The National Communication Authority (NCA) has introduced technology neutrality to foster fair competition and encourage infrastructure investment for 4G network deployment among non-Significant Market Power (SMP) operators.
This measure aims to address SMP concerns and enhance consumer choice in the telecommunications sector.
With technology neutrality, non-SMP operators like Vodafone and AT&T are granted authorization to provide 4G services by re-farming their spectrum assignment in the 900MHz, 1800MHz, and 2100MHz bands, subject to an annual premium payment.
The benefits of technology neutrality include enabling operators without 4G services to deploy it within their current spectrum assignment, thus leveling the playing field and boosting competitiveness.
“The option for non-SMP operators with 4G services to re-farm portions of their current spectrum assignment to improve the quality of their 4G services and Enhanced consumer choice for 4G services,” NCA added.