The Taiwan Government is Considering Granting Franchises for 4G Mobile Communication Service Earlier than Originally Planned

The Taiwan government was originally scheduled to grant 4G mobile communication service franchises in middle of 2015 by utilizing frequency ranges that are currently allocated to 2G mobile phone service operations but that are scheduled to be returned to the government in middle of 2015. The bidding process for the granting of such franchises was scheduled to start in middle of 2014. Given this timeline and given the timeframe required to construct the infrastructure required for 4G services, it appears unlikely that 4G services could be available commercially in the market until 2017. Therefore, the government is currently considering utilizing the 700MHz frequency, which is currently used for military purpose in Taiwan, to issue 2 4G service operator franchises as early as 2013.

The frequency range of 900MHz to 1800 MHz currently used by 2G mobile phone operations will also be reallocated to 4G mobile service operators after these frequencies have been returned to the government in 2015. It is expected that the additional frequencies will allow for an additional 5 4G franchises to be made available.

Broadcasting of Self Produced Channels Over Multiple Networks Under the Same Cable Television MSO to be Subject to Channel Broadcaster Licensing

Taiwan's cable broadcasting laws allow a licensed cable television system operator to broadcast its own self-produced programs/channels over its own cable television network without the need to apply for a separate channel broadcaster license. Taiwan's telecommunication and broadcasting regulator, the National Communication Commission ("NCC"), has recently ruled that, in cases where a cable television operator proposes to have its own self-produced channel programs carried by its affiliated cable television operator, a separate channel broadcaster license shall be required for the operator producing the channel programs at issue.

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This publication is intended to highlight selected legal developments and not to be comprehensive nor to provide legal advice. If you have any questions on issues reported here or if you have any issues you would like to see covered in future editions, please contact the editors:

Robert C. Lee, at 886-2-8725-6601, rclee@yangminglaw.com
Teresa Wang, at 886-2-8725-6642, twang@yangminglaw.com