Romanian Communications Authority proposes EUR 1 mln fee for Zapp's license extension

Romania’s National Authority for Management and Regulation in Communications (ANCOM) submitted to public consultation a draft Government decision on the fee for a one-year extension of the license held by Telemobil (Zapp) in the 450 MHz band. To extend the license until March 24, 2013, ANCOM has proposed a EUR 1 million fee. According to information released by ANCOM, the amount payable by Telemobil to the state budget was extrapolated from the original price paid for the license.

The extension was requested by the operator. After the license expires, ANCOM will evaluate the opportunity to auction the released spectrum. Telemobil gained usage rights in 1992. In 2001, the company launched mobile telephony services in this frequency using the CDMA technology. In 2009, Cosmote Mobile Telecommunications, headquartered in Greece - as a buyer and Zapp (Romania) and Saudi Oger - as sellers, signed a purchase agreement for all the seller’s shares held in Telemobil. However, until now, the company has kept its own legal personality, and operates as a separate entity. Irina Popescu, irina.popescu@romania-insider.com (photo source: Photoxpress.com)