Moldovan citizens will have access to quality electronic communications services at reduced tariffs
This is stipulated by the draft Law on Electronic Communications, passed by the Moldovan Parliament in the second reading in order to harmonize the national regulatory framework in this field with the EU legislation, to stimulate the development of this field, the implementation of the latest technologies, service compatibility and network security. The legislative initiative was elaborated by the Ministry of Economic Development and Digitalization and provides for the transposition of 12 European normative acts and regulations into the Moldovan legislation. According to the authors, the new provisions will revolutionize electronic communications, as the current regulatory framework is outdated. The amendments create the necessary prerequisites for Moldova's inclusion in the EU zone of “roaming at national tariffs” (roam like at home). As a result, traveling Moldovan citizens will pay for roaming “like at home”. Foreigners traveling to Moldova will also enjoy the same benefits. At the same time, the document contains other provisions aimed at protecting consumer rights. Accordingly, the National Regulatory Agency for Electronic Communications and Information Technology will provide citizens with comparative offers of electronic communications service providers. This is a technological solution that will allow consumers to compare market offers and choose the most favorable one. At the same time, before signing a contract, providers will be obliged to provide detailed information about their offer in a summary sheet that will be attached to the contract. Thus, consumer rights will be ensured. Other provisions of the document concern the availability of electronic communication services. Thus, the Unified Nationwide Emergency Call Service 112 will realize a comprehensive communication service, which will be available to all people, including those with hearing and speech impairments. Moreover, the 112 service will be able to use geolocation. This will allow to quickly determining the location of people who need the intervention of emergency services. The amendments adopted by Parliament, also concern a higher quality of electronic communication services. They update the quality parameters of networks. The bill also provides for switching to another Internet service provider, subject to the right to retain the telephone number provided for in the contract, exemption from the portability service fee and refund of unused credit paid in advance to the provider. The document contains provisions aimed at developing the network and encouraging additional investment in very high capacity networks, as well as ensuring sustainable competition for the benefit of consumers. Accordingly, providers will be able to obtain licenses for radio spectrum for wireless broadband for at least 20 years, especially in the area of 5G communications. Moreover, they will be able to attract investments for the development of communication infrastructure for very high quality networks. Currently, there are 343 authorized entities in Moldova with the right to provide electronic networks and services. According to statistical data, the share of total revenues generated from the provision of electronic communication networks and services amounted to 326 million euros, which is about 2.1% of the national GDP. The largest revenue was generated by mobile operators. The Law on Electronic Communications will enter into force on January 1, 2026, except for the chapter on end-user rights, which will enter into force 24 months after the date of publication in Monitorul Oficial (the Official Journal of Moldova). // 10.04.2025 - InfoMarket.
