21.06.2024

ANCOM organizes a new licensing procedure in the 1880-1900 MHz band (the so-called "DECT band"). Thus, providers of electronic communications networks and services interested in the installation and operation of public electronic communications wireless access networks with base stations operating in DECT technology using the 1880-1900 MHz band, in localities situated in one or more counties, may submit to ANCOM firm applications for the issuance of licences therefor, no later than the 4^th of July 2024.

Procedure for obtaining licences in the DECT (Digital Enhanced Cordless Telecommunications) band

Licences are granted according to the procedure laid down in the Position Paper on the use of radio spectrum in the frequency band 1880-1900 MHz at national level.

This document has been applicable since 2014, when the Authority established that the DECT band should become available at national level, and was updated in 2019.

In a first stage of the mechanism for determining the options established by the Position Paper, any person interested in obtaining a licence in the above-mentioned band may submit to the ANCOM headquarters registry a firm request in this regard, no later than the 4^th of July 2024, stating their options for the geographical areas (localities and counties) where they wish to obtain rights of use in the DECT band. The radio spectrum allocations for the entire DECT band, granted by licence, have a non-exclusive status at the county level (the municipality of Bucharest is considered together with Ilfov County), but they have an exclusive status at the locality level.

ANCOM will publish the preliminary list with the options expressed by the interested persons, by counties and localities, within 3 days from the completion of the aforementioned stage, the providers then having another 5 calendar days to modify their initial options if they wish (only in the case of those localities for which two or more options have been expressed).

After the end of the second stage, the Authority will publish the final aggregated table with the options expressed by the interested persons, by counties and localities, and will issue the licences for the use of radio frequencies in the DECT band.

Licences in the DECT band will be granted by direct awarding in the case of localities for which only one option is expressed, while in the case of localities for which several providers have expressed their interest, a comparative selection procedure will be organized, in compliance with the relevant provisions of the Government Emergency Ordinance no. 111/2011 on electronic communications, approved, with amendments and completions, by Law no. 140/2012 with subsequent amendments and completions.

Information on the use of the DECT band

The 1880-1900 MHz frequency band (the "DECT band") ensures good coverage of the territory (though without enabling significant data transmission capacities), which is why ANCOM has proposed – by drafting and adopting the Position Paper – to encourage its use, especially in geographical areas disadvantaged in terms of access to electronic communications services.

The DECT band has been used in Romania since 2000 by fixed wireless access networks (including those with limited mobility) in DECT technology. Currently, Orange Romania S.A. operates exclusively local DECT networks in 23 localities in Galati County and in 5 localities in Tulcea County, based on two licences granted at the level of the two counties, through which the DECT band was allocated on a non-exclusive basis. The present procedure is organized in the context of the expiry of the two licences.