KYIV. June 23 (Interfax-Ukraine) – The National Commission for Communications Regulation (NCCR) has asked international companies to draw up a road map to introduce the LTE (4G) communications standard in Ukraine, Commission Head Oleksandr Zhyvotovsky has said.
He said the working group for 4G which was created in August 2014 has defined several ranges which can be used for 4G commercial services – 800 MHz, 900 MHz, 1800 MHz, 2300 MHz and 2500 MHz.
“A stocktaking of the whole radio frequency spectrum should be made to understand where commercial operators work, where special users work and how long would they work and if the conversion is required,” Zhyvotovsky said.
“Jointly with the operators we have formed the core tasks and drew up a draft work sheet for conducting studies. We’ve sent requests to ten leading international consulting companies specializing in telecommunications and having experience of the realization of the re-farming projects in various countries, including Europe. We received feedbacks from six companies, and after more consultations we’ve formed a portfolio of three offers from famous British companies with the descriptions of work, their volume and the probable cost,” he said.
“To avoid long discussions of the cost, we should prepare an offer based on forceful arguments. The analysis of the formation of prices on the telecommunications markets of various countries should be taken as a basis. It is to be conducted with the involvement of independent experts. It is clear that the cost of frequency bands in various ranges is different – high frequencies cost less than low frequencies,” he said.
“There are three instruments allowing the launch of new technologies – technical neutrality, re-farming and sale of new frequencies. We should use all the three instruments to ensure equal competitive opportunities for market players,” Zhyvotovsky said.
Commenting on the possible tender, he said that this could be a tender for frequency band packages.
He said the operators are currently studying the materials to prepare offers on the selection of the key provider, cooperation with it and the financing scheme.
“We invite all market players to participate in the project. There are no barriers. However, we understand that in fact it would be four or five companies with ambitions of introducing 4G technology,” he said.
By late 2015, the NCCR plans to finish preparatory consultations and formalize the plans by a cabinet resolution on a presidential decree. Then, agreements with western consultants will be signed and the study will be launched.
