Telecom operators may be exempted from paying for frequencies in the regions if they are able to cover hard-to-reach and small settlements in remote regions of Russia with networks. In this respect writer Kommersant, citing the source.
In accordance with the decision of the State Radio Frequency Commission (SCRF), telecom operators can be exempted from frequency payment in areas where they will cover areas that are difficult to reach and sparsely populated by communication networks. The decision was taken behind closed doors at the SCRF’s last meeting on April 24. According to broadcast sources, such a benefit is assumed if operators install up to four base stations (BS) per quarter in settlements of up to 1,000 people.
One of the newspaper’s interlocutors pointed out that the solution should work in the third quarter of 2023. However, the entire adoption process is hampered by Roskomnadzor, which has not yet provided criteria for placements where operators can benefit. In general, the Ministry of Digital Development discussed the situation with all parties, but it was not possible to develop a single solution.
Another interlocutor of the publication on the market added that the discount will help operators save billions of rubles. In turn, the budget will no longer charge large amounts for frequencies. Lack of funds may be the main reason why Roskomnadzor slowed down the process.
Previously, the Ministry of Digital Development together with the largest domestic telecom operators supplied version of the industry development strategy to 2035. According to the project, the LTE communication standard and equipment of previous generations should be completely replaced by Russian in 2023, and by 2027 the use of the 3G communication standard will be completed.
Source: Gazeta
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