Program for Development of Broadband Internet Access in Republic of Moldova and results of its implementation

Contents Country overview Current status of Electronic Communications in Moldova Reduced penetration level of Internet broadband access The main goal and objectives of the program Expected results of implementation Status of Implementation activities Results of Implementation activities

Country overview Republic of Moldova gained independence in 1991 Capital City - Chisinau Located in South-Eastern Europe between Romania and Ukraine Population million Area ,5 km2 The political form – parliamentary republic GDP per capita USD (IMF, 2011) Currency – Moldovan Leu (code MDL) - 1 USD = MDL Ease of Doing Business: Moldova is ranked 90th out of 183 countries (IFC, WB, EoDB report 2011)

Current status of Electronic Communications in Moldova Legal framework fully harmonized to the EU 2002 Directives; EC market liberalised since 01 January 2004; At the end of 2010: 17 operators of fixed communication 3 operators of cell communication 54 Internet providers 207 cable, satellite, and MMDS TV services providers

Current status of Electronic Communications in Moldova

Reduced penetration level of Internet broadband access EU average – 24%

The main goal and objectives of the program  Main goal is to bridge digital divide between urban and rural areas  It aims to reach by the end of 2013: a) Fixed BB penetration rate - 20% b) Mobile BB penetration rate - 20%  Ecosystem approach (3 pylons): 1) Network rollout (increasing users accessibility) 2) Terminal equipment availability 3) Content and application development Program for Development of Broadband Internet Access (2010 – 2013) approved by Government Decree 1077 dated on 17 November 2010

Expected results of implementation Expected results of implementation 1) Bridge digital divide 2) Social inclusion 3) Productivity enhancement 4) Competitiveness growth 5) New business opportunity 6) New jobs creation 7) Facilitate PPP

Status of Implementation activities Status of Implementation activities The release of the band GHz:  All radio-relay lines of the State Enterprise "Radiocomunicatii“ were shut down 28 December 2011; Consideration of the possibility of using of the frequency band MHz for broadband Internet access as a result of the analog television switch off:  After WRC-2012 the MHz band has been included in the Program for transition from analogue terrestrial television to digital terrestrial television (for broadband Internet access use). The public consultation of the Program started on 19 March Ensuring of additional radiofrequency spectrum resources for implementation of advanced wireless technologies (4G)

Status of Implementation activities Status of Implementation activities Allocation of the 2,5-2,69 GHz and 3,6-3,8 GHz spectrum:  The draft Government Decree on the implementation of broadband electronic communications services in the frequency range of GHz and 3,6-3,8 GHz were submitted for approval on 13 March 2012; In conformity with this Decree 3 licenses for use of frequency in the GHz band and 1 license for use of frequency in the 3,6-3,8 GHz band will be granted by the National Regulatory Agency for Electronic Communications and Information Technology. Ensuring of additional radiofrequency spectrum resources for implementation of advanced wireless technologies

Status of Implementation activities Status of Implementation activities At the end of 2010 the Rules of construction, maintenance and liquidation of the electronic communications networks in the state border area were substantially simplified in order to stimulate construction of crossborder optical communications lines. In the present, 4 national operators have direct optical connection to the networks of the operators of neighboring countries. Improving of legal framework regarding crossborder optical communications lines

Status of Implementation activities Status of Implementation activities Increasing demand for Internet services due to the implementation of universal service Design of the draft of National Program for implementation of the Universal Service (must be submitted to the Government for approval on III quarter of 2012). Modification of legal framework in order to ensure efficient use of electronic communications networks infrastructure and alternative infrastructure Design of the draft of Law for modifications of Electronic Communications Act (must be submitted to the Government for approval on IV quarter of 2012).

Status of Implementation activities Status of Implementation activities Increasing demand for Internet services due to the implementation of universal service Design of the draft of National Program for implementation of the Universal Service (must be submitted to the Government for approval on III quarter of 2012). Modification of legal framework in order to ensure efficient use of electronic communications networks infrastructure and alternative infrastructure Design of the draft of Law for modifications of Electronic Communications Act (must be submitted to the Government for approval on IV quarter of 2012).

Results of Implementation activities Results of Implementation activities Evolution of Internet Access service Penetration Rate ( )

Results of Implementation activities Results of Implementation activities  ICT Development Index - 57 th (2010)  ICT Price basket – 101 st (2010)  Global Internet speed ( March 2012): a) Household download Index - 19 th (16.96 Mbps) b) Household upload Index - 12 th (11.60 Mbps) c) Household Promise Index - 5 th (99.40 %)  Test launch of LTE technology (2011).

Thank you for your attention Vitalie Boboc Head of department for electronic communications policy elaboration, Ministry of Information Technology and Communications of the Republic of Moldova tel.: ( ) ,