"Bite-sized" updates from TRPC on tech-related developments in APAC. For June 2020, we look at how governments in APAC continue to work towards enhancing and boosting rural access looking at options such as more affordable license-exempt access, 6GHz Wi-Fi, and 5G development.

1. TRPC Digital Bytes
Jun 2020

2. BOOSTING RURAL ACCESS
AUSTRALIA
TRPC – Digital Bytes Jun 2020
• New Regional Broadband Scheme (RBS) will be introduced to create a transparent and
sustainable funding mechanism for the NBN Co loss-making fixed wireless and satellite
services in rural and regional Australia. The RBS is also known as the broadband tax and could
see fixed broadband users pay an extra AUD7.10 (USD4.70) monthly from July.
• Consultation on plans to exempt some types of networks from Statutory Infrastructure Provider
(SIP) obligations launched.
INDONESIA
• UK govt has launched a 2-year project to fund Internet access in the remote areas of West
Java.
NEW ZEALAND
• Rural broadband providers acknowledge increased usage during COVID-19 strained networks.

3. LICENSE-EXEMPT ACCESS
AUSTRALIA
• ACMA publishes its response to 2019 New Approaches to Spectrum Sharing consultation
via ‘Next Steps’ document.
• ACMA puts out information paper on spectrum options for local area wireless broadband
providers.
INDIA
• TRAI on 5 June responded to DoT’s review of its 2017 recommendations on delicensing
public Wi-Fi for broadband proliferation.
PHILIPPINES
• DICT to accelerate free Wi-Fi for education
TRPC – Digital Bytes Jun 2020

4. 6GHz and Wi-Fi6E
• Markets like Singapore and Hong Kong don’t have mobile incumbents.
• Japan’s fixed and mobile incumbents occupy similar bands to US’.
• No official South Korea announcement on expanding 6GHz for license-exempt use
• Govt abolished the terms and conditions of the Mobile Phone Service Authorization Act on
20 May
TRPC – Digital Bytes Jun 2020

5. 5G UPDATES
• UK decision (?) on Huawei to create opportunity for Korean, Japanese vendors
• ACMA aligns emission limits in 3700-4200 MHz band with international standards
• 5G misinformation being addressed by govt
• Public comments sought on technical report on expansion of local 5G to the 4.6-4.9
GHz and 28.3-29.1 GHz bands
• Chunghwa Telecom, Far EasTone granted 5G licenses in the 3.5 GHz and 28 GHz
bands, to launch services on 1 July
• Malaysia spectrum policy reversal delays 5G rollouts
• NBTC postpones auction of 3.5 GHz spectrum currently held by Thaicom
TRPC – Digital Bytes Jun 2020

6. INTERNET GOVERNANCE
• A panel of judges at the Jakarta State Administrative Court (PTUN) has ruled in favour of civil
society groups in a lawsuit aimed at contesting the govt’s decision to impose an internet
blackout during 2019 protests in Papua.
• The judges also stressed that any decision to limit people’s right to information should be
made in accordance with the law and not merely at the govt’s discretion
• Governments in the region have ridden on the current pandemic to prepare for the
implementation of digital taxes, often in response to the wider cut of the economy covered by
these taxes in the wake of the COVID-19 Pandemic. Developments in recent months include:
• Indonesia’s 10% Digital VAT, applied through MR 48/2020 and Perppu 1/2020
• The Philippines’ submitted Draft bill proposing 12% Digital VAT
• Thailand’s approved Draft bill proposing a 7% Digital VAT
• Vietnam’s recently detailed rules on charging a tax on e-commerce, as well as tightening of
existing tax regimes to cover transfer pricing schemes
TRPC – Digital Bytes Jun 2020

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TRPC is a boutique consulting firm which specialises in
telecommunications and information technology, particularly
the policy and regulatory issues associated with national
information infrastructure development, with an emphasis
on the Asia-Pacific region. We offer specialised advisory,
research, and training services, with a focus on economics,
regulatory and strategic business issues, and possess an
extensive network of industry experts and professionals
throughout the region.