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...

The Georgian National Communications Commission has called on mobile communications companies to start working at full capacity. GNCC Chairman Kakha Bekauri stated that companies must mobilise all their resources to ensure that telecommunications infrastructure is operating properly and smoothly in the current environment. According to Mr. Bekauri, it is also important that companies help the population during the times of crisis and offer certain concessions for their services. “In the...

As numerous organisations across the country have switched to remote working mode to prevent the spread of the new coronavirus, it is vitally important for subscribers to have continuous internet access. To ensure that all citizens are receiving high-quality internet services, the Georgian National Communications Commission will monitor internet quality around the clock. The website www.sheamotsme.ge will allow the public to check whether their internet quality corresponds to the terms of...

The Georgian National Communications Commission has called on all mobile operators to prevent dissemination of misleading SMS messages in relation to the coronavirus pandemic. GNCC has already instructed all authorised entities under its regulation to act swiftly over this issue. Specifically, any unauthorised parties who misuse mobile communication services to send misleading information to members of the public shall immediately have SMS (A2P) services restricted by the authorised...

The Georgian National Communications Commission is calling on all mobile operators to ensure that any information and recommendations delivered to the public via SMS messages originate from official bodies of the Government of Georgia only. In the context of threats and challenges associated with the pandemic, it is critically important that the public has access to accurate and verified information. We call on all companies under our regulation to demonstrate high social responsibility and...