National Regulatory Agency for Electronic Communications and Information Technology of the Republic of Moldova

In 9 months of 2011, The National Regulatory Agency for Electronic Communications and Information Technology (ANRCETI – www.anrceti.md) authorized 92 applicants to provide electronic communications services, being entered in the Public Register of Networks/Service Providers. By October 1, 2011, the number of providers included in this Register reached 445.

The majority of providers (374) chose to provide public electronic communications services. The top three preferences are provision of audiovisual program services (158), Internet access services (150) and data transmission services (118). Terrestrial networks with fixed location access were at highest demand. (305).

In the reporting timeframe, the Agency authorized, based on due notifications, two companies (JSC „Orange Moldova” and „Starnet” LLC) to operate their individual electronic communications networks previously deployed at state border of R. Moldova. JSC „Orange Moldova” started the operation of its cell radio networks, installed in three localities of districts Vulcanesti, Leova and Hancesti, „Starnet” LLC – its public fixed networks in town Ungheni. JSC „Orange Moldova” was also authorized to install its networks in a number of other localities from Moldova-Romania border area.

In nine months, the Agency also excluded 16 providers from the Public Register of Networks/Service Providers and withdrew 47 licenses issued under the Law on Telecommunications, before 2008, for telecommunications and informatics activities, at the request of their holders to be authorized under the general authorization regime. Currently, there are other 311 economic entities holders of licenses for the types of activity, stipulated by the Law on Telecommunications. Upon license expiry, their holders are to abide by the general authorization regime, as provided for by the Law on Electronic Communications.

The general authorization regime has been applied in the Republic of Moldova since September 2008, in compliance with the due EU Directive. The regime implies that a natural or legal person, intending to provide public electronic communications networks and/or services should submit a notification to ANRCETI prior to launching his activity. The Agency, within 7 days after the notification has been submitted, issues a informative declaration to confirm the notification and the provider being included in the Public Register of Networks/Service Providers, as well as the general authorization conditions, specifying the rights and obligations of the network/service provider. The general authorization procedure is free of charge. The right to provide networks and services is granted for an unlimited term.

October 12, 2011