com by domestic cellcos MTS Ukraine and . In a statement published on its website, NCCIR confirmed Tanzania that following a meeting held on February 9, 2016 it The Tanzanian Communication has extended the GSM-900 concessions held by MTS Regulatory Authority (TCRA) will auction Ukraine in the Poltava, Cherkasi, Chernivtsi and Vinnitsya frequencies acquired at the World regions, as well as renewing its rights to offer GSM- Radiocommunication Conference 2015 1800 services in the Donetsk region and the city of Kiev. (WRC-15) in order to boost mobile broadband usage Turning to Kyivstar, the autonomous industry regulator in the country. TCRA Director General, Dr. Ally Simba, has lengthened its GSM-900 license in the Poltava, said that the move is aimed at bringing transparency, Zhitomir, Volin, Kherson, Lugansk, Kiev, Cherkasi, commenting: ‘Previously, we were giving [frequencies] Vinnitsya and Zaporizhzhya regions, plus its GSM-1800 as per application, but this time around, they will be license in Kiev and the Dnipropetrovsk, Odesa and Lviv auctioned and we will ensure that they will be used regions. (February 10, 2016) telegeography.com for the intended goals to improve the economy.’ The newly acquired spectrum includes frequencies in the 694MHz-790MHz, 1427MHz-1492MHz and 3300MHz- United Kingdom 3600MHz bands, which will be used for broadband The UK government will scrap a £150 services, in addition to creating an emergency service million mobile infrastructure project next mobile network. A date for the auction has not yet been month, admitting failure to progress announced. the initiative designed to improve connectivity in rural areas. The project, first unveiled in (February 15, 2016) Daily News 2011 and rolled out in 2013, proposed the construction of 600 masts in the country within three years, targeting the end of so called ‘not spots’ in remote areas without Thailand sufficient mobile connectivity. However, during a Telecom regulator NBTC threatened to file governmental debate held last week, the Daily Telegraph a lawsuit against local mobile operator reports the UK’s digital economy minister Ed Vaizey said Jasmine International if the company fails just 15 masts had been set up so far, admitting he is

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“guilty as charged” over the project’s failure. I do not principal challenges independent video think the program has been a success, and I do not think face in gaining carriage of their content on both that ministers often say that about their own programs,” traditional and emerging distribution platforms. This will Vaizey told MPs. “We set aside £150 million. We talked help the Commission assess the current state of video about 600 sites. Our heart was in the right place.” When programming diversity and determine whether further the scheme first kicked off in 2013, ministers said it action is needed to promote independent programming would “help connect rural communities, create local sources. The American Cable Association called the jobs and contribute to economic growth”. The country’s FCC’s proposals “troubling” given that the market was four operators (EE, O2, Vodafone and 3 UK) also pledged already in a process of change due to the emergence support, stating they will fund each sites’ operating cost of new OTT video providers and was likely to look much for up to 20 years, with the £150 million intended to build different in the next few years. “It is best for consumers the infrastructure. Vaizey said part of the project’s slow to let this marketplace continue to evolve unimpeded progress was down to the country’s mobile players, as by backward-looking regulations,” the industry group well as objections from local residents and planners. “We said. It also warned that the proposed rules would were dragging the four operators with us, metaphorically create an excessive and costly burden for smaller pay-TV kicking and screaming,” he said. By the end of 2015, the operators. The US Telecom group was equally dismissive project cost a reported £9.1 million. David Dyson, CEO ove the FCC’s proposals, saying they will stifle innovation of 3 UK, also addressed the issue of ‘not spots’ in an in the sector. Noting the already wide range of choices interview with the Financial Times earlier this week, as available to consumers for accessing video services, he pushed reasons why the company’s proposed £10.5 the industry group said that “the FCC’s thumb on the billion acquisition of rival O2 should be approved. The scales will inevitably straightjacket innovation and harm merger is currently going through European regulatory competition, neither of which will serve the public scrutiny, with concerns that it will hurt competition as interest”. Set-top box maker Tivo was more positive on it removes a competitor in the UK market. “There is a the proposal, saying it’s “hopeful that this proceeding significant imbalance in the market,” he said. “People results in a competitive environment that increases will think four operators are good because the UK works choice, both for consumers and operators”. Tivo said this well. I fundamentally disagree, and you would find a lot could also offer a successor to the CableCard, an earlier of support from consumers and governments given the system required by the FCC for cable operators to offer ‘notspots’, reliability of networks and 4G rollouts.” a way to bypass the set-top box in order to access video

(February 17, 2016) mobileworldlive.com programming on other devices. However, the CableCard system offers limited functionality, and the industry has been unable to reach agreement on an update to the United States system. (February 19, 2016) telecompaper.com The FCC has adopted rules aimed at encouraging competition in the set-top A fight over privacy at the Federal Communications box market. The proposal would see pay- Commission, sparked by last year’s net neutrality rules, TV providers required to make available is heating up. The FCC is expected to craft regulations certain programming information so third parties could in the coming months on how broadband providers develop alternative boxes or software for accessing handle sensitive customer data – and advocates on both the consumer’s video subscription. Specifically, it sides of the issue are gearing up to make their case. recommends that pay-TV providers be required Consumer advocates are hoping the commission drafts to deliver three core information streams: service stricter rules for how companies like Comcast and Time discovery, with information about what programming is Warner Cable treat customers’ information. “They’re available to the consumer, such as the channel listing in a unique position to have knowledge of all sorts of and video-on-demand lineup, and what is on those extremely sensitive information,” said John Simpson, the channels; entitlements, including information about director of the privacy project at Consumer Watchdog. what a device is allowed to do with content, such as But industry groups are wary of the FCC crafting new recording; and content delivery, the video programming rules and say any framework should match standards itself. To protect pay-TV providers and their own already in place. Before the net neutrality ruling, the license agreements, the rules do not mandate a single Federal Trade Commission policed privacy at both security system but simply require providers to offer Internet service providers and online companies like at least one content protection system that is openly Google and Facebook, using the same standards. “Well, licensed on reasonable and non-discriminatory terms. I think essentially, the key point is that consumers have This gives providers the ability to create their own certain expectations as to how their private information content protection system to prevent theft and misuse, will be treated,” said Lynn Follansbee, a vice president while ensuring that manufacturers will be able to build for law and policy at USTelecom, which represents devices that can access protected content from a variety broadband providers. “And we just take a position that of pay-TV operators. Content providers would maintain no matter, across the whole Internet ecosystem, no the same agreements with pay-TV providers and full matter what kind of technology is involved, consumers copyright protection, while basic rules such as children’s shouldn’t be surprised.” The privacy fight stems from the programming advertising limits and emergency alerts net neutrality rules approved in a party-line vote by the would apply regardless of whether the consumer leases FCC a year ago. The commission treated Internet service the pay-TV operator’s box or a competing service for providers like traditional phone service to apply new accessing video programming. The FCC’s proposal will rules requiring all Web traffic to be handled in the same be open for public comment before the final rules are way. That left the FCC in the difficult spot of applying adopted. The regulator also adopted at its latest meeting privacy regulations for phone companies to broadband other decisions impacting the pay-TV market, include providers. Those rules protected information on whom a tightening of rules on providing closed captioning a customer called and when, for example. But applying for deaf and hearing-impaired people and starting those regulations directly to new technology would have a broader public consultation on ensuring diverse been a tall order for the agency. The commission decided programming on TV. The latter seeks comment on the

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SAMENA TRENDS _ FEB 2016 SAMENA TRENDS _ FEB 2016 last year to instead create new regulations exclusively for broadband service. So far, Chairman Tom Wheeler has not floated a proposal for his fellow commissioners to consider, and the item didn’t show up on the agenda for the FCC’s February open meeting. An FCC spokesperson said she couldn’t provide any new information about timing but noted that Wheeler said in November that the commission would tackle the issue in the “next several months.” It’s also possible that a federal court will rule that the agency’s action on net neutrality was illegal —upending the FCC’s role in regulating Internet service. Barring a court ruling, however, the commissioners could vote on dealing with new privacy rules as early as March. That’s triggered a flurry of advocacy this month from industry and privacy advocates anticipating a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking, which starts the process of creating new regulations. Mid-January brought a letter from 59 advocacy groups to Wheeler urging him to move forward with new rules. “In addition to the Commission’s important decision last year to retain authority to protect consumer privacy on broadband telecommunications services, the FCC has worked diligently under your administration to enforce existing privacy protections for voice communication, and to require greater transparency for broadband provider service practices,” the groups said. “We look forward to working with you to modernize these existing rules to clarify crucially important protections for consumers online.” The commission will have to determine not only what data is covered by the rules, but also how companies should be compelled to protect it. Privacy groups hope the FCC uses its authority in ways that the Federal Trade Commission, which previously had legal authority over Internet service providers, couldn’t. They argue that the FTC’s privacy standard, which is based on whether a certain practice is “unfair or deceptive,” isn’t strong enough to police broadband providers, and that the FCC has the ability to give their rules more teeth. “They, under reclassification [of Internet providers], can explicitly make rules that say thou-shalt-this, thou-shalt-not-that,” said Simpson. “And that’s an entirely different situation than what the FTC does.” Telecom groups disagree. In a letter this week, seven major trade associations said that the FCC should look to align its rules with the FTC’s, should it choose to pursue them at all. The groups said a privacy framework based on the FTC’s guidelines would “identify privacy or security goals, and afford providers, including smaller providers with limited resources, flexibility in achieving those goals.” Follansbee, with USTelecom, rejected the idea that the FTC is too weak to regulate the data privacy of broadband customers. “I think that the FTC has a very strong approach,” she said. “Things have been working, so let’s move forward and have everything be harmonized so consumers know what to expect.” Critics also say that new regulations governing service providers could confuse consumers who would see broadband companies held to one set of rules and web services, like the sites they visit online, to another. Public interest advocates dismiss the idea that consumers may be confused by rules that apply to their Internet provider but not the websites they visit. “I think there’s a sense that we can do better on privacy protection,” said Matt Wood, policy director at Free Press. “And the FCC has some tools to do that the FTC may not. “I guess in the end, I’m much less concerned about allegedly duplicative or different rules applying to Javaid Akhtar Malik different providers than I am about getting it right for Regulatory Affairs the user and making sure there actually is protection for SAMENA Telecommunications Council them,” he added. (February 15, 2016) thehill.com

“Information contained herein has been obtained from sources, which we deem reliable. SAMENA Telecommunications Council is not liable for any misinformed decisions that the reader may reach by being solely reliant on information contained herein. Expert advice should be sought.”

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wholesale NEWS

Bell adds its voice to Rogers told on Feb. 2 that it believes this arrangement violates the Rogers dispute with roaming agreement and said it planned discount wireless startup to terminate its network access within 14 days (an extension of a required seven- Sugar Mobile day warning period). The companies took BCE Inc. is weighing in on Rogers part in a CRTC-assisted mediation before Communications Inc.’s dispute with Ice Wireless filed a formal complaint with upstart discount wireless provider Sugar the commission this week. Ice Wireless Mobile, which is using a combination argues that a CRTC policy issued last May of WiFi access and cellular roaming to permits the arrangement it has in place. support its business model. The regulatory In that ruling, the commission stepped tangle revolves around Rogers’ roaming in to regulate the market for wholesale WHOLESALE agreement with Sugar’s sister company roaming services and is now in the Ice Wireless and Sugar’s attempt to process of setting the prices the three Updates leverage that agreement to offer its own national carriers (BCE, Rogers and customers cellular access when WiFi Corp.) can charge smaller players such as coverage is not available. BCE filed an Wind Mobile and Videotron Ltd. to buy intervention Thursday arguing against roaming access so their customers have Ice Wireless’s request that the Canadian service when they leave their carrier’s Radio-television and Telecommunications home coverage area. As part of the Commission (CRTC) grant it an interim decision, the CRTC also stipulated the Big order blocking Rogers from terminating Three must provide wholesale roaming that roaming agreement. BCE said it has services “to all subscribers served by an interest in the matter and in clarifying their wholesale roaming partners, the regulatory framework because the outcome “will almost certainly have an impact” on its own roaming services. Although Ice operates its wireless network in the northern territories, Sugar is marketing its $19-per-month product (which requires customers to bring their own unlocked mobile device) across the country and offering users phone numbers with local area codes.

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including the subscribers of any we lose a big chunk of the country.” importantly, it is much more efficient MVNOs operating on their wholesale The Public Interest Advocacy Centre spending, so quality of service in terms roaming partners’ networks.” “MVNO” (PIAC) and the Canadian Network of capacity, coverage, reliability and refers to a mobile virtual network Operators Consortium (CNOC) also data speeds will improve much more operator, companies that do not own filed interventions Thursday in support than if the two companies had not been wireless airwaves or build their own of Ice Wireless’s request for an interim combined.” A final pledge he makes is cellular networks but instead purchase order stopping Rogers from cutting off that the combined might of the two airtime and resell the service to their roaming access. CNOC lost a separate companies will allow them to stand up own retail customers. Sugar argues battle at the CRTC on Thursday when to “the new Leviathan BT” and “the old it is an MVNO of Ice Wireless and the commission ruled against the top-of-the-heap predator Vodafone” is therefore entitled to rely on the industry group’s request to reconsider and “deliver real competition, not roaming agreement Ice Wireless has making it mandatory for carriers to just slogans.” Those sound like big with Rogers. In CRTC materials filed offer network access to MVNOs. The promises, but Fok seems confident of Thursday, both Rogers and BCE raise commission has given Ice Wireless them, concluding that: “In short, over concerns about Ice Wireless re-selling until Monday to file reply comments the next 5 years Three+O2’s customers its roaming access to customers that on the interim motion and has set a will be getting more and paying less do not reside in Ice’s licensed territory March 17 deadline for interventions on than they do today for mobile services and in fact may never use Ice’s actual the overall complaint. and the wholesale market will also be network. “These customers are clearly better off. Let me emphasize: This is not roaming and have no right to not an aspiration. It is a guarantee.” use Rogers. The commission ought Three promises no price This of course assumes the deal goes not to sanction this type of activity through and that is now in the hands of by way of interim relief,” Rogers said. rises for 5 years following the European Commission authorities, BCE submitted that Sugar Mobile is O2 merger but he’s certainly put forward a good allowing its customers to “permanently Three’s planned acquisition of O2 argument as to why it should. Hopefully roam” on the Rogers network and recently hit a small snag, as OFCOM in the coming weeks we’ll have a better suggested that is likely prohibited CEO Sharon White publically expressed idea of the networks’ chances, so stay by the Rogers roaming agreement. her concerns that the merger could tuned for updates. Samer Bishay – who is the president of both Sugar Mobile and Ice Wireless as well as their majority owner, Iristel Inc. – says the arrangement is within the CRTC rules because Sugar gives its customers SIM cards that are assigned to 867 area codes within Ice Wireless’s operating territories. He said in a brief telephone interview Thursday evening that Iristel – which is a regulated telecom provider that operates across – then assigns telephone numbers with area codes local to the Sugar Mobile customers. Those are accessed “over the top,” he said, the same way a phone number assigned to a voice over Internet protocol (VoIP) account with a company such as Skype or Viber operates. Rogers and BCE also argue that there is no urgency lead to higher prices for customers. that would warrant an interim order, But it seems that won’t be the case pointing out that Mr. Bishay told The at all, as in response to the claim, Mobily signs international Globe and Mail on Tuesday that Sugar Canning Fok, chairman of Three UK, roaming agreement with could still operate if Rogers terminated has promised that Three and O2 will its roaming access. He said that Ice not “raise the price for consumers of a Vodafone Group Wireless has roaming agreements with voice minute, a text or a megabyte in Etihad Etisalat (Mobily) has signed other carriers in place, but added, “it the 5 years following the merger. Every an international roaming agreement would set a precedent. Then we would cost efficiency that combining the with Vodafone Group. As a result have uncertainty and we wouldn’t know businesses achieves will be shared with of this agreement, more than 21 who could potentially do the same our customers. Like for like, customers’ countries around the world, where thing.” Mr. Bishay said Rogers is the bills will go down.” But that’s not all. Vodafone Group has a presence, only company with which Ice Wireless He also pledged that the combined will be accessible to Mobily roaming has a national roaming agreement. company will invest £5 billion in their customers. This will enable Mobily While the company does have other UK businesses over the next 5 years. to provide its customers the widest regional agreements in place, he said, Which, he claims, “is at least 20% more coverage and quality international it would leave them without service in than would have been invested by the roaming experience. Such partnerships parts of the country. “If we lose Rogers, two companies on their own. More facilitate the provision of roaming

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spectrum network and surrender the spectrum back to the regulator. The roaming agreement still needs to be ratified by the regulator though. The deal would primarily affect customers with older handsets that could not use AIS’s existing 1800 MHz spectrum. At the moment, AIS is striving to migrate its 2G customer base over to its 3G network, having moved 1.6 million of its 12 million remaining GSM subscribers.

services, compatibility with the latest customer experience is not just technologies and ease of usage to limited to the Kingdom, but extends meet the needs of Mobily customers to their favorite travel destinations; all around the world. Through this within the Kingdom, we continue agreement, Mobily adds to its roaming being the exclusive operator, which list, a number of countries considered offers unlimited Internet package to important international destinations, customers while roaming.” Mobily such as Germany, Italy, Spain, Turkey is considered to be among the top and Britain, among others. Ziad telecom operators in the region Hamad Al-Hasson, GM international providing the largest and widest traffic management and services in international roaming Internet services Mobily, said: “We are pleased to sign through Fourth Generation (LTE) this agreement with Vodafone, the technology, in partnership with 124 largest global telecommunications operators representing the largest operator; this agreement is part of telecom operators in 56 countries Mobily’s strategy to make best use around the world. of international roaming partners all around the world to provide our customers widest coverage in countries that our customers routinely visit as a AIS Secures 2G Roaming tourist destination; also we ensure that Deal with Rival Network roaming agreements are done with Thailand’s AIS says that it has secured reputable operators, characterized a national roaming agreement to by high quality to ensure the highest let its remaining GSM customers coverage quality, excellent services, roaming onto DTAC’s network. The high-speed Internet and competitive roaming deal was required so that rates for calls, messages and data GSM customers are not cut-off when usage through innovative packages. “ AIS is forced to shut-down its 900 MHz Al-Hasson added: “Mobily’s superior

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Telecom industry’s role in the framework of Global Sustainable Development Goals

Individuals, organization and The telecommunication sector, being governments had agreed on a set of the most dynamic sector, is expected to guidelines that would ensure prosperity have a big role in achieving the 17 SDG for all, end poverty and protect the objective. Telecom operators may play planet. Those guidelines are called an active role in SDG implementation the Sustainable Development Goals through incorporating sustainability in (SDG for short). Each goal is broken their core activities and DNA. Number of down to set of actions/target to be opportunities exist to this sector to add implemented/achieved by 2030. Those value through: goals are listed below for quick reference, however, more details could be found 1. The development of products and at the UN website http://www.un.org/ services that add to their profitability sustainabledevelopment/sustainable- and create a responsible social development-goals/ impact and reaching low income subscribers. The SDG philosophy gives more 2. Development of competent emphasize on companies and the private employees and improving their sector to add value to their business and well bing to enhance creativity & the society where they operate, thus, the productivity. private sector will have an increasing 3. Ensure the creation of responsible role in achieving the set sustainability supply chain with good ethics and and development objectives. This role resource efficiency. Mohamed Elfatih Eltigani is due to the fact that private sector is 4. Investing in renewable energy Chief Corporate Affairs Officer crossing geographical, social, economical (e.g. Solar) and communications Sudatel Telecom Group and political boundaries and operate in infrastructure development. environments that are beyond the control of single government or a financial institution.

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Sustainability goals does not compromise profitability Third, considering 10th SDG “Reduced inequalities”. goals of the private sector. Therefore, there should exist Standardization and interoperability allowed the telecom enough demand and potential for business growth. It’s well industry to provide unified and common basic services to understood that the growth opportunities for the telecom all people irrespective of their countries or geographical industry lies within the domain of developing countries and boundaries. With the existence of regulatory bodies as the societies as compared to developed ones. The following will ITU, GSMA entire value chain speaks the same language. make it more clear: This also emphasizes on the strong principle of partnership within this sector. Population growth: the population of developing countries is expected to reach 8.5 billion people by 2050 It is evident that the telecom industry could have an were as that of developed will remain flat at 1.3 billion. increasing role in the achievement of Sustainability Development Goals through good involvement and clear Increased Spending: it’s expected that the income of the strategy for implementation. lower 40% of the world population will grow from $3 trillion to nearly $6 trillion by 2020. We are well aware that the maturity and spread of telecom services are different at different part of the globe, for instance, we are witnessing 100% 4G penetration, 5G trials, Technological development: new technology developments and deployments like 5G, FTTx, M2M, IoT, 100%+ subscriber’s penetration and challenges of Internet wearables, ... Etc will allow creating new business models, of Things IoT at some parts of the world. On other parts of affordable services, different supply chains, innovative use the same world, we are below 50% of population coverage of renewable energies and efficient utilization of spectrum. of basic voice and SMS service with not data experience.

The obvious questions, will telecommunications help public private partnerships is allowing more PPP: achieve the SDG goals or increase the gap and the digital cooperation to achieve social value add. divide? Let’s consider few SDG goals and discuss how In Spite of variations and maturity, I believe that the telecom telecommunications could have an impact. sector will accelerate the achievement of the SDG goals in less developed regions if businesses act more responsibly First, considering the 3rd SDG goal, “Good health and at their societies. well-being”. The obvious ability of real-time delicate remote surgeries, detailed patient information access at The industry has no choice but to put different priorities various health/medical institutions are few know examples. in addressing global sustainability goals per region. In my However the new development and spread of connected opinion, for developing regions and countries, initial focus wearable devices that avail health information of individuals could be in: anytime anywhere to their respective health centers for immediate actions/and or advice will contribute to the • Telecom Infrastructure development in least develop spread of good health and well-being. Connected wearable areas to avail peace, stability, support for development devices sales forecast expects an increase of from billion and sustainability. $20 in 2015 to billion $70 by 2025. A clear indicator of the • Capacity and capability development of employees, the magnitude of this application impact, expected financial supply and value chains emphasizing ethical business and social benefits. With the development of affordable practices. wearable devices and affordable packages from operators • Efficient utilization of resources through sharing and in developing countries a value chain maybe established in the use of renewable energy. cooperation with government entities and civil organizations • Availing specialized products and services that promote that will ultimately promote good health and lower death spread of health and education. rates. Telecommunications also is playing a major role in strengthening the capacities in developing countries in particular for early warning of major health risks and spread of fatal diseases.

Second, considering 4th SDG goal, “Quality Education”. Telecommunications has made it possible to access the same information at any location around the world regardless of gender, financial or social status. Partnership is a key success factor in achieving the SDG’s. Partnership with ministries of education, universities and schools number of products/ services maybe created to allow people in developing countries with limited access formal education to gain good education.

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Connect and Protect: How telecom operators are becoming increasingly important to fi nancial institutions

As the fi nancial sector – both in Jordan has been providing an extensive range and worldwide – continues to grow, of business and enterprise solutions for fi nancial institutions that want to thrive nearly a decade, via its dedicated Orange must not only differentiate themselves in Business Services (OBS) arm. With a an increasingly crowded market, but they wealth of experience and insight, OBS must fi nd innovative ways to increase is a trailblazer in providing enterprise their operational effi ciency and improve communications solutions, and was their economies of scale. And with the previously honored with three major fi nance industry increasingly reliant on awards at the 2012 World Communication IT services, technological innovation Awards, the largest awards ceremony in and digital security, leading fi nancial the global telecom sector. institutions are now turning to the ICT sector to mitigate costs and elevate their On a local level, Orange Jordan provides services. In turn, companies in the ICT a full range of business and enterprise sector are stepping up to the challenges services through OBS Jordan, and has of the fi nancial industry, delivering become a trusted partner for numerous business and security solutions that institutions in the fi nancial sector. With cater to the evolving needs of fi nancial the company’s well-rounded experience institutions. in the fi nance and insurance industries in particular, Orange Jordan is now Orange Jordan Leading the way in providing these crucial providing its business services to most services, Orange Group – one of the of the Kingdom’s leading banks and leading global telecom operators, with insurance companies. over 263 million customers worldwide –

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With the launch of Orange’s new global Essentials 2020 infrastructure and capabilities, Orange can provide large strategy in 2015, Orange Jordan is now working to further and growing businesses with a wider-reaching metropolitan elevate its business service offerings. The company’s area network (MAN), provided via secure VPN (virtual new strategy is centered on providing customers with an private network) technology with high-speed bandwidth unmatched service experience, and one of the key drivers and simple hardware. of this vision is to accompany the transformation of its enterprise customers. For those customers in the financial Managed Ethernet services helps businesses enhance their sector, this commitment is especially vital, particularly as performance and secure traffic between sites, while still competition increases and digital security becomes a central ensuring that the end user maintains control over their IP concern. domain and over the ability to prioritize critical applications. These services also allow for local access monitoring, which OBS Jordan works closely with its customers in the financial lets businesses stay proactive in monitoring their network. sector, listening and responding to their needs in order to Furthermore, with Orange’s troubleshooting expertise, most develop services that address the most important issues of issues or problems can be solved remotely. the day. At the top of this list, of course, is security, which is especially crucial for banks, who are more prone to cyber- Along with saving money and providing easy oversight for attacks than businesses operating in other industries and the end user, Managed Ethernet services free up the time and thus require highly sophisticated security solutions. energy of the company’s staff. Given the nature of financial sector, this is particularly important for banking operations, With the most robust telecommunications infrastructure which require dedicating the majority of a company’s in the Kingdom, Orange is capable of providing banks in time and resources to the business itself. As such, Orange Jordan with world-class security services. Recently, OBS Business Services help banks stay on the cutting edge of an Jordan introduced its newest security solution to its finance increasingly competitive sector. With the new technologies and enterprise customers: DDoS Mitigation. and new challenges of the modern era, financial institutions and telecom providers must work to develop fruitful and Distributed Denial of Service, or DDoS, attacks are increasingly sustainable partnerships in the long-term. becoming one of the most pressing security threats faced by companies with an online presence. DDoS attacks are designed to bring down an organization’s servers, which can be especially devastating for banks and other financial institutions that rely on an uninterrupted, real-time presence on the web. Today, four out of five cyber security threats are related to DDoS, and enterprises, governments and financial institutions around the world deal with an average of 2,000 to 3,000 DDoS attacks per day. The future outlook isn’t too bright, either: as the frequency, severity and complexity of these attacks increase, companies and entities will need to continually reassess their security protocols and provisions. Fortunately, Orange Jordan is always one step ahead. As part of Orange’s Managed Security Services, the company’s DDoS protection services provide peace of mind to financial institutions and other enterprise customers, who can rest assured that they will receive 24/7 protection against these crippling attacks. Furthermore, Orange’s DDoS Mitigation service ensures that customers won’t have to invest in their own expensive security platforms and on-site services.

Along with other dedicated security service offerings – such as content filtering and firewall management – Orange Jordan provides an extensive range of business services designed to enhance performance and connectivity. In terms of the company’s managed services, Orange’s Managed Ethernet solution provides a cost-effective way for enterprise customers to ensure the reliability and simplicity of their network. By outsourcing to Orange Business Services, banks and other financial institutions can keep their operations in harmony while focusing their own energy and attention on the core tasks of their business. Orange provides high-bandwidth Ethernet interconnection service, seamlessly linking a company’s local area network (LAN) to its customer site. Likewise, with its expansive network

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Technology NEWS

Ericsson 5G prototype hits levels of human-IoT interaction including immersive augmented reality and 25 Gbps immersive gaming.” The demonstration Ericsson announced it has reached a took place at Ericsson’s lab in Sweden, and downlink speed of 25 Gbps in a live was witnessed by two of its 5G partners, demonstration of its 5G radio prototype. Japan’s NTT DoCoMo and South Korea’s To reach the speed, the Swedish kit maker KT Corp. “Through our work with Ericsson, used multi-user multiple-input, multiple- KT is on track to preview the innovative output (MU-MIMO), which enables new 5G services at the PyeongChang 2018 simultaneous communication between Olympics. We appreciate that Ericsson multiple transmitters and receivers. is enabling us to trial 5G capabilities Ericsson also used massive MIMO to with the advanced features, like beam increase downlink throughput, and tracking, MU-MIMO and massive MIMO, Technology advanced beam-tracking, which maintains that we will need as we plan for 5G the connection as the device moves commercialization,” said Dongmyun Lee, Updates through the cell site. Ericsson did not CTO of KT Corp. “We are very pleased disclose which frequency band or bands that Ericsson 5G radio prototypes have it used, or how much spectrum, only enabled this great achievement through that it was millimeter wave (mmWave) the 5G technical collaboration between spectrum, which is found in the EHF band, Ericsson and DoCoMo, which has been which ranges from 30 GHz-300 GHz. going on for years. Both companies are “The multi-Gbps speeds delivered by already conducting joint outdoor trials to the Ericsson 5G radio prototypes can not understand how 5G will really perform in only support growing mobile broadband the field,” added NTT DoCoMo CTO Seizo and video demand on smartphones and Onoe. “This will enable us to plan for the other mobile devices, they also provide new and enhanced services that we will be a viable and cost effective alternative to able to offer with 5G. We will be in a good residential fiber connections,” Ericsson position to highlight our commercial 5G said, in a statement. “5G will also impact capabilities in 2020.” the Internet of Things (IoT), enabling new applications for smart vehicles and transport architecture, remote control of heavy machinery in hazardous environments, remote surgery and new

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4.5G ‘necessary’ on road space with its breadth of product optical fiber to mobile core networks. offerings including the Snapdragon “In the upcoming 5G world, mobile to 5G - Huawei 400 processor, which powers the vast services and applications are expected Huawei is sticking by its insistence majority of current Android Wear to become more sophisticated and that an interim step will be required smartwatches,” said Raj Talluri, senior diverse. This will require mobile on the road to the fifth generation of vice president, product management, networks to efficiently handle larger mobile services. The Chinese vendor Technologies, Inc. “With capacity traffic than ever before. The this week predicted that more than the introduction of the Snapdragon new product meets these demands, 60 commercial 4.5G networks will Wear platform and Snapdragon Wear and enables mobile operators to be deployed worldwide during the 2100 SoC, Qualcomm Technologies is deliver higher quality network services course of this year, adding that 2016 well-positioned to extend its progress and an enhanced user experience,” will be the start of a “golden five-year in wearables technology by enabling said Yuzo Kurokami, Assistant General period” for the technology. “4.5G is the sleek designs, long battery life, smart Manager, Mobile Wireless Solutions natural evolution of 4G and necessary sensing, and always- connected Division, NEC Corporation. transition to the 5G,” said Ryan Ding, experiences in the next generation of Huawei’s president of products and wearable devices.” The Snapdragon solutions, at a press conference in Wear platform consists of a full suite Turning Smartphones Beijing, according to a statement from of silicon, software, support tools, and the company. “It can effectively protect reference designs to allow mobile, into Earthquake Sensors operators’ investments and enable fashion, and sports customers to Deutsche Telekom and the University them to provide faster services and bring a diverse range of full-featured of California, Berkeley, jointly push better user experience on the basis wearables to customers quickly. forward early earthquake warning. of existing infrastructures,” he added. Qualcomm Technologies’ Snapdragon Developed by UC Berkeley and the Huawei unveiled its vision for 4.5G just processors already power the majority Telekom Innovation Laboratories in over a year ago, explaining that the of Android Wear smartwatches. Earlier Silicon Valley, the MyShake application technology will allow for speeds of this year, Qualcomm Technologies taps into a smartphone’s ability up to 1 Gbps over mobile and latency announced that its technologies are to record ground shaking from an of less than 10 milliseconds. While used in 65 wearable devices across 30 earthquake, with the goal of creating a LTE, or 4G, is essentially designed countries with 50 more expected to worldwide seismic detection network for smartphones, 4.5G will better launch later this year. that could eventually warn users of serve the Internet of Things space, impending jolts from nearby quakes. supporting up to 100,000 connections Especially for many earthquake- per cell, the vendor said. The concept NEC Launches New prone developing countries such as of 4.5G has generated a mixed Nepal or Peru, MyShake could warn reaction from industry stakeholders Millimeter Wave Radio potentially affected persons valuable in the intervening months, with some for 5G Backhauling seconds earlier and, ideally, safe lives. These countries currently have either dismissing it as little more than a way NEC has announced the launch of only a sparse ground-based seismic for vendors to sell more equipment, the new iPASOLINK EX, an ultra network or early warning system, or while others have backed the idea compact radio communication system none at all - but do have millions of of a stepping stone to 5G. Huawei that achieves wireless transmission smartphone users. Deutsche Telekom itself says 20 operators worldwide capacity of 10Gbps. The new product, presents MyShake at the Mobile have demonstrated or tested its 4.5G adopting E-band range (71-86GHz World Congress in Barcelona from solution since it first presented the frequency) millimeter radio waves, February 22-25. The free Android app the concept in late 2014. “In 2016, achieves low latency and high is available to the public as of now which marks the beginning of the transmission capacity of 10Gbps from the Google Playstore. An iPhone global large-scale commercialization with a single band, more than three- app is also planned. MyShake is based of 4.5G, Huawei remains committed to times higher than NEC’s existing on an algorithm developed by UC helping global operators tap into and model. In addition, when combined Berkeley seismologists. Programmers create new business opportunities and with NEC’s “multi-band utilization of the Silicon Valley Innovation broaden the market potential,” said solution,” the new product can Center, which is part of the Deutsche Ding. deliver further increased transmission Telekom T-Labs, turned it into an capacity by transmitting data over app. For now, the app only collects both E-band and other frequency information from the smartphone’s Qualcomm Announces bands. The new product’s Adaptive built-in accelerometers, analyzes it Modulation and Bandwidth Radio New Snapdragon Wear and, if it corresponds to the vibrational (AMBR) enable dynamic adjustment profile of a quake, relays the time and Platform of its modulation method and amplitude of the shaking as well as communication bandwidth according Qualcomm has shown off its the phone’s GPS coordinates to the to the particular application, weather Snapdragon Wear, a new platform for Berkeley Seismological Laboratory conditions and communication wearable devices, and the Snapdragon for analysis. Cloud-based software distance. The new iPASOLINK EX is Wear 2100 system on chip (SoC), constantly reviews all incoming data approximately 30% smaller than the the first in a new product family and, if at least four phones detect existing model, and is equipped with designed for wearable electronics. shaking and this represents more 10Gbps Ethernet interfaces, allowing “Qualcomm Technologies is a than 60 percent of all phones within it to efficiently transmit data via technology leader in the wearables a 10-kilometer radius of the epicenter,

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SAMENA TRENDS _ FEB 2016 SAMENA TRENDS _ FEB 2016 the program confirms an earthquake. University professor Minoru Fujishima and insulating layers that allowed us The researchers cross-check this with as saying: ‘Today, we usually talk about to inject “holes” at the MOS interface,” the California Integrated Seismic wireless data rates in megabits per said Gem Shoute, a PhD student in the Network, which monitors earth second or gigabits per second. But I Department of Electrical and Computer movement all over the state using foresee we’ll soon be talking about Engineering who is lead author on the underground seismometers. The app terabits per second,’ adding, ‘that’s article. Adding holes at the interface continually records accelerometer what terahertz wireless technology increased the chances of an electron data, and after a confirmed earthquake offers. Such extreme speeds are “tunneling” across a dielectric barrier. will also send five minutes of data to currently confined in optical fibers.’ Through this phenomenon, a type of the researchers, starting one minute That being said, the 300GHz band is quantum tunneling, “we were finally before the quake and ending four currently the exclusive preserve of able to achieve a transistor that minutes after. This happens only when researchers, and Japan’s regulators do behaves like a bipolar transistor.” “It’s the phone is plugged in and connected not plan discussing the allocation of actually the best performing [TFT] to a WiFi network, however. While frequencies in this range until 2019 at device of its kind--ever,” said materials constantly improving in sensitivity for the earliest. engineering Professor Ken Cadien, a the benefit of gamers, smartphone co-author on the paper. “This kind of accelerometers are, however, device is normally limited by the non- far less sensitive than in-ground New Thin Film Transistor crystalline nature of the material that seismometers. But they are sensitive they are made of” The dimension of enough to record earthquakes above May Lead to Flexible the device itself can be scaled with a magnitude 5 - the ones that do Devices ease in order to improve performance damage - within 10 kilometers. And and keep up with the need of An engineering research team what these accelerometers lack miniaturization, an advantage that at the University of Alberta has in sensitivity, they make up for in modern TFTs lack. The transistor has invented a new transistor that could their omnipresence: There are an power-handling capabilities at least revolutionize thin film electronic estimated 16 million smartphones in 10 times greater than commercially devices. Their findings, published in California, and 1 billion smartphones produced thin film transistors.Electrical the prestigious science journal Nature worldwide. Once enough people engineering professor Doug Barlage, Communications, could open the are using it and the bugs fixed, UC who is Shoute’s PhD supervisor and door to the development of flexible Berkeley seismologists plan to warn one of the paper’s lead authors, says electronic devices with applications as people miles from ground zero that his group was determined to try new wide-ranging as display technology to shaking is rumbling their way. The approaches and break new ground. He medical imaging and renewable energy scientists anticipate an updated app says the team knew it could produce a production. The team was exploring that provides such warnings within a high-power thin film transistor--it was new uses for thin film transistors (TFT), year. MyShake runs in the background just a matter of finding out how. “Our which are most commonly found in with little power, allowing the phone’s goal was to make a thin film transistor low-power, low-frequency devices onboard accelerometers to record with the highest power handling and like the display screen you’re reading local shaking at any time of the day or switching speed possible. Not many from now. Efforts by researchers and night without constricting the user. people want to look into that, but the the consumer electronics industry raw properties of the film indicated to improve the performance of dramatic performance increase was the transistors have been slowed within reach,” he said. “The high quality Japanese team test by the challenges of developing sub 30 nanometer (a human hair is 50 new materials or slowly improving 100Gbps wireless nanometers wide) layers of materials existing ones for use in traditional produced by Professor Cadien’s broadband at 275GHz- thin film transistor architecture, group enabled us to successfully known technically as the metal oxide 305GHz try these difficult concepts” In the semiconductor field effect transistor A team of Japanese scientists from end, the team took advantage of the (MOSFET). But the U of A electrical Hiroshima University, Panasonic very phenomena other researchers engineering team did a run-around Corporation and the National Institute considered roadblocks. “Usually on the problem. Instead of developing of Information and Communications tunneling current is considered a bad new materials, the researchers Technology have successfully thing in MOSFETs and it contributes improved performance by designing trialed 100Gbps wireless broadband to unnecessary loss of power, a new transistor architecture that connectivity via a new cellular which manifests as heat,” explained takes advantage of a bipolar action. management operation system Shoute. “What we’ve done is build a In other words, instead of using one (CMOS) transmitter operating in the transistor that considers tunneling type of charge carrier, as most thin film ‘sub millimeter terahertz frequency current a benefit.” The team has filed transistors do, it uses electrons and range’. The team claim that the use of a provisional patent on the transistor. the absence of electrons (referred to CMOS in the 275GHz-305GHz range Shoute says the next step is to put the as “holes”) to contribute to electrical has allowed them to develop ultra- transistor to work “in a fully flexible output. Their first breakthrough was high speed broadband over multiple medium and apply these devices to forming an ‘inversion’ hole layer in a channels to deliver faster transmissions areas like biomedical imaging, or ‘wide-bandgap’ semiconductor, which than current 5GHz wireless networks, renewable energy.” has been a great challenge in the solid- or even the 60GHz range used by state electronics field. Once this was high speed LAN standards such as BT tests G.fast for achieved, “we were able to construct a WiGig. The Register quotes Hiroshima unique combination of semiconductor copper-based backhaul

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BT claimed a world first by successfully Germany after a three-week period of enable mobile devices to run powerful using G.fast to operate a cloud RAN extensive measurement campaigns. artificial-intelligence algorithms (C-RAN) over copper lines. C-RAN is The trial used LAA test equipment locally, rather than uploading data to designed to improve the performance designed and deployed by Qualcomm the Internet for processing. Neural and lower the cost of operating Research. Deutsche Telekom provided nets were widely studied in the early mobile networks by vitalizing and the licensed spectrum for the LTE days of artificial-intelligence research, centralizing a cell tower’s baseband anchor carrier augmented with but by the 1970s, they’d fallen out of unit (BBU) and connecting it to the 5 GHz unlicensed spectrum and favor. In the past decade, however, tower’s transmitters via a dedicated used on a multiple node LAA test they’ve enjoyed a revival, under the fiber link. However, BT said on Tuesday network deployed over Qualcomm’s name “deep learning.” “Deep learning that researchers at its Nuremberg campus. The team is useful for many applications, R&D centre used G.fast – a technology measured and demonstrated LAA’s such as object recognition, speech, that uses a broader frequency range extended coverage and increased face detection,” says Vivienne Sze, to increase the peak speed of copper- network capacity in utilizing an assistant professor of electrical based broadband access services unlicensed spectrum compared to Wi- engineering at MIT whose group to up to 1 Gbps, albeit over short Fi, as well as smooth and opportunistic developed the new chip. “Right now, distances – to do the same job as a aggregation of unlicensed spectrum the networks are pretty complex and fiber link. Removing the need for a during drive tests which also included are mostly run on high-power GPUs. dedicated fiber connection has the seamless inter-eNB handovers. The You can imagine that if you can bring potential to significantly lower the cost fair coexistence between LAA and that functionality to your cell phone of C-RAN deployment for operators, Wi-Fi in unlicensed 5 GHz bands was or embedded devices, you could BT said. “These technologies will play also demonstrated under different still operate even if you don’t have a key role in 4G networks and will radio interference conditions and for a Wi-Fi connection. You might also be fundamental to 5G architectures. a varied number of interfering nodes. want to process locally for privacy The trials are another step towards The LAA test equipment complies with reasons. Processing it on your phone a fixed and mobile network which current 3GPP Release 13 development also avoids any transmission latency, will support customers’ increasing and is particularly designed to meet so that you can react much faster demands for data,” said Tim Whitley, global unlicensed band regulations, for certain applications.” The new managing director for research and including “Listen-Before-Talk” features chip, which the researchers dubbed innovation at BT, in a statement. The using Clear Channel Assessment “Eyeriss,” could also help usher in the test, carried out with U.S. chip maker Procedures and channel occupancy “Internet of things” -- the idea that Cavium, delivered cellular data over limits required in regions such as vehicles, appliances, civil-engineering copper lines at speeds of 150 Mbps- Europe and Japan. Fair spectrum usage structures, manufacturing equipment, 200 Mbps. “Our successful testing between LAA links and Wi-Fi links was and even livestock would have sensors has laid the groundwork for enabling maintained for all coexistence test that report information directly LTE deployments today and 5G scenarios during the trial. to networked servers, aiding with deployments in the future using G.fast,” maintenance and task coordination. said Raj Singh, general manager of With powerful artificial-intelligence Cavium’s wireless broadband group. Chip Could Bring Deep algorithms on board, networked devices could make important Learning to Mobile decisions locally, entrusting only World’s First LTE Devices their conclusions, rather than raw personal data, to the Internet. And, In recent years, some of the most Licensed-Assisted of course, onboard neural networks exciting advances in artificial would be useful to battery-powered Access Over-the-air Trial intelligence have come courtesy of autonomous robots. Deutsche Telekom and Qualcomm convolutional neural networks, large have carried out a trial involving the virtual networks of simple information aggregation of licensed and unlicensed processing units, which are loosely Division of labor spectrum bands, to test LTE Licensed modeled on the anatomy of the A neural network is typically organized Assisted Access’ (LAA) ability to human brain. Neural networks are into layers, and each layer contains a extend coverage and increase network typically implemented using graphics large number of processing nodes. capacity. LAA extends the benefits processing units (GPUs), special- Data come in and are divided up of 4G LTE Advanced to unlicensed purpose graphics chips found in all among the nodes in the bottom layer. spectrum bands, and is one of the new computing devices with screens. A Each node manipulates the data it features of LTE Advanced Pro standards mobile GPU, of the type found in a receives and passes the results on being developed in 3GPP Release 13, cell phone, might have almost 200 to nodes in the next layer, which which is expected to be ready in the cores, or processing units, making it manipulate the data they receive first half of 2016. The aggregation of well suited to simulating a network and pass on the results, and so on. licensed and unlicensed spectrum is of distributed processors. At the The output of the final layer yields another step in the evolution of 4G International Solid State Circuits the solution to some computational LTE towards development of a unified Conference in San Francisco this week, problem. In a convolutional neural 5G platform, envisioned to offer native MIT researchers presented ­a new chip net, many nodes in each layer support for aggregation of unlicensed designed specifically to implement process the same data in different spectrum right from the start. The neural networks. It is 10 times as ways. The networks can thus swell over-the-air trial was completed on efficient as a mobile GPU, so it could to enormous proportions. Although November 20th, 2015, in Nuremberg,

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SAMENA TRENDS _ FEB 2016 SAMENA TRENDS _ FEB 2016 they outperform more conventional store not only the data manipulated IP, Ericsson, says: “Through today’s algorithms on many visual-processing by the nodes it’s simulating but data inauguration of our second Global tasks, they require much greater describing the nodes themselves. The ICT Center, Ericsson’s vision of a computational resources. The allocation circuit can be reconfigured Networked Society moves closer. By particular manipulations performed for different types of networks, streamlining R&D through our cloud- by each node in a neural net are the automatically distributing both types powered Global ICT Centers, we will result of a training process, in which of data across cores in a way that enable new services and innovations the network tries to find correlations maximizes the amount of work that that will create benefits for people, between raw data and labels applied each of them can do before fetching business and society.” to it by human annotators. With a chip more data from main memory. At the like the one developed by the MIT conference, the MIT researchers used researchers, a trained network could Eyeriss to implement a neural network FCC approves LTE-U simply be exported to a mobile device. that performs an image-recognition This application imposes design task, the first time that a state-of- tests constraints on the researchers. On the-art neural network has been Qualcomm given permission to one hand, the way to lower the chip’s demonstrated on a custom chip. evaluate performance of spectrum- power consumption and increase its sharing technology; WiFi Alliance to efficiency is to make each processing submit coexistence plan. The U.S. unit as simple as possible; on the Ericsson Opens 20,000 Federal Communications Commission other hand, the chip has to be flexible (FCC) late last week gave Qualcomm enough to implement different types Square Meter Global ICT permission to test LTE-Unlicensed of networks tailored to different tasks. Center in Sweden (LTE-U). The decision paves the way Sze and her colleagues -- Yu-Hsin for the mobile chip maker to evaluate Ericsson has officially inaugurated Chen, a graduate student in electrical the technology’s performance using its Global Information and engineering and computer science and six Verizon base stations in three Communication Technology (ICT) first author on the conference paper; locations: Oklahoma City, and Cary Center in Rosersberg, Sweden. The Joel Emer, a professor of the practice and Raleigh, both in North Carolina. center also represents an important in MIT’s Department of Electrical “The success of the unlicensed step in the company’s ongoing ICT Engineering and Computer Science, bands as laboratories of innovation transformation. The Rosersberg site, and a senior distinguished research is largely the result of industry- which covers 20,000 square meters, scientist at the chip manufacturer driven coordination and, while is the first purpose-built Ericsson , and, with Sze, one of the significant steps remain before LTE-U Global ICT Center to be inaugurated project’s two principal investigators; can be considered for commercial in Sweden. It follows the opening of and Tushar Krishna, who was a postdoc deployment, we believe that this the Global ICT Center in Linköping, with the Singapore-MIT Alliance for development is an encouraging step Sweden in September 2014, which was Research and Technology when the in continuing that success,” said Julius built adjacent to an existing Ericsson work was done and is now an assistant Knapp, chief of the FCC’s office of facility. In addition to the two facilities professor of computer and electrical engineering and technology (OET), in in Sweden, Ericsson will open a Global engineering at Georgia Tech -- settled a blog post on Friday. LTE-U is a means ICT Center in Montreal, Canada in the on a chip with 168 cores, roughly as of supplementing mobile capacity for second quarter of 2016. The Global ICT many as a mobile GPU has. cellular communications by using Centers allow Ericsson to emulate an unlicensed spectrum. The 5-GHz band, operator’s mobile network and to test which is used for WiFi, is proving a new solutions as if they were running Act locally popular choice for LTE-U, causing on a live network. In the near future, The key to Eyeriss’s efficiency is to concern about interference for the Ericsson’s customers will be able to minimize the frequency with which WiFi industry, as well as a group of connect remotely for interoperability cores need to exchange data with senators. “The WiFi Alliance, working testing, trials, early access and distant memory banks, an operation together with advocates of LTE-U, innovation on new offerings from that consumes a good deal of time and is developing a test plan to evaluate any location. These services will be energy. Whereas many of the cores in the coexistence of LTE-U with WiFi provided through ten Business-Near a GPU share a single, large memory and other devices operating in the Centers, to be announced in 2016, bank, each of the Eyeriss cores has unlicensed spectrum. A draft of the which are connected to the Global ICT its own memory. Moreover, the chip plan is expected to be released early Centers. The Global ICT Centers are has a circuit that compresses data next month,” said Knapp. Qualcomm set to be powered by Ericsson’s cloud before sending it to individual cores. and Verizon have also agreed to solutions and will host a substantial Each core is also able to communicate participate in both real-world and part of the company’s product directly with its immediate neighbors, lab-based coexistence testing, he portfolio. Currently, the company’s so that if they need to share data, added. Knapp said the regulator test environments are spread across they don’t have to route it through will continue to monitor discussions more than 50 locations worldwide. main memory. This is essential in a about spectrum sharing. “We are Ericsson estimates, when all three convolutional neural network, in which pleased with the progress thus far and Global ICT Centers are in operation, so many nodes are processing the encourage the continued cooperation it will result in a 40% reduction in same data. The final key to the chip’s of all of the stakeholders,” he said. efficiency is special-purpose circuitry energy usage compared to 2012 test that allocates tasks across cores. In lab energy baseline. Anders Lindblad, its local memory, a core needs to Head of Business Unit Cloud and Philippines is One of

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Only 2 Countries to digital dividend for mobile broadband identified by the International Have Unused 700MHz Telecommunication Union (ITU) at Frequency the World Radiocommunication Conference (WRC-15) last November. The Philippines has yet again made a The ITU believes that using the 694-790 record for itself, this time belonging MHz frequency for mobile broadband to a list of countries in the world that will go a long way in bridging the has not used its 700 MHz spectrum digital divide globally, and will benefit frequency. And this time the list is very handsets, supply chain, roaming, short, only 2 countries in fact made rural coverage, and other aspects of it to this list Philippines and Thailand mobile communications. It will also both in the ASEAN region. If this new pave the way for manufacturers and technology was opened up globally to mobile operators to offer mobile reduce the cost of broadband in many broadband at affordable prices in countries, the question many people currently underserved areas or so- are asking is why we have not used called missionary areas. Particular this asset for the benefit of Filipino to the Philippines, the National consumers and citizens. According Telecommunications Commission to data gathered by the GSMA, there (NTC) has not announced any remain only 2 countries in the Asia timetable or plan to release the 700 Pacific with major issues preventing MHz band to mobile operators, their allocation of the 700 MHz band leaving the future of the band unclear. to mobile broadband technologies. Both the Philippine Long Distance This is contrary to the move by most Telephone Co. (PLDT) and Globe countries to adopt the Asia Pacific Telecom have asked the NTC for an technical harmonization or APT700 equitable distribution of the 700 MHz band plan, which is the most efficient spectrum, with PLDT even threatening arrangement of the 700 MHz band legal action and elevation of the for mobile communications services. matter to President Aquino should The GSMA reported that except for the regulator fail to act on its request. the Philippines and Thailand, all other Globe General Legal Counsel Atty. countries in the region including the Froilan Castelo, said that giving active likes of Afghanistan and Bangladesh, and operating telecommunications have either adopted the APT Band Plan companies access to the 700 MHz or have progressed towards adoption. spectrum will immediately release its On the other hand, countries in socio-economic benefits especially Europe, the US and other developed insofar as consumer pricing is nations have progressively rolled out concerned. “Harmonizing the 700 MHz their strategies using the 700 MHz. spectrum will allow the industry to The group encourages countries to provide broadband and data services harmonize their frequencies as quickly at faster speeds and in a more cost- as possible in order to take advantage efficient manner. This will ultimately of significant socio-economic benefits redound to increased benefits for the of allocating the 700 MHz band to consumers,” said Castelo. “The 700 mobile - including growth in GDP, MHz spectrum is imbued with public employment, entrepreneurship and interest because all over the world this tax revenues. GSMA estimates that scarce frequency has been reclassified by 2020, the digital dividend for the for mobile telecommunication use Asia-Pacific region could be worth from broadcast use,” said PLDT almost US$1 trillion in additional GDP. Regulatory Affairs and Policy Head Delaying the decision to allocate the Ray Espinosa. He added that the 700 700 MHz band would have an impact MHz remains assigned for broadcast on the total socio-economic benefits of use to date and the entire spectrum the technology. For instance, delaying is in the hands of and controlled by a the harmonization could lead to loss currently inactive broadband operator. of employment opportunities and tax revenues for the government as well as loss of new business activities, the group said. The group added that the 700 MHz Digital Dividend (DD) band is key for expanding mobile broadband into the outlying islands and rural provinces in the Philippines, enabling mobile operators to reduce capital and network costs, thereby accelerating rollout and lowering prices for end users. The 700 MHz band is the

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How Zain and the ICT sector can contribute to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals

The globally renowned economist Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), Jeffrey Sachs once famously remarked an important decision that is directly that “the cell phone is the single aligned with our corporate sustainability most transformative technology for agenda. The SDGs were developed by development.” It is indeed the case that a variety of different stakeholders from the telecommunications industry – and across the public and private sector with the information and communications the goal of setting a pathway for achieving technology sector (ICT) in general – sustainable development over the next has become intrinsically linked to the 15 years. For Zain, working towards the global community’s goal of achieving SDGs is a pursuit that is directly tied to holistic and comprehensive sustainable our organizational success, which we development. The emergence of ICT in believe is dependent to a large extent recent history – including the mobile upon the socioeconomic wellbeing of our phone, the internet and an array of operating markets. Supporting the SDGs associated technological solutions – means we would seek alignment of our has transformed and accelerated the business activities with the achievement development agenda. Now, with more of the Global Goals, leverage our than half of the global population having communications channels – particularly access to mobile phones and just under social media – to raise awareness among half connected to the internet, it is the public, and work to ensure the important that we examine the unique majority of our corporate sustainability Jennifer Suleiman role that telecoms and ICT play in and social responsibility (CSSR) initiatives Head of Corporate Sustainability & Social achieving the sustainable development contribute to their achievement. But I Responsibility objectives. believe it is through effectively fulfilling Zain Group our core business objectives that we can In 2015, Zain formally announced its have the most significant contributions support of the United Nations Post-2015 to the SDGs. Offering high quality and

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affordable connectivity as well as ICT solutions that meet societal needs is what will ultimately drive sustainable development in our operating markets and the region as a whole.

Addressing Poverty through ICT Mobile connectivity is a catalyst for sustainable, inclusive economic growth and poverty alleviation. As we continue to reduce the digital divide by targeting low-income segments, we are consequently providing socioeconomic empowerment to those at the bottom of the pyramid. By leveraging the use of ICT, we role in enabling this transition, as it empowers local can also make great strides in universalizing access to businesses for an unprecedented level of collaboration essential services in areas such as banking, education and to take place. Additionally, crowdfunding solutions that health. Greater financial inclusion is a key prerequisite for rely on ICT effectively democratize the entrepreneurial sustainable development. Additionally, by offering e-Health process, making opportunities accessible to a much larger solutions, telecoms can contribute to the dissemination of section of the population. Our 2016 Thought Leadership critical health information such as maternal health advice Report entitled, “Bringing the Future Closer with Innovation: and can even remotely connect patients with doctors via Pursuing Innovation as a Means to Overcome Challenges real-time communication. e-Learning tools can similarly in the MENA Region” offers insights into the instrumental offer those that lack access to traditional bricks-and-mortar role of ICT to stimulate innovation in the MENA region, and schools with opportunities to learn and develop. highlights the success that Zain has achieved in this regard.

The socioeconomic impacts of connectivity can potentially Telecoms and Environmental Performance be tremendous, given the multiplier effect that it has In order to effectively address the SDGs it is essential on society. For example, rural farmers that receive basic that the global community tackles the issue of climate connectivity can access vital up-to-date market information, change. ICT provides significant opportunities to achieve which in turn reduces price dispersion. This improves overall this target, particularly within urban settings, through the market efficiency and ultimately benefits consumers with implementation of smart city technology. Solutions that lower prices. Connectivity also provides populations with improve efficiency in the transportation sector can lead to opportunities to access and share vital information. Our substantial improvements in emissions reduction. Similarly, collaboration with Ericsson in 2008 to launch the Lake smart metering – which we have begun to roll out across our Victoria initiative and provide mobile weather updates base stations – creates important opportunities to improve to around 200,000 fisherman resulted in invaluable the energy efficiency of critical infrastructure. Deploying contributions to the safety and efficiency of those who such solutions will gradually improve resource usage and depended on the lake for their livelihoods, but had to distribution, and telecoms have a significant role to play in contend with often unpredictable weather patterns. The driving the implementation of this technology. initiative further provided local fishermen with the market prices and demand for specific catches thus enabling them The SDGs were developed collaboratively by a group of to be more efficient while at the same time reducing waste stakeholders from different geographies, governments, UN of fish that has no market demand. bodies and industries in order to outline a path for the global community to achieve shared prosperity. Leaders in the ICT Stimulating Sustainable Growth through sector such as Zain have a critical role to play in driving Innovation and Entrepreneurship the collective attainment of the SDGs. Through effective Fostering a knowledge-based economy is recognized by action and leadership from within the public and private many including myself as the ideal model for enabling sectors we can hope to make incremental strides towards its sustainable growth in society. The foundations for this eventual achievement. I am confident that by fulfilling our economic model rest upon the capability to stimulate mission of offering high quality mobile connectivity and ICT innovation, knowledge creation and entrepreneurship; as solutions, we at Zain are positioning ourselves as important these activities enable populations to compete globally and contributors to the realization of the SDGs in our operating progress holistically. High quality ICT plays an invaluable markets.

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On the cusp of change: Customer engagement crucial to CSP digital transformation success

Executive summary customer engagement model in the The Internet era has triggered a massive midst of the evolving digital economy shift in the telecoms industry resulting landscape is critical for CSPs to ensure in strong competition, declining voice they are not bypassed in the value chain. revenues and dramatic growth of data This thought leadership white paper consumption. Communications service focuses on the significance of exceptional providers (CSPs) worldwide are actively customer engagement and provides exploring ways to defend against the a brief overview of how CSPs could competitive threats of digital economy innovate on customer engagement and players, while capitalising on their experience. John Abraham strengths and network infrastructure Senior Analyst to become a more integrated part of Introduction Analysys Mason the digital economy and the associated The advent of the Internet era has growth opportunity. had a unique and profound impact on businesses worldwide. Businesses that Meanwhile the Internet era has also provide online digital services, digital triggered significant change in customer substitutes for traditional goods and behaviour and expectations. Customers services, or physical goods marketed and have become accustomed to seamless sold by digital means are compelled to user experience and real-time control participate in the digital economy or risk of their services and expect nothing significant disruption. less from their service providers. CSPs are pressured to improve their user The move to the digital economy experience while also navigating the has also had a significant impact on complexities of interlinking their legacy communications service providers platforms to provide a consistent (CSPs). IP-based over-the-top (OTT) Dr Mark H. Mortensen Practice Head interface. Establishing an effective service providers of all sizes – from Analysys Mason

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Internet giants to small, agile start-ups – have disrupted • Infinite outcomes: The infinite outcomes customer CSPs’ traditional voice and messaging revenues. CSPs journey approach provides an infinitely flexible set of have retained some inherent advantages such as existing paths for customers to follow as they interact with the customer relationships and network infrastructure that give CSPs, their agents and their partners through omni- them invaluable leverage to become an indispensable part channel architecture. Designing an infinite number of of the digital economy world order. In order to do this, potential customer journeys is complex, and effective however, CSPs need to undergo a digital transformation customer engagement within this model can be time- and make significant changes to how they engage with their consuming and expensive. customers. • Guided outcomes: The guided outcomes approach presents customers with a limited number of potential The rise of Internet giants such as Amazon and Google customer journeys, although customers still retain has caused notable changes to customer behaviour and control over the path they want to take from the expectations. Customers expect real-time, personalised, options available. Customers are guided to an ideal customisable experiences for both digital and non- outcome by providing information on the offer that digitised services. For instance, consider recent digital best suits them. This approach is designed around the economy companies such as Airbnb, Instacart and Uber paradigm of ‘the greatest need to the greatest number’ who have tasted huge success. Airbnb offers rooms, as opposed to the infinite outcomes approach of ‘all Instacart delivers groceries and Uber hails taxis. None of things to all people’. Guided outcomes offer CSPs these services are digitised – what sets these companies more effective control over customer engagement. By apart is their exceptional customer engagement model. In limiting the number of customer journeys, CSPs can short, by implementing a great customer interface between focus on providing compelling customer experiences. the services and the customer, these companies have significantly disrupted their industry.

As CSPs engage in actively defending against the competitive threats of digital economy players, they would do well to give heed to the most common disruption model: providing an exceptional customer experience that brings together disparate complex services.

Mapping the customer journey The first step towards creating an exceptional customer experience is to map the customer journey. This is especially true for CSPs, who typically provide a number of services, including complex bundles. The significant rise in the number and types of available services creates both opportunities and challenges for CSPs worldwide.

CSPs are at the threshold of offering a large variety of new digital economy services such as home networking and security, cloud-based software subscription services, machine-to-machine communications, and many more. Figure 1: Comparing infinite customer outcomes and guided customer outcomes approaches [Source: Analysys Mason, 2016] Under these circumstances, the need to predict and be prepared for the customer interaction journey could not be more relevant. Crossing the chasm in customer engagement Frictionless transactions underpin effective customer Consumers want control over their customer journey, engagement, which itself requires in-depth understanding choosing their own paths with complete flexibility. There of the customer journey. For instance, consider Uber. Valued is a need to provide multiple journey paths that customers at over USD50 billion today, it is the most valuable private can take as they become aware of an offering from a CSP, technology company in the world. That is staggering for a research the offering, choose an offering, and (hopefully) company which started operations just five years ago, in 2010. become public advocates of the offering. Today, most CSPs’ How did Uber become so successful so quickly on the back primary channels are websites and customer care agents of an industry that has been around for decades? It created while some also provide smartphone and tablet apps, and an exceptional customer experience by first understanding kiosks and retail stores. Other channels such as Facebook, the pain points of the typical customer journey. The new Twitter and other social media tools are also becoming thing about Uber is not the taxi ride itself, but rather the important. customer engagement model. Today customers can hail a taxi on their smartphones and watch the progress of the taxi The platforms of the future will allow customers to choose on a map in real time. The billing process is seamless, and how they interact with CSPs while guiding the customer users do not have to fumble through their wallets for the journey subtly to ensure appropriate engagement and right change. By innovating on customer engagement and desired outcomes for CSPs. Broadly speaking, a typical experience, Uber has upended the taxi industry. customer journey can have infinite outcomes or limited guided outcomes.

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While Uber customers are treated to a seamless experience, the competitive threats of digital economy players, while the scene below the surface is far from simple. There are a capitalising on their strengths and network infrastructure to myriad of challenges around regulation, predicting demand become a more integrated part of the digital economy and and managing supply, and traffic management and location the associated growth opportunity. tracking, among others. The end user is blissfully unaware of these underlying complexities and is presented with an Establishing an effective customer engagement model interface that is clean, contextual, convenient and consistent. in the midst of the evolving digital economy landscape is critical for CSPs to ensure they are not bypassed in the This deep underlying complexity that Uber tactfully navigates value chain. While CSPs have all the ingredients to become is, in many ways, representative of the challenges that CSPs much more than a dumb pipe in the digital economy also encounter. The big challenge that CSPs face is to cross value chain, they need to ensure customer engagement is the chasm of experiential engagement with customers by relevant, consistent and exceeds expectations. Customer offering an easy-to-use interface. Most large CSPs have behaviour and expectations are shifting, driven by customer multiple interaction channels, many of which are silos and interactions with new-age online digital companies and inconsistent in their messaging. Consumers today demand CSPs would do well to invest in back-end support systems consistent real-time control over their services, comparable in order to provide a comparable customer experience. to online services from Internet firms. Accomplishing this through a traditional transformational approach can be an The Amdocs Digital Experience approach expensive and risky proposition. However, CSPs focused Amdocs’ vision for digital telco is built around providing on improving their customer engagement can deploy a complete set of capabilities for CSPs to effectively a customer experience unifying platform that can help engage with customers, employees and partners across provide a more engaging customer interaction experience. all channels and touch points. Amdocs Digital Experience Figure 3 presents a snapshot of how CSPs can leverage a extends coverage from core BSS capabilities into enabling unifying customer experience platform to improve customer a consistent and personalized experience across assisted engagement. and unassisted channels. It is comprised of solutions which deliver a comprehensive omni-channel engagement that While Figure 3 presents a simplified view of how a customer- supports consistent data, channel hopping and process experience-unifying platform will function, the actual design continuity. The six key building blocks of the Amdocs Digital and deployment is intricate and will require deep domain Experience are: expertise to overcome a myriad of system complexities. The particulars around the deployment of such platforms are beyond the scope of this white paper and CSPs are best advised to engage with vendors and experts who have deep domain knowledge across business support systems (BSS).

Figure 3: Layered view of CSP-powered exceptional customer engagement [Source: Analysys Mason, 2016]

• Omni-channel: Amdocs omni-channel strategy is built around ensuring the same information is available on both assisted and unassisted channels through the use of widgets so that CSPs can build once and deploy across multiple channels. • Personalization: Amdocs Digital Experience uses insights based on the customer profile and online behaviour and navigation, utilizing data such as eligibility, compatibility and service usage patterns to enable contextual promotions. It also delivers dynamic pricing for products and services during configuration, and is integrated to Amdocs Big Data analytics for targeting and micro segmentation. • Commerce: Amdocs Commerce solution delivers a single catalogue driven shopping experience for all Figure 3: Layered view of CSP-powered exceptional customer business services from traditional services to multi- engagement [Source: Analysys Mason, 2016] play, entertainment and digital content. The capabilities range from supporting end-to-end purchase journeys for new customers to assisting existing customers Conclusion: on the cusp of change while they explore new plans or upgrades, personalized The Internet era has triggered a massive shift in the pricing, comparison of items, order tracking and search telecoms industry with strong competition, declining voice engine optimization. These flows are supported and revenues and dramatic growth of data consumption. CSPs integrated across digital interfaces, contact centres and worldwide are actively exploring ways to defend against retail channels.

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• Self-service: Amdocs Digital Care solution powers both assisted and unassisted channels with a specifi c focus on self-service capabilities that enable customers to manage and track their account effectively. It also enables CSPs to cross-sell and up-sell services by providing end-to-end visibility and insight into the customer journey across various touchpoints. • Business agility: Amdocs Digital Experience is built on a single master enterprise catalogue which integrates across all channels allowing for faster time to market for new products and services. Business users are also empowered to create their own experience with an abstraction of widgets into the web content management platform. • Innovation: Amdocs assists CSPs to improve customer engagement and experience by connecting to an ever- growing partner ecosystem tailored to provide channel specifi c solutions.

The Amdocs Digital Experience combined with a complete set of products and services from strategy and design to implementation and managed services supports CSPs in their transition to a digitally enabled service provider. Amdocs leverages its deep understanding of intricate CSP environments by removing complexity in order to enable a superior digital customer experience.

Published by Analysys Mason Limited • Bush House • North West Wing • Aldwych • London • WC2B 4PJ • UK Tel: +44 (0)20 7395 9000 • Fax: +44 (0)20 7395 9001 • Email: [email protected] • www.analysysmason.com/research Registered in England No. 5177472 © Analysys Mason Limited 2015 All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form or by any means – electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise – without the prior written permission of the publisher. Figures and projections contained in this report are based on publicly available information only and are produced by the Research Division of Analysys Mason Limited independently of any client-specifi c work within Analysys Mason Limited. The opinions expressed are those of the stated authors only. Analysys Mason Limited recognises that many terms appearing in this report are proprietary; all such trademarks are acknowledged and every eff ort has been made to indicate them by the normal UK publishing practice of capitalisation. However, the presence of a term, in whatever form, does not aff ect its legal status as a trademark. Analysys Mason Limited maintains that all reasonable care and skill have been used in the compilation of this publication. However, Analysys Mason Limited shall not be under any liability for loss or damage (including consequential loss) whatsoever or howsoever arising as a result of the use of this publication by the customer, his servants, agents or any third party.

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Mahfazati, Jordan’s first mobile wallet, launched by Umniah

The lives of many Jordanians and the Executive Manager of CBJ´s Domestic security of their finances are set to Payments and Banking Operations improve as the Central Bank of Jordan Department and member of the Jordan (CBJ) has approved the implementation National Payment Council Maha Bahou of the country´s first mobile wallet. said, “In Jordan, where some 75 percent Umniah launched its secure mobile of the population is unbanked, the financial system, Mahfazati on January potential is huge for the adoption of such 19, 2016, bringing global technology services, especially since making transfers to people across Jordan. Mahfazati is using such services is cheaper than a comprehensive financial system for making transfers via banks.” Bahou also consumers, considered a bank account added that “Opening mobile wallets with and characterized by high levels of telecoms is easier than opening accounts security and compatibility with the with banks...There are no branches for national payment systems applied by banks in remote areas and villages, and it the Central Bank of Jordan (CBJ). This is unfeasible for banks to open branches technology supports all individuals, in such areas, but residents of these areas including those who do not or cannot have mobiles and can use them to make access banks, allowing them to use a transfers and pay for their needs.” basic mobile phone or smartphone to perform electronic financial tasks such Bahou stressed that people in Jordan who as paying for purchases, making money earn low incomes, are owners of small transfers, withdrawing money from ATMs economic projects or are workers in small and paying for bills and services easily or home-based trades will particularly and, most importantly, securely. benefit from Umniah´s Mahfazati service Umniah Team because they will be able to receive Mahfazati, which acts like a bank account financial and account statements that and matches the electronic payment indicate their fiscal situation and monthly systems offered by the CBJ, is expected to income. These statements will help banks be of great benefit to the entire national verify an individual’s ability to make economy, attracting a major following, payments and, in turn, allow banks and particularly among unbanked Jordanians. individuals to engage in the process

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of lending and borrowing. This will consequently have a providing them with affordable financial services and a positive impact on investments and support economic simple experience via a convenient, easy and secure payment projects in a way that will strengthen the investment sector method. Shatara explained Mahfazati´s rollout plan by in Jordan and create new job opportunities. emphasizing that “Umniah constantly remains aware of the evolving needs of clients and will continuously provide new With a high mobile penetration rate of 157 percent in Jordan by the end of 2015, and over 13.1 million active mobile subscriptions according to the Telecommunications Regulatory Commission, Umniah CEO Ziad Shatara agrees that Umniah´s Mahfazati service will make the lives of many Jordanians easier and ensure their finances are more secure. He said that the company was proud to be able to initiate the Mahfazati service as part of its efforts to provide advanced technological solutions that fulfil the needs of clients within Jordan. Shatara emphasized the convenience that Mahfazati offers, explaining that clients may withdraw cash from any of Umniah´s branches or ATMs and only need a basic mobile to have mobile wallets. They do not need an Internet connection or smartphone. Bahou also stressed that the CBJ took several measures to ensure that these services are safe and there are several security layers to earn user trust and confidence to facilitate the roll out of these services.”To further enhance security, Umniah will guarantee the safety of Mahfazati-accessible money in the event that a mobile phone is lost or stolen. and innovative services that pre-empt their expectations, taking advantage of the infrastructure provided by the Mahfazati is available to subscribers with basic or smart Central Bank for the electronic payment system.” By working mobile phones aged 18 years and over, regardless of with CBJ, Shatara acknowledged that Mahfazati will not only nationality and mobile network provider. With Mahfazati´s bring new and innovative services that will meet the needs reliable application interface, users are able to deposit of consumers in Jordan but importantly, Mahfazati “will also money at any of Umniah’s 45 branches or in the accounts of be of great benefit to the entire national economy.” any accredited partners, dealers and sub-traders. The money can then be withdrawn from any of Umniah’s branches or through EMP and ATM machines in Jordan. Mahfazati will also offer users the option to check their account balances and view financial transfer records via their mobile phone. Moreover, Umniah´s secure mobile financial solution allows users to transfer funds and make financial operations from one Umniah portfolio to another Umniah portfolio, as well as to portfolios on other platforms, regardless of the mobile service provider. In addition, users are able to make payments to government institutions (P2G), to sellers or merchants (P2M) and to another person (P2P) using Near Field Communication (NFC) technology between mobile devices held close to each other.

Umniah is the first telecom operator in the country to receive approval from CBJ, the nation´s highest banking authority, to roll out a comprehensive mobile financial system for consumers. Mahfazati is now available, and is implemented in two phases. The first phase will enable secure transfers through CBJ systems with low transfer fees, and subscribers will be able to control and manage their expenses, as well as receive financial reports on their payments. The second phase will allow users to carry out financial withdrawals, take advantage of local offers, collect points and win prizes from Umniah’s financial transfers, and receive offers for free local and international telephone calls.

By implementing Mahfazati in two phases, Umniah aims to gradually strengthen the level of trust felt by consumers in the service and facilitate purchases for subscribers by

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SATELLITE NEWS

Only Sri Lanka signs up for SpeedCast Inks Ku- India’s Saarc satellite plan band Capacity Deal with More than a year after Indian PM first Gazprom Space Systems mooted the idea during the 18th SAARC SpeedCast International has entered summit held in Nepal in 2014, only Sri a new agreement with Russia-based Lanka has formally agreed to join the Gazprom Space Systems (GSS), to SAARC satellite project. An Isro official expand satellite communications told TOI on Thursday that the remaining services in Africa. This partnership allows six members, including Pakistan, have so SpeedСast to use capacity on GSS’ far only given their approval in principle. Yamal 402 Ku-band satellite to provide The official said that the apprehension high-performance services to oil and of those who have not formally joined gas companies across Africa. SpeedCast the project is that the mission will give leverages uplink capabilities based in India an upper hand among the SAARC Satellite Germany so that customers can land members both politically and scientifically. traffic directly in Europe. Yamal 402 is Pakistan fears that the SAARC satellite Updates located at 55 degrees east and launched will provide India an access to sensitive in 2012. Pakistani data. Provisionally, the semi- political Indian space mission is slated for lift off towards the end of 2016 or early 2017. The official said that even Paradigm Releases if the rest do not join, the satellite will Swarm45 Flat Panel Ka- still be launched, but it will have limited scope. Work on the satellite has already Band Terminal been initiated. The Rs 235-crore project U.K.-based Paradigm has unveiled a will provide a range of applications and new flat-panel terminal for military, services to SAARC members in the areas broadcast, government and disaster of telecommunication, broadcasting, recovery sectors. The Swarm45 terminal DTH, disaster management, tele- provides high data rate communications education and tele-medicine. “We are from any high-throughput Ka-band hoping that the remaining six members satellite. The portable terminal has a total will participate and the external affairs weight of 14.5kg (32lbs), conforming to ministry is in touch with them,’’ he said. International Air Transport Association (IATA) regulations with packaging. Designed around the Paradigm Interface

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Module (PIM) terminal controller, the traditional equipment management issued the funding under the Gateway Swarm45 enables setup and pointing with spectrum monitoring and Modernization Efforts contract to for operations in less than 5 minutes. measurement to accurately derive a improve network effectiveness, The PIM has an integrated modem, remote terminal’s Radio Frequency performance and continued and integrated audio and visual (RF) status and pinpoint terminals that preparation efforts for Iridium Next, pointing aids that provide an effective are not functioning properly. The tool the company’s next-generation global method of acquiring the satellite is designed to improve maintenance, satellite constellation. Iridium provides without the extra bulk of motors and as VSATs often operate in remote, mission-critical communications controllers. “With the Swarm45, we are difficult to reach areas. Alusat can for the DOD, which has access to providing the high data rates of [Very address VSATs that experienced unlimited airtime service for voice, Small Aperture Terminal] VSAT with misalignment during installation or data, paging and Distributed Tactical the same portability and simplicity from adverse weather, which can Communications Services (DTCS), of [Broadband Global Area Network] cause problems for an entire network. along with its partners, under the BGAN,” said Warren Ackerley, business In certain conditions, Alusat can even fixed-price Enhanced Mobile Satellite development director at Paradigm. recover out-of-service or service- Services (EMSS) contract. Iridium degraded terminals. “Alusat allows Next is scheduled to begin launching a virtual visit to every site on the this year, with completion following Brazil’s TIM Exploring network, reducing or even eliminating in late 2017. The new constellation the need for a physical presence at will offer greater bandwidth and data Ka-band Satellite Deal certain sites. Alusat also allows the speeds than the company’s existing with Yahsat consistent monitoring of a VSAT site constellation. after installation to ensure optimization TIM, the second largest mobile of operation and the minimization of operator in Brazil, is in discussions with costs caused by service failures,” said UAE-based satellite operator Yahsat Eutelsat Fleet Reaches Juan Martinez, technical director at around the use of Ka-band services Integrasys. Alusat reduces the need 6,000 Channel Mark in Brazil, commencing in 2017. “TIM to deploy personnel to individual Eutelsat Communications has reached is looking for the best processes to sites and minimizes maintenance a new record number of channels, minimizing costs and maximizing time and effort, freeing up personnel having crossed the threshold of 6,000 efficiency, supporting areas currently and improving network efficiency. channels broadcasting from its fleet. unserved or under-served by good Operators can determine the different The company attributes this new terrestrial communications links, thresholds for Rx and Tx and the actions level to strong channel growth in extending offerings across the interior to be taken automatically by the fast growing markets, the continued of the country and reinforcing TIM’s system in different circumstances to deployment of pay-TV platforms, key role for social and economic rectify problems. Alusat displays High and a diversified offer of Free-to-Air development of these areas. Therefore, Throughput Satellite (HTS) footprints (FTA) channels. Eutelsat is distributing we have been discussing the use of and calculates link thresholds, then video content for a total of 50 Ka-band in Brazil for backhaul with checks all of the terminals in the platforms, with Africa showing the Yahsat and we are confident in Yahsat’s targeted VSAT community, analyzing most pronounced regional dynamic technical and operational platform to the Rx and Tx measured values of as the continent accelerates the serve our future needs,” said Marcelo co-polar power, cross-polar isolation, transition from analog to digital TV. Duarte, head of wholesale at TIM adjacent satellite interference and 1dB Over the last 12 months, six platforms Brazil. Al Yah 3, Yahsat’s third satellite, compression point to detect failures have launched or expanded their is scheduled to launch in 2017 and raise any necessary alarms. This activities at Eutelsat’s African video with Arianespace and expands the technology is important for networks neighborhoods at 7 degrees east, 16 operator’s coverage into the Brazilian with adaptive power adjustment degrees east and 36 degrees east. market. Yahsat has two geographically capability, as it is able to calibrate Eutelsat is broadcasting more than separated gateways for the satellite to the saturation point for each remote, 2,200 channels FTA. The Middle East counter outages due to heavy rain or maximizing the overall network and Africa is one of Eutelsat’s fastest- ensure continuity during scheduled performance. This is fully automated growing regions. In Sub-Saharan or unscheduled maintenance. Orbital from the Network Operations Center Africa, the company transmits half of ATK is building the satellite, which will (NOC). the 1,136 satellite channels broadcast provide coverage to more than 95 today. High Definition (HD) channels percent of the Brazilian population. now account for more than 12 percent Iridium Awarded of Eutelsat’s total channel count and continues to rise, especially in Europe Integrasys Launches Gateway Modernization and the Middle East. Eutelsat is also Alusat ‘Always Up Contract from DOD transmitting its first commercial Ultra- HD channels in Russia and Europe. Iridium Communications has been Satellite Terminal’ The operator recently launched a awarded an $8.57 million task order Integrasys has released a new new satellite, Eutelsat 9B aboard a from the U.S. Defense Information automated Very Small Aperture Proton rocket Jan. 30, and has two Systems Agency (DISA), to make Terminal (VSAT) maintenance new satellites, Eutelsat 117 West B and upgrades and enhancements to the tool called Always Up Satellite Eutelsat 65 West A slated to launch for U.S. Department of Defense‘s (DOD) Terminal (Alusat), which combines additional capacity. dedicated Iridium gateway. DISA

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Galaxy Broadband based on this technology within 2016. the Mediterranean and European SoftBank has used satellite backhaul waterways, as well as to oil and gas Certifies C-Com Ka-band to provide 3G mobile communications operators in the North Sea. Telstar Antennas in regions of Japan where it is difficult 12 Vantage entered full operations at to build facilities for fixed-line and 15 degrees west in December 2015 C-Com Satellite Systems has received mobile communications. The company following a launch on Mitsubishi Heavy approval to operate its Ka-band contributed to the development Industries’ H2A rocket. Panasonic iNetVu mobile antenna products on of Gilat’s SkyEdge 2-c high-speed Avionics collaborated with Telesat Galaxy Broadband’s network. Galaxy satellite communications platform on locating the HTS spot beams to Broadband provides enterprise grade early on, and conducted verification meet Panasonic’s requirements. The work along the way. The latest company now has Ku-band capacity trials demonstrated File Transfer on four Telesat satellites. Protocol (FTP) downlink rates of up to 100Mbps using mobile handsets, which until now have Orbcomm Wins been very difficult to achieve. “With VSAT services to remote areas across this technology, we will be able to Lockheed Martin IoT Canada and the United States. C-Com also offer high-speed LTE services in Contract deployed and tested the iNetVu Ka- mountainous regions, remote islands Lockheed Martin’s Aeronautics Division 98H system on the Galaxy F2 Ka-band and other areas in Japan where it is has selected Orbcomm’s turnkey iApp network in January. The approval difficult to install fixed-line backhaul platform as a replacement to its existing expands C-Com’s footprint for service cost-effectively and quickly. We already Radio Frequency Identification (RFID)- in the most northern parts of Canada. have satellite-based backhaul in those based data collection solution. The Galaxy Broadband’s Ka-band network regions, but now we will be able to iApp platform will enable automated covers British Columbia, Northern offer our customers LTE speeds. We data capture, processing, traceability Alberta, Northern Saskatchewan, also expect to see the application of and analysis of assets located at global Northwest Territories, Nunavut this technology to the mobile network storage sites that Lockheed Martin and Eastern Alaska. With Galaxy’s of our group company Sprint in the manages along with its partners service offering, mobile clients in the U.S. Our hope is that this technology and sellers. Orbcomm will leverage Canadian Arctic can now have access will help play a role in bridging the Lockheed Martin’s next generation to a network that can deliver 5 Mbps digital divide,” said Yasuyuki Imai, Automated Identification Technology down and 2 Mbps up, rivaling speeds executive vice president and head of (AIT) infrastructure to automate its available in more southern locations the technology unit at SoftBank. of the country. “We feel this is a very data collection system. The company’s good opportunity for delivering iApp platform will locate and track mobile solutions throughout our Panasonic Makes mission-critical assets enabled with Ka-band beam coverage, including RFID readers using a single enterprise the Canadian Arctic,” said Rick Major HTS Capacity solution. Hodgkinson, president and CEO of Galaxy Broadband. “We see many Commitment on Telesat’s opportunities for remote exploration, Telstar 12 Vantage Dankberg: ViaSat 3 temporary sites and government Panasonic Avionics has booked nearly Satellites Will Have More solutions using mobile antennas all the High Throughput Satellite in combination with Galaxy’s high (HTS) Ku-band capacity covering the Capacity than the Rest of power Ka spot beams that deliver Mediterranean, Europe and Middle an enterprise high Quality of Service the World Combined (QoS) network.” ViaSat projects that its next generation satellite system will have more capacity than all the other telecommunications SoftBank Planning spacecraft in the world. The company is aggressively developing ViaSat 3, LTE Services with Gilat a trio of geostationary high capacity Satellite-Based Cellular satellites where each spacecraft will be capable of more than a terabit per Backhaul Technology second of network capacity. Speaking Japanese telco SoftBank intends to during ViaSat’s third quarter 2016 earnings call, Chairman and CEO provide high-speed LTE services using East on Telstar 12 Vantage through a Mark Dankberg said that ViaSat 3 Gilat’s satellite-based cellular backhaul new a multi-year contract with Telesat. is already progressing much faster technology following a successful field The capacity covers major aeronautical than ViaSat 2 because of several trial. This technology makes it possible routes from Western Europe to the years of accumulated work. When the for SoftBank to cost-effectively offer Middle East, enabling the company to spacecraft is ready, it will more than high-speed mobile communication provide In-Flight Connectivity (IFC) to double the amount of bandwidth in services in remote areas where it is carriers across the region. Panasonic orbit, according to Dankberg. “Each difficult to install fixed-line facilities will also be using the capacity to ViaSat 3 satellite is anticipated to have and base stations. SoftBank expects expand its maritime services in to offer commercial services in Japan as much bandwidth as all the rest of the

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satellites in the world combined. And a joint venture. The new company will ViaSat’s broadband technologies and that includes all of the High Throughput start by using KA-SAT, which covers consumer ISP business expertise. The Satellites (HTS) that are now under Europe and the Mediterranean Basin, venture will expand Eutelsat’s current construction,” he said. Development for a wholesale broadband business wholesale broadband business and of the ViaSat 3 system will consist of a and a new consumer retail service. launch a new consumer retail service lot of vertically integrated work by the ViaSat plans to invest roughly $150 in Europe. The business will initially company. Dankberg said ViaSat has million for 49 percent interest in the leverage KA-SAT, Eutelsat’s high experience building satellite payloads wholesale services business, which will capacity broadband satellite, and from a subcontract with Thales start with KA-SAT and is later expected consist of two businesses coordinating Alenia Space related to Iridium Next. to leverage the ViaSat 3 EMEA satellite. efforts to expand the European Boeing, announced in a Feb. 10 press For the retail business, ViaSat will own broadband market: Wholesale release as the build partner for the 51 percent, and Eutelsat 49 percent. Services and Retail Services. ViaSat will first two ViaSat 3 satellites, will have This division would be focused on take a 49 percent stake in the first for a somewhat smaller role. “The way building a direct-to-consumer Internet USD 132.5 million while the second that we structured our contract with Service Provider (ISP) business in will be 51 percent owned by ViaSat Boeing is essentially they are giving us Europe. ViaSat and Eutelsat anticipate and 49 percent by Eutelsat. Wholesale the payload framework for us to attach the transaction will close in the second Services will be focused on providing our modules to,” explained Dankberg. quarter of 2016, subject to regulatory wholesale broadband services in Compared to the space between ViaSat approvals and other customary the European and Mediterranean 1 and ViaSat 2, which is expected to closing conditions. Dankberg listed regions, to the newly established retail be about five years, Dankberg said the Eutelsat’s strong presence in Europe, services business and existing Eutelsat company is targeting a gap of only including regulatory and landing distributors. Eutelsat will contribute its about two years between ViaSat 2 and rights positions across the continent, current European broadband business, the first ViaSat 3 spacecraft. He said and inventory of orbital slots as including the KA-SAT satellite. ViaSat the company would have benefited reasons for the partnership. “And as will continue to provide selected from launching ViaSat 2 much earlier, we have seen in the U.S., there is a broadband technologies for KA-SAT but that the technology was simply very high congruence between the gateways and terminals. For future not ready. “We have been investing people who have satellite Internet capacity, the partnership will continue steadily for years in the successor for and the people who have satellite TV, to evaluate over the next few months ViaSat 2, so this time we are aiming to so working with a leading satellite the ViaSat-3 technology and the cut that gap between satellites roughly TV provider is a strong position,” he extent and the terms under which it in half while still getting an even bigger added. Dankberg said interim capacity would utilize the European capacity boost in productivity,” he said. “We are for Europe could come in the form of on the new ultra-high throughput planning to launch ViaSat 3 Americas a “quick production” satellite such as ViaSat-3 platform, which ViaSat in mid-calendar 2019 and ViaSat 3 in the Boeing 702SP, or potentially using expects to bring into service in 2020. the Europe, Middle East, [and] Africa an existing Ka-band payload, but that The partnership will also continue to (EMEA) region for early 2020.” The these paths are still being evaluated. study other options to add growth third ViaSat 3 satellite targets the Once launched, ViaSat 2’s coverage capacity in the nearer and long term. Asia-Pacific market. ViaSat’s soonest includes not only the Americas and Retail Services will be focused on satellite to launch, ViaSat 2, recently Caribbean, but also a bridge with building a direct-to-consumer ISP switched from SpaceX to Arianespace, Eutelsat to the U.K. and Europe for business in Europe. Enhanced service and is now scheduled to launch in high-speed In-Flight Connectivity (IFC) plans will be introduced in select the first quarter of 2017. ViaSat 2 was and other mobile services. Dankberg European countries throughout 2016, booked for a Falcon Heavy launch said ViaSat 2’s projected in-service date setting a foundation for growth in late this summer, but that was prior is Q1 2018. Furthermore, the terminals the retail services business with the to SpaceX’s Commercial Resupply for ViaSat 2 will be forward compatible availability of future satellite capacity. Services-7 (CRS-7) mission where with ViaSat 3. Dankberg mentioned The transaction is subject to regulatory a Falcon 9 rocket exploded roughly IFC, general aviation and government approvals and other customary closing two minutes after takeoff. The launch as top markets for upcoming satellites, conditions. It is currently expected to mishap not only delayed the Falcon along with maritime. He said the close during the second quarter of this 9, but pushed back the debut of the company has added more than 100 year. Falcon Heavy, which uses three Falcon 9 unannounced aircraft recently from engine cores. Dankberg said insurance existing airline customers as they pricing for the Falcon Heavy was also enact fleet modernization programs. Eutelsat 65 West A much higher than for the Ariane 5. In between ViaSat 2 and 3, Dankberg said Prepped for March 9 the company is evaluating options for ViaSat, Eutelsat create Arianespace Launch interim capacity with partner Eutelsat. Eutelsat’s next satellite, Eutelsat 65 ViaSat and Eutelsat have worked European broadband West A, landed in Kourou, French together for 10 years and struck joint venture Guiana on Feb. 6 for an upcoming up an agreement in July 2014 for ViaSat and Eutelsat Communications Ariane 5 launch March 9. The 6.5- service access and roaming between have agreed to create a joint ton Space Systems Loral (SSL)-built KA-SAT and ViaSat 1. Recently the venture combining Eutelsat’s current satellite will be located at 65 degrees two companies have tightened their European broadband business with west, a premier position for the partnership to include the formation of Brazilian TV market, ahead of the 2016

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Rio de Janeiro Olympics. Eutelsat 65 supplied in previous West A has 10 C-band and 24 Ku- contracts. Both new band transponders for video and satellites bring additional data services, and 24 Ka-band spot capacity to Latin America. beams for broadband connectivity in Amazonas 5 primarily key regions. The spacecraft’s C-band targets television coverage is designed to enable cross- platforms in Latin America continental video contribution and and Brazil, though distribution. Hughes do Brasil booked it also has Ka-band the entire Ka-band high throughput capacity for new Internet payload for broadband services. Based connectivity services. on the SSL-1300 platform, the satellite Hispasat 1F will serve as a is designed to provide approximately replacement to Hispasat 16-kW of power at end of life. Eutelsat 1D, providing additional 65 West A is one of three satellites with the National Oceanographic and Ku-band capacity to the from Eutelsat launching between Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Andean and Brazilian regions, while this year and last year to bolster its and partner RT Logic has successfully enabling greater two-way transatlantic coverage of the Americas. Eutelsat 115 tested its Freedom Platform, communications between Europe and West B launched last year, and Eutelsat performing numerous live S-band the Americas and vice versa. Based 117 West B is scheduled to launch downlink operations using a support in Spain, Indra has implemented the later this year. antenna in Southern California. This system that controls the Amazonas 1, test validates operational functionality 2, 3 and 4 satellites and the Hispasat of the Atlas Freedom Platform by 1A, 1B, 1C, 1D and 1E satellites. The Joins LoRa testing the connection between company’s new contract calls for operational space assets and the the completion of the upgrades by Alliance, will Help set Atlas ground architecture. Atlas January 2017. Standards for IoT collected vital system performance metrics from the tests, which used Inmarsat has become a member of cloud-based virtual systems and 100 the LoRa Alliance, an international nbn’s satellite service get percent encrypted connections. The non-profit organization founded Atlas Freedom Platform allows low first demonstration in 2015 to standardize Low Power latency Machine-to-Machine (M2M) nbn (formerly NBN Co), the company Wide Area Networks (LPWAN) for the communications via the REST web overseeing Australia’s National Internet of Things (IoT). Members of service standard. The platform allows Broadband Network (NBN) project, the Lora Alliance seek to guarantee customers to configure, task, and has conducted the first demonstration interoperability between operators command satellites, while providing of its satellite broadband service, in order to make LoRaWAN an open data dissemination and archiving. Sky Muster. Taking place at the ENEX global standard for IoT applications Atlas provides data warehousing Test Lab in Brunswick, Victoria, Sky worldwide. Inmarsat will provide backed by Amazon Web Services. “Our Muster was shown off delivering the LoRa ecosystem with satellite base system is fully automated. If a Layer-3 speeds of 25Mbps download connectivity to enable the deployment customer doesn’t need any tailoring and 4Mbps upload, just below the of solutions anywhere an object we can beat competitors pricing by 25Mbps/5Mbps maximum wholesale or device needs to be connected. large margins,” said Sean McDaniel, speeds expected to be available on “Inmarsat is the first global satellite CEO of Atlas. “We must make ground the service. During the demonstration operator to join us. Their expertise and station access more affordable for the the satellite service delivered content know-how in delivering mission critical new space industry to take off.” from applications including YouTube, mobile communication services to Facebook, Google Maps, along with businesses and institutions worldwide showing off Skype video-calling and will be a great asset to further develop web browsing. With plans to launch the LoRaWAN ecosystem,” said Olivier Hispasat Upgrading end-user trials in the coming weeks Hersent, CEO and CTO of Actility. In Ground Segment with to around 200 premises in regional a January interview with Via Satellite, Victoria as part of further service LoRa Alliance Chairman Geoff Mulligan Indra testing, Gavin Williams, Executive said the organization was very Spanish satellite operator Hispasat General Manager of Fixed Wireless and interested in having satellite operators is preparing the ground segment for Satellite at nbn, said: ‘We are delighted join. LPWANs connect devices over the new Hispasat 1F and Amazonas with the progress that we are making large regions, and satellite can play a 5 satellites, having awarded a $5.5 towards the planned launch of Sky role by backhauling data. million contract to Indra for the supply Muster commercial services in the next of four ground stations along with couple of months … Rural and remote other upgrades. Two of the stations Australians will be able to access fast will be installed in the Hispasat control Atlas Space Operations and reliable internet through their center in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, while phone and internet provider in the Conducts Successful another will be put into operation in bush, via the Sky Muster service.’ Freedom Platform Test the Canary Islands, and the fourth in Madrid, Spain. Indra is also updating Atlas Space Operations, in cooperation several existing stations, which were

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Iran Unveils New well. XTAR’s focus is exclusively on greater ability to dynamically switch the government market, and today transponders between beams to Achievements in Space the company only operates in X band. match capacity to areas with surging Field Harlow told Via Satellite that while the demand. Telemetry encryption is company’s core market will remain the something he also said XTAR will Iran displayed 3 new achievements same, XTAR is considering a variety of definitely be including. Harlow is less in space field in a ceremony to mark technologies to better meet demand. interested in beam-shaping antenna the country’s National Day of Space “As we look at the replacement systems, but does describe electric Technology. The ceremony was held strategy over the next several years, propulsion as a potential game at the Headquarters of the Islamic those factors will come into play,” said changer. “I am very excited about Summit in Tehran and was attended Harlow. “The success of the business electric propulsion. I think that takes by Iran’s President Hassan Rouhani. model means as we build and launch us away from relying on the fuel on a The achievements include the remote these replacement satellites, we are satellite to now being dependent on testing laboratory of Iran Space Agency, going to have a lot more capacity and how good your electronics are. If you the center of satellite aggregation and capability in the future to serve the can put a satellite up that doesn’t need test center affiliated to Iran Space applications that have been driving much fuel for station keeping, now the Research Center. Iran successfully demand — airborne Intelligence, end of life of your satellite is based on launched into orbit its first indigenous Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR), how long do your electronics last,” he data-processing satellite, Omid (Hope), man-packs, mobile and maritime explained, adding that geostationary back on February 2, 2009. As part of platforms.” Harlow said XTAR is still just satellites could last around 25 years a comprehensive plan to develop its at the beginning of the replacement compared to today’s typical 15 to 18 space program, Iran also successfully process. He anticipates issuing a year lifespans. XTAR is also considering launched its second satellite, dubbed Request for Proposals (RFP) potentially hosted payloads as a potential avenue. Rassad (Observation), into the earth’s in early 2017 for XTAR Eur, followed by The operator already hosts a payload orbit in June 2011. Rassad’s mission another RFP for XTAR Lant a year later. on XTAR Eur, and XTAR Lant itself is a was to take images of the earth and XTAR is planning several advances hosted payload on Spainsat. Harlow transmit them along with telemetry with its future satellites, as well. Harlow mused that hosted payloads could information to ground stations. The said the operator wants to be well be a means for XTAR to reach global country’s third domestically-built ahead of the U.S. Defense Information coverage, which is a growing priority Navid-e Elm-o Sanat (Harbinger of Systems Agency’s (DISA’s) Information for the company. Science and Industry) satellite was sent Assurance (IA) checklist, which did not into orbit in February 2012. In January come out until after XTAR had already 2013, Iran sent a monkey into space procured its existing fleet. XTAR does ILS Orbits Eutelsat 9B aboard an indigenous bio-capsule meet these requirements today, but code-named Pishgam (Pioneer). And Harlow said the company is looking Satellite with EDRS Laser later in December 2013, the country’s to add new features that customers Payload scientists successfully sent a monkey, find desirable to stay ahead of the International Launch Services (ILS) called ‘Fargam’ or Auspicious, into game. “We will be adding additional launched the Eutelsat 9B satellite space aboard Pajoheshan (Research) features. In particular, geolocation is carrying the first European Data Relay indigenous rocket and returned the one of those capabilities. With X-band System (EDRS) payload into orbit live simian back to earth safely. being a particular frequency band for using a Proton rocket. Built by Airbus government, and being further spaced Defence and Space, Eutelsat 9B carries apart in the sky, geolocation is a 56 Ku-band transponders for the 9 XTAR Drawing up Plans challenge, so we are going to enhance degrees east orbital position. The those capabilities,” he said. Harlow said for Next Generation satellite spreads capacity across five XTAR does not feel the need to add HTS footprints and employs frequency Satellites to its fleet today. Adding loads of small reuse to optimize bandwidth. spot beams would require a complex XTAR is in the early stages of planning Eutelsat 9B hosts the EDRS-A laser accompanying ground segment, and the replacement satellites for its terminal, designed to accelerate the company has received favorable next generation constellation. The communications from Low Earth Orbit feedback from customers regarding operator’s two spacecraft, XTAR Eur at (LEO) remote sensing spacecraft. EDRS, the size of its beams today. Harlow 29 degrees east and XTAR Lant at 30 also known as the SpaceDataHighway, said the wide beams XTAR uses make degrees west, are now 10 and 11 years is being implemented through a Public it technically and operationally easier old, respectively. As these satellites Private Partnership (PPP) between the to stay in contact with end users start nearing their nominal end of life, European Space Agency (ESA) and by covering larger areas. “I doubt it XTAR is evaluating technology that Airbus Defence and Space. The Jan. 30 would go all the way to where high will not only improve the fleet, but launch marks the first Proton mission throughput satellites are; we simply do potentially globalize it as well. Philip of 2016, and the 410th overall for the not need hundreds of transponders Harlow, president and COO of XTAR, launch vehicle. For ILS, Eutelsat 9B is on our satellites. We feel that the says much has changed since the the company’s 92nd Proton launch. current 12 transponders we have on operator launched its existing satellites ILS and Eutelsat signed a multi- [XTAR Eur] will double, maybe triple, a decade ago. A growing number of launch agreement last year for several but certainly no more than that,” he operators are fielding Ka-band and missions between 2016 and 2023, of added. Regarding future technologies, High Throughput Satellites (HTS). New which Eutelsat 9B is the first. sources of competition have risen as Harlow said he would like to see

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SAMENA Council’s Board of Directors’ Election Held – New Leadership Unveiled

The South Asia, Middle East, North Africa region’s Bocar BA, who is the 12th member of the Board, continues telecommunications industry association, SAMENA to lead SAMENA Council as the chief executive offi cer. Council, is now being headed by Dr. Khaled H. Biyari, Group CEO of Saudi Telecom Company as the Chairman The new Board of Directors has been elected by peers, of its Board of Directors. Mr. Ihab Hinnawi, Group CEO chief executives of telecom operators, to provide leadership of Batelco is the new Vice-Chairman of the Board. and an overall strategic direction for the Council, to deliver leadership points of views on regional telecom business This marks the beginning of a new leadership, which matters in support of telecom operators, whose business TurkCell, through Mr. Kaan Terzioglu, CEO; Turksat, interests and voice SAMENA Council is designed to represent represented by Mr. Ensar Gul, CEO; Viva Kuwait, on global fora and both policy-maker and regulatory circles. represented by Mr. Salman Al Badran, CEO; and Zain, The Board establishes policies for the Council’s not-for- represented by Mr. Scott Gegenheimer, Group CEO, profi t operations and makes its recommendations to its have joined as new members of the Board and will membership on issues and matters that concern the telecom contribute their visions for the welfare of the telecom business, and concerns raised throughout the industry as operator community as well as the industry, at large. regards technology deployment and/or device design.

The new telecom operator-driven Board of Directors The Board has the authority to interpret and make is now constituted by STC, Batelco, Etisalat Group, amendments to SAMENA Telecommunications Council Omantel, Ooredoo Group, Orange-Jordan, Turk Charter of Bylaws as it deems appropriate, as long as it is in Telekom, TurkCell, TurkSat, Viva Kuwait, and Zain Group, accordance with the overall purpose of the Council and the all of which are amongst the largest network operators welfare of its membership. and the most recognized brands in the SAMENA region.

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