On April 11, 2014, the Utilities Regulation and Competition Authority (URCA) published for comment its Consultation Document “Review of Radio Frequency Spectrum Pricing” ECS 04/2014.

Section 93 of the Communications Act, 2009 authorises the Minister with responsibility for the Electronic Communications Sector (ECS) (currently the Prime Minister) in respect of spectrum in premium bands, and URCA in respect of spectrum in standard bands, to impose charges for the allocation or use of spectrum which charges must reflect the need to ensure efficient and optimal use of this finite state resource.

URCA, noting certain issues related to the fees currently charged for spectrum, undertook a comprehensive review of spectrum fees charged and has now, in this Consultation Document, proposed certain changes to the fees consistent with the spectrum pricing principles set out in section 6.1 of the National Spectrum Plan 2014 – 2017 (ECS 03/2014). URCA has therefore proposed certain amendments to the existing Fee Schedule.

It should be noted that in respect of any proposed change to the fees for spectrum in premium bands, URCA’s proposals will take effect only as recommendations to the Prime Minister.

URCA now invites the public to review the contents of the document, which is available on URCA’s website, and make comments and/or suggestions regarding the proposals made therein by May 30, 2014.