Govt to offer additional frequencies to 3G operators<\/p>\n
The Jakarta Post, Jakarta<\/p>\n
The government plans to offer additional frequencies to companies
\nthat will operate cellular services based on advanced third
\ngeneration (3G) technology if they can develop their businesses.<\/p>\n
Minister of Communications and Information Sofyan Djalil said
\non Friday that the government would allow companies holding 3G
\nlicenses to add another 5 megahertz (MHz) to their existing
\nfrequencies, of between 5 MHz to 10 MHz, if they succeeded in
\ndeveloping the service.<\/p>\n
Currently, PT Natrindo Telepon Seluler\/Lippo Telecom and PT
\nCyber Access Communications (CAC), an affiliate of Thailand's
\nleading cellular operator Telecom Orange Asia, have obtained
\nlicenses to operate 3G-based cellular services.<\/p>\n
Two other cellular operators, Telkom Flexi and Indosat Star
\nOne, have not yet obtained the licenses, but they have provided
\nwide-band Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA) services using 3G
\nfrequencies.<\/p>\n
The communications ministry said earlier it would reopen a
\ntender for 3G operations next month in a move to modify the
\ntelecommunications frequency allocations so that the frequencies
\ncould be used more efficiently.<\/p>\n
The ministry estimated after that the country would reap up to
\nRp 5 trillion (US$520.83 million) in revenues by maximizing the
\nallocation of the potential 60 MHz frequencies.<\/p>\n
The extra revenue, they have said, would be used to install
\nstandard telephone lines in villages currently without access to
\nany sort of telecommunications across the country.<\/p>\n
With 3G technology, cellular subscribers will be able to enjoy
\n\"triple-play\" services such as video streaming, video
\nconferencing through cellular phones, in addition to a much
\nfaster data transfer.<\/p>\n
At present, there are 45 MHz of 3G frequency available, which
\nwill be offered in the upcoming tender, where each operator will
\nget 5 Mhz in the first disbursement.<\/p>\n
\"We will offer them options of an additional 5 MHz if they
\nshow improvements within a year,\" said Sofyan, adding that there
\nwould be annual auditing process to examine the companies'
\nperformances.<\/p>\n
He said if the companies failed to show improvements over the
\nfirst two-year period, the options would be given to other firms.<\/p>\n
\"Those that failed to make improvements will be subject to
\nsanctions to be mentioned in a regulation,\" he said, without
\nelaborating further.<\/p>\n
Sofyan also said that the government required every operator
\nusing the 3G frequencies to pay 0.75 percent out of its revenue
\nto the government as a Universal Service Obligation (USO).<\/p>\n
\"Operators using the frequencies including radio stations will
\nhave to pay 0.75 percent out of its income,\" he said, adding that
\nthe government planned to collect the USO starting in July after
\nthe president issues the decree. (001)<\/p>",
"url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/govt-to-offer-additional-frequencies-to-3g-operators-1447893297",
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"sponsor": "Okusi Associates",
"sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com"
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