The Georgian National Communications Commission will rule on placing administrative penalty on Caucasus Online on 25 June. The case concerns the unlawful sale of company shares without GNCC’s approval. Caucasus Online is still refusing to comply with its duties under law.  The Commission first ruled the sale of company shares without GNCC’s prior approval as unlawful on 17 October 2019 and instructed Caucasus Online to reverse the transaction. As the company failed to comply ...

On 17 May, Formula TV (more specifically, the programme Droeba) deceived its viewers by broadcasting false information about the availability of internet. According to the programme host and the journalist reporting on the issue, 30% of the Georgian population has no internet access. The report also claimed that there is no internet infrastructure in the villages of Iliatsminda, Gudaleti and Bodbiskhevi. Both of these claims are false, since 82% of Georgians have access to internet, and there ...

The Georgian National Communications Commission and the Media Academy will hold the third edition of the “Truth or Fiction?” competition that is designed to develop critical thinking, analysis and fact-checking skills among youngsters. Applications are open to all 9th, 10th and 11th grade pupils between 14 May and 14 June. At the same time, GNCC’s Media Literacy department will conduct online trainings in up to 10 schools to teach the pupils how to verify facts and identify ...

Revenues from television advertising were growing prior to the COVID-19 outbreak. During the first quarter of 2020, in spite of the 4% decrease in March, revenues from television adverts grew by 7% and amounted to  GEL 13,659,925, which includes commercials, sponsorship, product placements, announcements and teleshopping. During the first quarter of 2020, the highest growth rate with regards to advertising revenues was posted by the television and radio company Trialeti (317%), followed by ...

The Georgian National Communications Commission has published draft amendments to regulations on provision of electronic communication services and protecting consumer rights. The regulations in question determine the rules and terms for provision of electronic communication services and define the rights and obligations of service suppliers and consumers. The changes are designed to bring the Georgian regulatory framework in line with the EU legislation (specifically, the Universal Service ...

In December 2019, the Georgian National Communications Commission devised and published the “Strategy for Development of 5G Network and Services.” GNCC emphasizes that broadband services and 5G technology will play an important role in future development of our country and our society. Launching the 5G network and services in a timely manner and with an appropriate operating model will benefit Georgia strategically and economically, and therefore represents a big challenge. It will ...

The Georgian National Communications Commission is working intensively to ensure that Georgia can start using 5G internet in 2020. Against the background of development and implementation of innovative technologies in the 21st century, we must respond to the existing challenges effectively. 5G internet is a prerequisite for the development of the economy, healthcare, education, business and other key industries in the country. The Commission has already carried out large-scale work to install ...

The role of media in providing the public with rational and informed choice is crucial. As the country fights the effects of the pandemic, the responsibility of media is greater than ever. Only properly informed citizens can make rational and correct choices and decisions. During a state of emergency, when our citizens are mostly relying on media for information, the existence of responsible media outlets is vitally important. In times of crisis, the media is a powerful force. Its power lies in ...

In the light of the decision of the Government of Georgian to declare a state of emergency, the Georgian National Communications Commission acknowledges the recommendations issued by the Government and the National Disease Control Centre and is fully switching to remote working mode. It is GNCC’s priority to protect the health of its employees, as well as the public as a whole. The Commission has therefore already implemented appropriate technical measures and is ready to operate in ...

In the light of the decision of the Government of Georgian to declare a state of emergency to prevent the spread of the new coronavirus, it is vitally important for the telecommunications infrastructure and services to continue operating smoothly. The Georgian National Communications Commission is calling on all suppliers of mobile and fixed communications services to continue operating at full capacity. We wish to clarify that in the current environment, restrictions do not apply to the ...