The Parliament of the Republic of Macedonia has adopted amendments and additions to the Law on Electronic Communications, thereby making a further step forward in implementing the Reform Agenda and in fully aligning the national regulatory framework with the law of the European Union in the field of electronic communications.
The European Union, through the vision for the “Digital Decade 2030”, has set goals for a fully digitally connected society, including gigabit infrastructure and 5G coverage for all populated areas. For countries in the accession process, including Macedonia, this requires continuous regulatory alignment and the creation of conditions for significant investments in very high-capacity networks.
These amendments refine provisions of the Law, in accordance with the indications and comments received during the alignment process, in order to overcome the identified "harmonisation gaps" and to ensure a more stable, predictable and European compatible framework for the development of the sector.
Key benefits for citizens and the economy.
The amendments and additions enable:
• faster and more efficient construction of digital infrastructure, through rationalisation and digitalisation of administrative procedures related to network deployment;
• conditions for greater investments in broadband networks, optical infrastructure, 5G and new technologies;
• increased competition in the market and better quality services for citizens and companies;
• measures that encourage the sharing of existing physical infrastructure, the coordination of construction works and the reduction of costs in network construction;
• improvement of user protection and modern regulatory practices in accordance with European directives and regulations.
This is a prerequisite for further development of e-services, strengthening of the digital economy and balanced regional development, through equal opportunities for quality connectivity in all regions.
"Electronic communications are the foundation of a modern digital state. With these changes, we provide clear rules, greater legal certainty and full alignment with European law. This means faster construction of infrastructure, greater investments in broadband networks and 5G, more competition and better services for citizens and the economy. Digital infrastructure should not be a subject of daily politics, but a common obligation towards the future of Macedonia", said the Minister of Digital Transformation, Stefan Andonovski.
The Ministry of Digital Transformation will continue with reforms in the sector, in close coordination with the competent institutions and stakeholders, to ensure that Macedonia builds a stable, competitive and modern digital ecosystem in accordance with European standards
