Units wishing to deploy 3G and WiMax must take an entrance exam

The Ministry of Post and Telematics is developing a regulation to open the competition to select enterprises eligible for 3G and WiMax bands. One of the two forms can be applied through bidding or through a "multiple choice test" to select a licensed unit.

Yesterday, the Government agreed with the Ministry of Post and Telematics's proposal on the allocation of two 3G and WiMax services to enterprises through examination.

According to the experience of many countries around the world, if a country has too many operators while the band is limited, the governing body can choose one of two forms of auction or based on criteria that A business can meet. In the case of having to choose the second form, the governing body will have to set the criteria and require the enterprise to implement.

For example, in a certain time, the operator must ensure coverage to as many provinces and how many new services can be developed on the licensed band. The important thing is that businesses will have to prove that this service will bring high efficiency and do not waste digital resources. In addition, enterprises must commit to pay the full bandwidth usage fee and in the case of being licensed without being implemented or ineffective, they will be withdrawn and subject to the prescribed penalties.

The Ministry of Post and Telematics said that it is conducting a survey of experience in allocating bands in countries in the region and the world to select the appropriate form. It is expected that in the second quarter of this year, the entrance exam will begin.

According to the frequency plan of the Radio Frequency Department, the Ministry of Posts and Telematics, the 3G service band is currently only fully licensed for 4 businesses. Fixed WiMax and fixed WiMax bands only meet up to 3 operators per service. Meanwhile, there are 6 mobile service businesses, 8 operators are licensed to establish telecommunications infrastructure and many other units participate in technology application services.

Up to now, the Ministry of Post and Telematics has granted licenses to provide fixed WiMax services for 4 businesses including Viettel, VTC, VNPT and FPT Telecom. After the 12-month trial ended, based on criteria such as the quality of its services and finance, the four businesses will have to bid for the frequency so they can become official service providers.

Hong Anh