18.06.2019

ANCOM informs the electronic communications networks and services providers interested in deploying and operating wireless access public electronic communications networks with DECT base stations in the 1880-1900 MHz band installed in localities within one or several counties that firm requests may be submitted no later than (including) 28 June 2019, in order for the Authority to issue licences for frequency usage through the above-mentioned networks. ANCOM has already received a formal request therefor, from one operator.

The procedure for the issuance of licences in DECT (digital enhanced cordless telecommunications) band

Licences will be issued according to the Position Paper on the use of the frequency spectrum on a national level in the 1880-1900 MHz, in force from 2014, when the Authority decided that the DECT band should become available on a national level. The Position Paper has been updated in 2019.

According to the provisions of this document, any supplier wishing to obtain a license in the said band should make a firm request therefor within 10 days, presenting their options for the geographical areas (localities and counties) where they intend to obtain usage rights in the DECT band. The frequency allotments for the entire DECT band, provided by license, have non-exclusive status at county level (Bucharest is considered together with Ilfov County), but they have an exclusive character at the locality level.

Within 3 days from this deadline, ANCOM will publish the preliminary list of the operators’ options, by counties and localities. Operators can change their initial options within 5 calendar days, if they so wish, but only regarding those localities for which two or more options have been expressed.

Subsequently, the Authority will publish the final aggregated table, by counties and localities, along with the operators’ options, and will issue frequency usage licenses for the DECT band.

Licences in the DECT band will be granted by direct award in the case of localities for which only one option has been expressed, while - in case of localities for which several operators have expressed their interest - a comparative selection procedure will be organized.

Background information on the DECT band 

The 1880-1900 MHz band (also known as the ”DECT band”) ensure good coverage, and ANCOM intends to encourage its usage, especially in geographical areas that are less favoured in respect of access to electronic communications services.

Currently, in the DECT band, Telekom Romania Communications operates wireless access public networks using this technology in Bucharest and in 32 localities in the counties of Ilfov, Galaţi and Tulcea, as it was the only operator interested in acquiring frequency usage rights in the DECT band in the award procedure organised by ANCOM in 2014.