5G regulation and law in Angola

Current Status: Angola is in the early stages of 5G deployment and is focusing on improving telecommunications infrastructure. The government and telecom companies are upgrading 4G infrastructure and investing in new technologies to support 5G roll-out.

SA 5G Networks: SA 5G networks, which operate independently of 4G LTE, offer lower latency and higher efficiency. In Angola, the deployment of SA 5G is still nascent, with a primary focus on non-standalone (NSA) 5G. Plans are in place to transition to SA 5G in the future.

Challenges:

• Infrastructure: Significant investment is needed for new base stations and fibrer optic cables.
• Regulatory Environment: Evolving policies and regulations are required to facilitate 5G deployment.
• Investment: Both public and private sectors need to invest heavily in 5G technology.

Future Prospects: The future of 5G in Angola looks promising with ongoing efforts to enhance infrastructure and a commitment to digital transformation. Widespread deployment of NSA and SA 5G networks is expected in the coming years.

5G Frequency Licenses in Angola

Licensing of 5G Frequencies: The Angolan Institute of Communications (INACOM) has allocated 5G frequency licenses in the 3.3 to 3.7 GHz bands to Africell, Movicel, and Unitel. This is a significant step towards 5G deployment in Angola.

Details of the Allocation:

• Africell: Granted a license to expand market presence and offer advanced services.
• Movicel: Received a license to upgrade network infrastructure and enhance services.
• Unitel: Allocated a license to leverage its extensive network for 5G roll-out.

Implications for 5G Deployment: The licenses allow operators to:

• Develop and Test 5G Networks: Ensure networks meet standards and performance metrics.
• Invest in Infrastructure: Build necessary base stations and fibre optic networks.
• Enhance Service Offerings: Provide faster internet speeds, lower latency, and support for IoT and smart cities.

Future Prospects: The allocation of 5G frequency licenses to Africell, Movicel, and Unitel reflects Angola's commitment to advancing its telecommunications sector. The deployment of 5G networks is expected to improve connectivity, drive economic growth, and foster innovation.

Overall, Angola is making significant strides in 5G deployment, with efforts to build infrastructure and regulatory frameworks. The allocation of 5G frequency licenses to Africell, Movicel, and Unitel is a crucial step forward. The transition to SA 5G will require time and investment but the prospects are encouraging.

Regulatory Framework: The Angolan government, through the Angolan Institute of Communications (INACOM), is working on developing a comprehensive regulatory framework that ensures fair and equitable access to 5G frequencies. This framework aims to create a level playing field for all operators, regardless of their size, and to encourage competition and innovation in the telecommunications sector.

Spectrum Allocation: INACOM is implementing a transparent and inclusive spectrum allocation process. This involves:

• Public Consultations: Engaging with stakeholders, including small and large operators, to gather input and ensure that the allocation process meets the needs of the industry.
• Auction Mechanisms: Using competitive bidding processes to allocate frequencies, which helps to prevent monopolies and ensures that frequencies are distributed based on merit and capability.
• Reserved Spectrum: Setting aside specific frequency bands for smaller operators and new entrants to ensure they have the opportunity to participate in the 5G market.

Support for Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs): To support smaller operators and industrial companies, the government is providing various forms of assistance, such as:

• Financial Incentives: Offering subsidies, grants, or low-interest loans to help smaller companies invest in 5G infrastructure and technology.
• Technical Assistance: Providing access to technical expertise and resources to help smaller operators develop and deploy 5G networks.
• Capacity Building: Organizing training programs and workshops to enhance the technical skills and knowledge of smaller operators and industrial companies.

Collaborative Initiatives: The government is also promoting collaboration between large and small operators, as well as industrial companies, through initiatives such as:

• Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs): Encouraging partnerships between the public sector and private companies to share resources and expertise in deploying 5G networks.
• Industry Consortia: Forming consortia of operators and industrial companies to jointly invest in and develop 5G infrastructure, which can help reduce costs and accelerate deployment.

Monitoring and Enforcement: INACOM is actively monitoring the use of allocated frequencies to ensure compliance with regulations and to prevent hoarding or underutilization of spectrum. This includes:

• Regular Audits: Conducting audits of frequency usage to ensure that operators are making efficient use of their allocated spectrum.
• Penalties for Non-Compliance: Imposing penalties on operators that fail to meet their deployment obligations or misuse their allocated frequencies.

Overall, the Angolan government, through INACOM, is taking several measures to ensure that a wide range of operators and industrial companies have access to 5G frequencies. By developing a fair regulatory framework, implementing transparent spectrum allocation processes, providing support to SMEs, promoting collaborative initiatives, and monitoring compliance, Angola aims to create an inclusive and competitive 5G market that benefits all stakeholders.

Overview: Public tenders are a crucial mechanism for the transparent and equitable allocation of spectrum licenses. In Angola, INACOM oversees the process of awarding spectrum licenses through public tenders to ensure fair competition and efficient use of spectrum.

Recent Public Tenders: Several public tenders have been conducted to award spectrum licenses for various frequency bands, including those necessary for 5G deployment. Notable tenders include:

5G Frequency Bands (3.3 to 3.7 GHz):

• Africell: Africell was awarded a license through a public tender to operate in the 3.3 to 3.7 GHz bands. This tender was part of Africell's strategy to expand its market presence and offer advanced telecommunications services.
• Movicel: Movicel, an established operator in Angola, also received a license for the 3.3 to 3.7 GHz bands through a public tender. This allocation allows Movicel to upgrade its network infrastructure and enhance its service offerings.
• Unitel: Unitel, the largest telecommunications operator in Angola, was awarded a license for the same frequency bands. With its extensive network and customer base, Unitel is expected to play a significant role in the roll-out of 5G services.

Tender Process: The public tender process for awarding spectrum licenses typically involves several key steps:

• Announcement: INACOM announces the availability of spectrum licenses and the details of the tender process, including eligibility criteria, application procedures, and deadlines.
• Submission of Bids: Interested operators submit bids, which include technical and financial proposals outlining their plans for deploying and utilizing the spectrum.
• Evaluation: INACOM evaluates the bids based on predefined criteria, such as the operator's technical capabilities, financial strength, and proposed deployment plans.
• Awarding of Licenses: The licenses are awarded to the operators that meet the criteria and offer the best proposals. The results of the tender are publicly announced to ensure transparency.

Future Tenders: INACOM plans to continue using public tenders to allocate additional spectrum licenses as the demand for telecommunications services grows and new technologies, such as 5G, become more widespread. Future tenders may include:

• Additional 5G Bands: Allocating licenses for other frequency bands suitable for 5G deployment to further enhance network capacity and coverage.
• Rural and Underserved Areas: Awarding licenses specifically aimed at improving connectivity in rural and underserved areas to ensure that all regions benefit from advanced telecommunications services.

Overall, public tenders play a vital role in the allocation of spectrum licenses in Angola, ensuring a transparent and competitive process. Recent tenders have successfully awarded 5G frequency licenses to Africell, Movicel, and Unitel, paving the way for the deployment of advanced telecommunications services. INACOM's continued use of public tenders will help meet the growing demand for spectrum and support the development of a robust and inclusive telecommunications sector in Angola.

INACOM employs a comprehensive set of criteria to ensure a fair and transparent process for awarding spectrum licenses through public tenders. These criteria are designed to evaluate the technical and financial capabilities of the applicants, as well as their plans for deploying and utilizing the spectrum efficiently. Key criteria include technical capabilities, such as existing network infrastructure and expertise in deploying advanced technologies such as 5G, and financial strength, including the financial health and stability of the applicant and its commitment to investment in deployment and infrastructure. Additionally, service offerings, coverage and accessibility plans, regulatory compliance, and public interest factors, such as economic impact and social benefits, are also considered.

The evaluation process involves submission of detailed technical and financial proposals by interested operators, which are then reviewed by INACOM based on the predefined criteria. Licenses are awarded to operators that meet the criteria and offer the best proposals, with the results publicly announced to ensure transparency and accountability. This process promotes the efficient use of spectrum and supports the development of a robust and inclusive telecommunications sector in Angola.

The conditions of use follow the subsidiary requirements set forth in the RCE and the Strategic Plan for Radio Spectrum and Numbering (approved by the Presidential Decree no. 95/16, of 10 May) [PEERNUM]. Accordingly, the license:

• Have the nature of a multiservice license issued for the services specified by the applicant, based on the classification of networks and electronic communications networks and services;
• Validity period of 10 years, renewable for equal periods of time;
• can be transmitted at any time, with prior authorisation from INACOM.

Additionally, the operators shall:

• Make effective and efficient use of resources;
• Payment of spectrum occupation fees;
• Respect for any commitments undertaken during the frequency assignment procedure;
• Respect for obligations arising from international agreements binding the Angolan State;
• Respect for transmissibility of rights.

Specific requirements may be added regarding technical and operational capabilities or the maximum duration

The price for the use of the radioelectric spectrum is calculated with reference to the frequency occupation parameter based on frequency (B) multiplied by area (A) and time (T).

Then, to determine the value of the fee due for the use of the radioelectric spectrum, multiply the annual cost of occupation, the coefficient of the social nature of the service (3GHz<<10GHz =2.187Kwz/y) and the type of service multiplied by the coefficient of the geographic location of the service. 

Challenges and Issues: Implementation of 5G projects in Angola has faced several challenges, which are common in the deployment of advanced telecommunications technologies. Some of the key issues include:

1. Infrastructure Development: Building the necessary infrastructure for 5G, such as new base stations and fibre optic networks, requires significant investment and time. The existing 4G infrastructure needs substantial upgrades to support 5G technology, which can be a complex and resource-intensive process.
2. Financial Constraints: Both public and private sectors need to invest heavily in 5G technology. Securing the required funding can be challenging, especially for smaller operators and new entrants in the market. Financial constraints can delay the deployment and expansion of 5G networks.
3. Regulatory and Policy Framework: The regulatory environment in Angola is still evolving to accommodate 5G technology. Developing and implementing policies and regulations that facilitate 5G deployment while ensuring fair competition and efficient spectrum use is a complex task that requires careful planning and coordination.

Decisions Regarding Non-Compliance: INACOM has established mechanisms to monitor compliance with 5G concession obligations. Operators awarded spectrum licenses are required to meet specific deployment milestones and performance standards. In cases of non-compliance, INACOM has the authority to take corrective actions, which may include:

Penalties and Fines: Operators that fail to meet deployment obligations or misuse their allocated frequencies may face financial penalties and fines. These measures are intended to enforce compliance and ensure that operators adhere to their commitments.

License Revocation: In severe cases of non-compliance, INACOM may revoke the spectrum licenses of operators that do not fulfill their obligations. This action ensures that the spectrum is reallocated to operators who are capable of deploying and utilizing it efficiently.

Regular Audits and Monitoring: INACOM conducts regular audits and monitoring of frequency usage to ensure that operators are making efficient use of their allocated spectrum. This includes verifying that deployment milestones are being met and the services provided meet the required standards.

Overall, implementation of 5G projects in Angola has encountered several challenges, including infrastructure development, financial constraints, regulatory issues, and the need for technical expertise. INACOM plays a crucial role in monitoring compliance with 5G concession obligations and has established mechanisms to address non-compliance, such as penalties, fines, and license revocation. These measures are essential to ensure the successful deployment and efficient use of 5G technology in Angola.

Long-Term Spectrum Plan: INACOM has been actively working on a long-term spectrum plan to ensure efficient and strategic allocation of spectrum resources. This plan aims to support the growth and development of the telecommunications sector, particularly with the advent of 5G technology. Key elements of the long-term spectrum plan include:

Spectrum Roadmap: INACOM has developed a spectrum roadmap that outlines future allocation and management of spectrum resources. This roadmap identifies the frequency bands that will be made available for various telecommunications services, including 5G, and sets timelines for their release.

Spectrum Re-farming: To optimize the use of existing spectrum, INACOM is implementing spectrum re-farming initiatives. This involves reallocating underutilized or inefficiently used frequency bands to support new and emerging technologies such as 5G.

Technology-Neutral Licensing: INACOM is promoting technology-neutral licensing, which allows operators to use allocated spectrum for any technology, including 4G and 5G. This approach provides flexibility and encourages operators to adopt the latest technologies to enhance their service offerings.

Spectrum Sharing: To maximize the use of available spectrum, INACOM is exploring spectrum sharing arrangements. This involves allowing multiple operators to share the same frequency bands, which can help improve spectrum efficiency and reduce deployment costs.

Announcements for Future Tenders: INACOM has announced plans for future spectrum tenders to meet growing demand for telecommunications services and to support deployment of 5G networks. Key announcements include:

Additional 5G Bands: INACOM plans to allocate additional frequency bands suitable for 5G deployment. These bands will provide operators with the necessary spectrum to expand their 5G networks and enhance coverage and capacity.

Rural and Underserved Areas: Future tenders will focus on improving connectivity in rural and underserved areas. INACOM aims to allocate spectrum specifically for these regions to ensure that all parts of the country benefit from advanced telecommunications services.

Public Consultations: INACOM will conduct public consultations with stakeholders, including operators, industry experts, and the public, to gather input and feedback on the proposed spectrum allocations. This inclusive approach ensures that the spectrum allocation process meets the needs of the industry and the broader community.

Transparent Tender Process: INACOM is committed to maintaining a transparent and competitive tender process for awarding spectrum licenses. Future tenders will follow established procedures, including public announcements, submission of bids, evaluation based on predefined criteria, and public disclosure of the results.

Overall, INACOM's long-term spectrum plan and announcements for future tenders demonstrate a strategic approach to managing spectrum resources in Angola. By developing a comprehensive spectrum roadmap, promoting technology-neutral licensing, exploring spectrum sharing, and focusing on rural and underserved areas, INACOM aims to support telecommunications sector growth and successful deployment of 5G networks. The commitment to a transparent and inclusive tender process ensures that spectrum allocation is fair and competitive, benefiting all stakeholders in the industry.

There are no specific rules. The legal framework which impacts the governing of deployment and operation of 5G networks in Angola is established through various laws, regulations, and official documents issued by INACOM and the Ministry of Telecommunications and Information Technologies. Key legal references include:

1. General Telecommunications Law:
   Law No. 23/11 of 20 June 2011: This law provides the general legal framework for telecommunications in Angola. It outlines the roles and responsibilities of regulatory authorities, the rights and obligations of telecommunications operators, and the principles for spectrum management and allocation.
2. Spectrum Management Regulations:
   Presidential Decree No. 95/16 of 10 May 2016: This decree establishes regulations for spectrum management in Angola. It includes provisions for spectrum allocation, licensing, and the use of frequency bands for various telecommunications services.
3. INACOM Regulations and Guidelines.
4. Consumer Protection Laws:
   Law No. 15/03 of 22 July 2003 (Consumer Protection Law): This law establishes the rights of consumers in Angola, including the right to quality telecommunications services. It includes provisions for addressing consumer complaints and ensuring service quality.
5. Data Privacy and Security Regulations:
   Law No. 22/11 of 17 June 2011 (Data Protection Law): This law governs the protection of personal data in Angola. It requires telecommunications operators to implement measures to safeguard users' data and ensure the security of their networks.
6. Public Tenders and Procurement Laws:
   Law No. 9/16 of 16 June 2016 (Public Procurement Law): This law regulates procedures for public tenders and procurement in Angola. It ensures transparency and fairness in the allocation of spectrum licenses through competitive bidding processes.
7. Presidential Decrees and Executive Orders:
   Presidential Decree No. 166/20 of 15 June 2020: This decree outlines the national strategy for digital transformation and development of telecommunications infrastructure.

Overall, the legal framework for 5G deployment in Angola is supported by a comprehensive set of laws, regulations, and official guidelines. These legal references ensure that deployment and operation of 5G networks are conducted in a transparent, fair, and efficient manner, promoting the development of advanced telecommunications services and protecting the interests of consumers. For detailed information and the latest updates, it is recommended to refer to the official publications and websites of INACOM and the Ministry of Telecommunications and Information Technologies.

As of the latest updates, Angola is exploring the potential for 5G network and spectrum sharing to optimize the use of available resources and accelerate the deployment of 5G technology. Network and spectrum sharing agreements can help reduce costs, improve coverage, and enhance the overall efficiency of telecommunications networks.

INACOM and the Ministry of Telecommunications and Information Technologies are developing rules and regulations to ensure fair and equitable access to new 5G networks for all competitors. These rules aim to promote competition, enhance service quality, and ensure that the benefits of 5G technology are widely accessible.

Cybersecurity Regulations: The Angolan government, through INACOM and the Ministry of Telecommunications and Information Technologies, has established a legal framework to address cybersecurity concerns associated with the deployment of 5G networks. Key legal instruments and regulations include:

General Telecommunications Law:

Law No. 23/11 of 20 June 2011: This law provides the overarching legal framework for telecommunications in Angola. It outlines the responsibilities of regulatory authorities, the rights and obligations of telecommunications operators, and the principles for ensuring network security and data protection.

Data Protection Law:

Law No. 22/11 of 17 June 2011: This law governs the protection of personal data in Angola. It requires telecommunications operators to implement measures to safeguard user data and ensure network security. Compliance with this law is mandatory for all operators deploying 5G networks.

Cybersecurity Regulations:

Presidential Decree No. 214/16 of 10 November 2016: This decree establishes the National Cybersecurity Strategy, which includes specific provisions for securing telecommunications networks. It mandates the implementation of advanced security protocols, regular security audits, and incident response mechanisms.

Regulatory Oversight and Compliance: INACOM conducts thorough risk assessments of all technology providers to evaluate the security of hardware and software components and to identify potential supply chain vulnerabilities. All technology providers must comply with Angola's cybersecurity regulations and data protection laws. INACOM ensures that providers adhere to these legal requirements through regular audits and monitoring.

International Standards and Collaboration: Angola aligns its cybersecurity measures with international standards and best practices, including compliance with guidelines from the International Telecommunications Union (ITU) and other global organizations. Angola participates in international forums and initiatives to share information on cybersecurity threats and solutions, enhancing the country's ability to respond to emerging cyber-threats and ensuring that the use of technology meets global security standards.

From a legal perspective, deployment of 5G networks in Angola involves stringent cybersecurity regulations and careful consideration of technology use. The Angolan government, through INACOM and the Ministry of Telecommunications and Information Technologies, has established a robust legal framework to address cybersecurity concerns and ensure compliance with national and international standards. By conducting thorough risk assessments, enforcing regulatory compliance, and fostering strategic partnerships, Angola aims to build a secure and resilient 5G infrastructure that benefits consumers and businesses across the country. For detailed information and the latest updates, it is recommended to refer to the official publications and websites of INACOM and the Ministry of Telecommunications and Information Technologies.

Current Status: As of the latest updates, Angola is primarily focused on the deployment and expansion of 5G networks. The country is in the early stages of 5G implementation, with significant efforts being made to enhance telecommunications infrastructure, allocate spectrum, and establish regulatory frameworks to support 5G technology. Given the nascent stage of 5G deployment, there are no publicly announced projects or initiatives specifically targeting 6G technology in Angola at this time.

Future Prospects: While there are no current 6G projects, the Angolan government and the telecommunications sector are likely to keep an eye on global developments in 6G technology. As 6G research and development progress internationally, Angola may consider future initiatives to explore and potentially adopt 6G technology. This would involve: 

Monitoring Global Trends: Keeping abreast of advancements in 6G technology and standards being developed by international bodies such as the ITU and the Global System for Mobile Communications Association (GSMA).

Capacity Building: Investing in research and development capabilities within the country to prepare for future technological advancements. This includes fostering partnerships with international research institutions and technology providers.

Regulatory Framework: Developing a forward-looking regulatory framework that can accommodate the introduction of 6G technology when it becomes viable. This would involve updating existing telecommunications laws and regulations to support new technological paradigms.

Strategic Planning: To ensure Angola remains competitive in the global telecommunications landscape, strategic planning for future technologies, including 6G, will be essential. This may involve:

National Digital Strategy: Integrating long-term goals for 6G technology into the national digital strategy, ensuring that the country is prepared to adopt and benefit from next-generation telecommunications advancements.

PPPs: Encouraging collaboration between the government, private sector, and academic institutions to drive innovation and research in emerging technologies.

While Angola is currently focused on the deployment and expansion of 5G networks, the country is likely to monitor global developments in 6G technology and consider future initiatives to explore and adopt 6G. Strategic planning, capacity building, and the development of a forward-looking regulatory framework will be crucial to ensure Angola remains competitive in the evolving telecommunications landscape. For detailed information and the latest updates, it is recommended to refer to the official publications and websites of INACOM and the Ministry of Telecommunications and Information Technologies.