5G regulation and law in Angola

5G is not yet widely deployed in Angola. Notwithstanding, the licences for network spectrum have already been allocated, and operators have reported having completed the tests phase and have recently started to make 5G services available, although in minimal geographical areas.

Until now, the Angolan Institute of Communications (INACOM) has attributed licenses for the use of 5G frequencies of 3.3 to 3.7 Ghz bands to three electronic communications operators: Africell, Movicel and Unitel. 

Up to this moment, telecom companies have promoted the 5G services offered in very similar ways to what was being done with 4G, with the due adjustments. 

To this instance, we highlight the bundles recently promoted by Unicel, one of the three licensed operators, which are expected to vary between 15 and 125 thousand kwanzas (monthly), depending on the speed. The weekly plan, however, varies between 4,000 to 32,000 kwanzas.

5G has not yet been launched for industrial purposes in Angola. 

Although its merits and potentialities in that context are widely recognised, with particular emphasis on telemedicine.

So far, the only progress in this regard has been the attribution of licences for the use of 5G frequencies by the Angolan Communications Authority (INACOM) to electronic communications operators Africell, Movicel and Unitel, following the Presidential Order No. 200/21, of 23 November, which authorises the attribution of frequencies in the 3.3 to 3.7 Ghz band. However, there have not yet been any further developments aimed at scaling up the use of 5G for industrial uses.

As aforesaid INACOM has allocated to electronic communications operators Africell, Movicel and Unitel the attribution of licences for the use of 5G frequencies following the Presidential Order No. 200/21, of 23 November.

The said Presidential Order establishes that the process for the allocation and use of frequencies is regulated by the general regime provided for under the terms of the RCE, thus the allocation of frequency bands which, for their value, are essential for the national economy, as is the case, depends upon INACOM’s prior authorisation by delegated powers of the competent ministry. 

Further to this, the licenses for the spectrum were directly awarded to the considered entities by request of the interested operators and the allocation of frequency bands varies depending on the number of subscribers of each operator, all in line with the Strategic Plan on the Licensing Regime for Electronic Communications Operators (approved by Presidential Decree no. 122/16, of 9 June) [‘PERL’]. 

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 the transmissibility of rights. 

Further, 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. 

No plans or announcements have been made. 

Angola does not yet have 5G specific rules.

Not until this moment. 

No further developments have been made so far on this matter. 

Yes, Ericsson and Unitel have celebrated a three-year agreement for expansion and modernisation covering as wide as part of the Angolan territory, to upgrade the 2G, 3G and 4G access network (RAN), as well start building the infrastructures for 5G.

The Regulation on Electronic Communications provides the general framework for licencing on the licensing regime for networks, which will apply unless further regulation is approved in this regard.

As regards potential limits on the use of Chinese Technology, in fact, the Angolan government has been working with China as a strategic cooperation partner for technological development.