02.06.2008

ANRCTI launches for public consultation the draft Terms of Reference in view of the comparative selection for granting a licence for the use of radioelectric frequencies for the purpose of providing mobile electronic communications networks and services in the 410-415/420-425 MHz frequency bands.

This procedure will result in issuance of a licence which enables the holder to build, own and operate a broadband network and to offer broadband services to the consumers.

The comparative selection procedure encompasses three phases: short-listing; offer assessment and winner designation.

The Terms of Reference mainly contain the minimum technical requirements which a tenderer must meet, the scoring grid, the minimum requirements a tenderer will have to undertake in order to be considered in the comparative selection procedure, as well as the deadline for submitting the offers.

The minimum set of services to be offered by means of this frequency includes voice, data transmission at a download rate higher than 128 Kb/s and PAMR specific services (push to talk, simultaneous data and voice services, dispatching services, automatic call prioritization and put on hold, calls between the components of a specified group, dynamic allocation by groups). Additionally, optional services such as location and data/IP packages may be offered, as well as the capacity to provide virtual private network (VPN) services and video applications.

The offers submitted will be assessed in accordance with the scoring grid and with the  provider’s financial status (e.g. turnover and profit rate per 2007, 2006, 2005, financial availability for investments in building and operating the network, the total amount invested in the network roll-out and operation), commercial feasibility (e.g. marketing plan, date of the commercial launch of all the minimum services), specialisation and experience (e.g. experience in operating public electronic communications networks and in the provision of electronic communications networks).

Further criteria will be also considered: technical feasibility (optional service proposed, number of base stations installed) and coverage proposed for the 3 network installation phases (national and county roads an area covered during the three phases). The minimum requirements for broadband coverage are the following: coverage of at least 2,500 km European national roads, by 31.12.2013, coverage of at least 55% of the national territory, by 31.12.2013 and coverage of 100 towns with maximum 50,000 inhabitants each, by the same date.

The offers shall be assessed, based on the scoring grid, by the commission designated by decision of the ANRCTI President.

The licence holder, designated by this procedure, will pay a licence fee as provided by the Government Decision no. 61/2008, respectively, the RON equivalent of EUR 1,077,228. The licence holder shall pay ANRCTI an annual tariff for spectrum usage, established by the regulations in force.

According to the procedure schedule proposed by the above-mentioned draft Terms of Reference, the deadline for submitting the offers is August 4, 2008, the winner being designated by September 8, 2008.

The draft Terms of Reference are available on the ANRCTI website. The interested persons are invited to send their comments and suggestions by 12.06.2008, to the ANRCTI headquarters (14 Libertatii Blvd., sector 5, Bucharest) or directly to the ANRCTI registration office, as well as to its territorial offices in the closest county capital city. Comments may be sent, as well, by fax, to +40 21 307 54 02, or by e-mail to consultare@anrcti.ro.