Licensing

A telecommunications licence authorizes an entity to provide telecommunications services or operate telecommunications facilities. Licences also generally define the terms and conditions of such authorization, and describe the major rights and obligations of a telecommunications operator.

As it relates to licensing the ECTEL is responsible for the following:

• Recommending to the Contracting States the type of telecommunications networks or services which  should be subject to an individual licence and class licence, respectively, and exemptions, if any;
• Recommending to the Contracting States the type of communications networks, services and radio equipment which should be subject to frequency authorisation, and exemption, if any;
• Designing and operating open tender procedures for individual licences as requested by Contracting States;
• Reviewing applications for individual licences submitted by a Contracting State, and to recommend applicants who satisfy the relevant technical and financial requirements for individual licences;

The Telecommunications Act gives the Minister the powers to grant —

1. an individual licence;
2. a class licence;
3. a frequency authorisation in respect of a licence; or
4. a special licence.

The NTRC is charged with the review of class licence applications and to recommend to the Minister whether or not a class licence should be granted to an applicant.

Pursuant to the Telecommunications Act, “(1) A person shall not establish or operate a telecommunications network or provide a telecommunications service without a licence”.

Documents:
Guidance Notes – Application for Telecommunications Licence
Revised Criteria for Evaluation of an Individual Licence Application