Vodafone on ANCOM fine: trouble obtaining building permits hinders coverage extension

In a reaction to the fine imposed by the National Authority for Management and Regulation in Communications of Romania (ANCOM), Vodafone Romania released a statement citing issues with obtaining business permits as a factor in its failing to provide coverage in several rural areas in the country.

The National Authority for Management and Regulation in Communications of Romania (ANCOM) fined Orange, Vodafone and Telekom for failing to provide coverage in several rural areas. The fines total RON 900,000, with the biggest fine, of RON 720,000, being imposed on Vodafone. The three mobile phone operators were fined for “failing coverage duties provided in the licenses to use the spectrum of radio frequencies acquired following the selection procedure organized in 2012,” a statement by ANCOM reads.

According to Vodafone Romania representatives, the process to provide coverage to the areas in question is a troublesome one, due to the fact that projects get halted in different stages, such as that of obtaining building permits.

“Covering the so-called ‘white areas; is a project in which Vodafone Romania invests resources continuously, as part of the obligations arising from being license holder. Unfortunately, the process is a troublesome one, due to the fact that efforts to cover these areas are blocked in several stages, such as that of obtaining the necessary building permits,” a statement by Vodafone Romania reads.

The mobile phone operator saluted the amendment of the infrastructure law, which “streamlines the procedures for obtaining permits”. “Vodafone Romania expresses its trust that the new law will contribute to the increase in efficiency of efforts invested in this direction,” the statement released by the company reads.

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Georgeta Gheorghe