Senators adopt 5G legislation

Romanian Senators have adopted the law regulating the operation of 5G networks

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Roxana Vasile, 08.06.2021, 14:00

After the Chamber of
Deputies, the time has come for the Senate, the decision-making body in this
case, to cast its vote on the bill regulating the implementation of 5G networks
in Romania. Drafted by the Government, the bill was adopted in the Chamber of
Deputies. According to the chairman of the Senate’s Defense Committee, Liberal
Nicoleta Pauliuc, the bill is aimed at digitizing the economy and society with
a view to ensuring protection against threats and vulnerabilities targeting the
national security in terms of communication:

For people who use the
Internet on a daily basis, it is important to understand that, when we talk
about security, we talk about welfare, the two go hand in hand. This bill lays
the foundation for security. When we have security (and by that I mean
preventing the use our log-in data on social media for other purposes), we also
have prosperity.

The new stipulates that
communications providers will be able to use 5G technologies, equipment and
software only from certified producers, only by the Prime Minister’s decision
and with permission from the country’s Supreme Defense Council. Producers who
get certified on the Romanian market should have a transparent shareholders’
portfolio, they cannot be controlled by a foreign government or have a history
of ethical misconduct. Producers must apply for certification with the relevant
ministry. Distributors who have their 5G licenses revoked will be able to
continue using infrastructure equipment for seven years and the network itself
for another five years. Moreover, the use of technologies, equipment and
software other than those sold by certified providers is punishable with a fine
ranging between 1% and 5% of the company’s turnover. According to experts,
state budget revenues resulting from the sale of 5G technologies could exceed €720
million. 5G technology offers superior connection speeds than 4G technologies,
quicker access to content and the capacity of transmitting large data interference-free.
Romania is already among the first countries in the world in terms of Internet
speed. 5G technology promoters say Internet connections will work 10 times
faster. At a lower scale, people will be able to watch online films much easier.
At a larger scale, the technology will help build smart cities, making cable
infrastructure obsolete. (VP)