751-Sabar Institute Of Management, Tajpur - Gujarat Technological ...

Regularity Framework
Finally, the fixed-line market is declining due to the rise of the mobile sector and VoIP usage.
Deutsche Telekom (DT), held almost 73.2% of the market at the end of 2009, which was a
fall from last year’s figures. Telefónica O2’s fixed-line subscriber base has declined as well.
Regulatory body in Germany is the Federal Network Agency for Electricity, Gas,
Telecommunications, Post and Railway (Bundesnetzagentur für Elektrizität, Gas,
Telekommunikation, Post und Eisenbahnen; BNetzA) headquartered in Bonn. In general, the
administrative court of Cologne is the competent body for appeals.
The WTO Basic Telecommunications Agreement has been fully implemented by the
Federal Republic of Germany. Operators are privately owned. However, the Federal
Republic of Germany currently owns a stake of 14.8% and, via the state controlled KfW
Bankengruppe, another stake of 16.9% in Deutsche Telekom AG, the incumbent in the
telecommunications sector. The legislative approach of the
Telecommunications Act is to establish a regulatory system neutral with respect to different
transmission technologies. Thus, the same rules and regulations generally apply to all
providers of telecommunications services including wireless, satellite, cable and VoIP
providers (e.g. regarding the provision of emergency calls, telecommunications surveillance,
and interconnection obligations).
The Telecommunications Act does not apply to broadcasters with respect to delivering
content via telecommunications networks. Instead, broadcasters are subject to federal and
state regulations such as the Telemedia Act 2007, the State Treaties on Broadcasting and
Youth Protection in Media, and the various media laws of the 16 federal states. However,
special telecommunications regulations also apply where broadcasters make use of
conditional access systems. Operating a satellite earth station requires allocation of the
respective frequencies and assignment to the operator of the orbit and frequency usage
granted to the Federal Republic of Germany by the International Telecommunication Union
(ITU). Competent authority is the Federal Network Agency. No specific telecommunications
regulations apply to submarine cable landings. However, general provisions regarding use of
the continental shelf apply and may require authorization by the competent authorities.
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