48

RRT metinės veiklos ataskaita

Communications Regulatory Authority■

Annual report■

2005

50 51

FOREWORD BY THE DIRECTOR OF THE COMMUNICATIONS REGULATORY AUTHORITY OF THE REPUBLIC OF LITHUANIA

I am pleased to have an opportunity to present the fifth annual report of the Communications Regulatory Authority (RRT) to the Parliament and the Government of the Repub-lic of Lithuania as well as to everyone interested in Lithua-nian communications market. As an institutional, RRT is very young, however, during the five years of activity it has accomplished quite a lot.

On the occasion of five years anniversary of RRT activi-ties I would like to rejoice about good results of our work that benefited Lithuanian users by making various high quality communication services available. Over several years in succession mobile communication services are the cheapest, fixed line subscription fee and broadband communication prices are the lowest in the whole of the European Union (EU). As the accessibility of services grows, the quality of services increases as well. Surveys show that majority of Lithuanian users emphasized the quality of services that increased over the past five years (67 per cent) and a wider range of options to choose from (73 per cent).

We are glad to observe some of the very best results in certain areas. Thanks to a very rapid development of mobile communication that lasted for several years, Lithua-nia has the highest mobile communication penetration rate in the world.

Another aspect of the work of RRT deserves particular attention. Thanks to consistent work of RRT in the area of protection of consumer rights and legal interests we may see tangible results, – consumers nowadays are better informed about their rights in the area of communications and know where to apply when problems occur and more often than not they confide in RRT to resolve their prob-lems. Increased consumer confidence with the institution that protects their rights is the most pleasant assessment of our work.

I think that the rapid penetration of electronic commu-nication services into all areas of our lives makes us strive to make customers feel safe in the electronic space. There-fore since 2004 RRT has been engaged in coherent and consistent actions seeking to build the culture of e-secu-rity and encourage customer confidence in the electronic media. Virtual space poses global threats that are broader than boundaries of a state or a region and can not be elimi-nated by applying administrative measures only. Therefore the only way to resolve these problems is to increase cooperation between public, private and nongovernmental sector. In 2005 together with a number of partners includ-ing private ones we implemented a lot of projects in the area of information and security. European networks and information security conference held in November of 2005 is one such examples. RRT puts all efforts to make this type of conference an annual event and wants Lithuania to become the central place for solution of problems of network and information security in Eastern and Central Europe. Seeking for close co-operation with private sector in 2005 RRT, Lithuanian Banks Association and “Infobalt” association signed and started implementing The Memo-randum on advancement in the area of information and network security.

Seeking for balanced competition in the area of infor-mation and communication technologies (ICT) in 2005 RRT focused on market surveys and establishment of obligations to businesses with significant market power. At this point in time we have started surveys of all markets and four of them are completed already. We had the same objective in mind when creating a solid foundation for total number portability service in 2005. I may state that in the beginning of 2006 number portability service was fully operational in Lithuania and customers may easily switch their current service provider to another one, while retaining

50 51

their old number and have all services provided by the new operator available.

2005 was important because of implementation and development of new technologies. RRT prepared, approved and started implementing the development plan for the Third generation mobile radio communication (UMTS) that ensured that already in the beginning of 2006 residents of major towns of Lithuania will have access to all of the advanced services of mobile communication. In the end of 2005 we prepared and submitted for public con-sultations the plan for the development of radiofrequencies within 3,410–3,600 GHz band used for the introduction of wireless broadband access. The plan will be used for the allocation of radio frequencies that will allow provision of broadband Internet and other cutting edge services for residential users and those living in remote areas. In 2005 we prepared and approved the plan for the development of digital television and issued permission to use radio fre-quencies (channels) in digital terrestrial networks. We think that 2006 will be the year marked by rapid penetration of new generation television that in the long run will replace analogous television, into every home of Lithuania. It is noteworthy that according to the European Commission (EC) data, in terms of technological aspect, Lithuania has the biggest competition in the broadband communication market throughout the EU. I think that pragmatic activities of the RRT were one of the factors that contributed to it.

Successful liberalisation of postal market resulted in level playing filed for all market participants, increased competition that encourages effectiveness of the work, greater customer care, higher quality of services and avail-ability of the services that the market needs.

Being active participants of the services in the electronic media, by way of implementation of the “E-RRT” project we started providing e-services ourselves. It is noteworthy that in 2005 we decreased fees for the services and works we provide by three times. We hope that not only will this have positive effect on operators and service providers but also on users.

I think that further development of ICT calls for active involvement of Lithuania in international and EU processes that shape the development of regulation and the future. This taken into account, it is important to emphasize the importance of participation in drafting of EU documents and positions that establish main activity conditions in areas of electronic communication and postal activities; prepare well and participate in important events of the International Tel-ecommunication Union them being – Global conference on the development of telecommunications, Regional confer-ence on radio communication and International telecommu-nications union conference of authorised representatives. I think that in the international arena we can be not only followers transposing experience of other countries into our

own, but by putting forward innovative ideas become a role model for others.

Further convergence of sectors of IT, media and elec-tronic communication services make them a joint informa-tion and communication technology sector that conse-quently becomes the progress driver of the most advanced countries of the world and stimulates development of other areas of economy. I think that in the future ICT should take a much higher position in the structure of Lithuanian economy. With this taken into, RRT will further seek to cre-ate conditions necessary for a rapid development of natural economic processes of information and technology sector, that make it possible for everyone to become a member of the knowledge society.

Director Tomas Barakauskas

RRT annual report

52 53

MISSION, OBJECTIVES AND FUNCTIONAL AREAS OF RRT ACTIVITY

Supervisionof terminalequipment

Controland supervision ofthe radio spectrum

Regulationof postal andcourier sector

Control andsupervision of numbers

and IP addresses

Regulation of electronic

communications sector, including e-security

Functional areas of RRT activity

52 53

Supervision of provision of electronic

communications, postal and courier services to

consumers and resolution of disputes

Horizontal integration into decision making

system in the EU

Security of electronic communication networks and information

Application of Ex-ante regulatory principles by using intervention

measures

Radio frequencies usage supervision Active participation in

the EU and international structures

Efficient control and supervision of usage

of other resources – IP addresses and telephone communication numbers

Efficient planning, organization, control

and publicity of the the RRT activities

Ensuring and supervision of

compliance of the Equipment and Devices

with the obligatory requirements and

the electromagnetic compatibility requirements

Monitoring of competition in the electronic

communications and postal markets,

activation of the market self-regulation

mechanisms

Efficient control of radio frequencies by creating preconditions for new

technologies to gain string foothold

Monitoring of radio spectrum

Ensuring the protection of rights and legal interests

of consumers of electronic

communication services (products) and postal and courier services

Efficient and transparent

competition in the markets of electronic

communication networks and services (products) and postal and courier services

Effective encouragement of

long-term investment and development of technologically

advanced electronic communications

technologies

Horizontal integration into EU and

efficient activities of RRT

OBJECTIVES:To ensure a wide range of technologically advanced, high-quality, secure and affordable electronic communications, postal and courier services and products for each and every

resident of the Republic of Lithuania, create possibilities for the development of electronic communications and postal business on the basis of the flexible regulatory framework,

harmoniously functioning in the common EU market by making influence on the supply of the services on the market.

MISSION:The variety of choosing technologically advanced,

qualitative, safe and affordable electronic communications and postal services and products has

been ensured to each resident of Lithuania, possibilities have been created to develop electronic communications

and postal business as a precondition for the development of knowledge-based society.

Mission, objectives and functional areas of RRT activity

54 55

BRIEF OVERVIEW OF THE RESULTS OF ACTIVITIES

Lately Lithuania’s ICT sector has seen a rapid and dynamic development. This is obvious not only when observing the dynamics of the main indicators of the sector; the said trends have also been observed and emphasized by international companies, research agencies, foreign state institutions, etc.

In its publication “Doing Business in Lithuania: A Coun-try Commercial Guide for U.S. Companies“1 the US Depart-ment of Commerce has observed that telecommunications is in fact the fastest growing sector in the country, the mobile communication penetration rate in Lithuania is higher than the EU and the Baltic states average. In addition, it should be noted that Lithuania’s communication and information networks’ integration into the European and worldwide communication systems is in progress, besides the actions of the state are oriented towards creation of favorable con-ditions for the development of communication systems.

It should be emphasized that the International Telecom-munications Union (ITU), when selecting the countries to be used as models for the execution of a series of elec-tronic communication sector liberalization and licensing studies, selected Lithuania and noted that the country’s telecommunication sector has undergone a quick and suc-cessful transformation and Lithuania was one of the first EU countries to refuse the licensing system and to move to the general authorization system in the telecommunication sec-tor. In addition, ITU has noted low administrative charges, which created preconditions for the lowest service prices on the retail market in the EU.2

The five initiatives by the RRT, related with the ICT sec-tor development are included into the Golden Book data-base of World Summit of Information Society, WSIS and the WSIS Stocktaking Activities.

As shown by the EUROSTAT data, announced in 20053 rapid development of the ICT sector and creation of favora-

ble environment for the development of business in Lithua-nia resulted in lowest digital divide between social strata with different education. When presenting its comments on the data on the EU member states, EUROSTAT noted that Lithuania is among the EU member states where the digital divide is at its lowest.

Changes in sectors of electronic communications and post

During five years of RRT activities market of electronic communications became competitive and dynamic. Sig-nificant changes took place after the abolition of monopoly rights in the market of fixed communications and abolition of licensing system on 1 January 2003. Electronic commu-nications market saw new entrants arrive and their market share increase annually both in terms of the income from electronic communication activities and in terms of new service users.

Lithuanian citizens have access to most advanced tech-nological solutions and the number of residents using the Internet, in particular broadband Internet, is highly increas-ing. In terms of variety of broadband Internet technologies and in particular wireless technologies, Lithuania is at the forefront of the EU.

Mobile communication services became accessible to the absolute majority of Lithuanian residents. 2005 saw the highest rates of mobile communication penetration in the world in Lithuania. Number portability service was finalized and made the competition between mobile communication service providers even more active. Not only did the oppor-tunity for customers to switch to another service provider while retaining their telephone number urge current service providers to attract new customers, but it also makes them work hard to retain the old ones. Given below are main facts on the changes in the electronic communications market since the establishment of RRT in 2001. Development of technologies and services

■ In the course of five years services of mobile tel-ephone communication became accessible to the absolute majority of Lithuanian residents.

■ In December 2005 at the rate of 138,53 per cent mobile telephone penetration rate in Lithuania was the highest in the world4.

■ Based on data available on December 2005 the growth of the penetration rate of mobile communication in 2003-2005 was the highest in all of the EU (25 per cent increase in 2003–2004, 37 per cent increase in 2004–2005)5.

54 55

Fig. 3. Growth of penetration of mobile communication in the EU , 2004–2005, per cent.Source: The European Electronic Communications Regulation and Markets 10th Report 2005, The European Electronic Communications Regulation and Markets 11th Report 2005

Fig. 1. Public mobile telephone communication penetration rate per 100 residents, 2002–2006.Source: RRT. Fig. 2. Countries with highest penetration rates in the world.

Data available in December of 2005.Source: Informa Telecoms & Media.

■ The number of Internet access subscribers grew by 11 times in 3 years and in Q IV of 2005 reached 1 million (the number of Internet access subscribers since the begin-ning of 2005 grew by 2,1 times).

Fig. 4. Internet penetration dynamics, per cent, 2003–2005.Source: RRT.

■ The number of broadband Internet access subscribers grew by 6 times in 3 years. In the end of 2005 every fifth Internet access subscriber used broadband internet access. During 2005 the number of broadband Internet access subscribers grew by 81,4 per cent.

Fig. 5. Internet penetration dynamics, per cent, 2003–2005.Source: RRT.

Brief overview of the results of avtivities

56 57

■ In the 1st quarter of 2005 the growth rate of broad-band access points in Lithuania was the fifth in the world, shows quarterly survey carried out Point Topic Ltd. 6. These data were also quoted by The Economist in its issue of 2 July 2005.

Fig. 6. 10 countries of the world where broadband Internet growth rate in Q I of 2005 was fastest. Source: World Broadband Statistics Q1 2005 // Point Topic Ltd., 2005.

■ Competition between technologies in Lithuania in the broadband communications market is the most intense in the whole of the EU7.

■ Majority (72,7 per cent) of Lithuanian residents think that during the last five years their choices in the area of new communication technologies “increased very much” 17,9 (per cent) or “increased” (54,8 per cent)8.

■ In 2005 conditions of the development of third generation mobile communications and digital television in all Lithuania were present.

ICT service prices

■ Prices of public mobile communication services in 2004 and 2005 were either one of the lowest or the lowest in the EU9,10. Based on the data contained in the 11th Report of the European Commission, Lithuania continues to have low-est mobile communication prices in retail segment (residen-

Fig. 7. Prices of mobile communication services basket in retail (residential) segment in the EU, 2005 EUR per month.Source: The European Electronic Communications Regulation and Markets 11th Report 2005 by the European Commission

■ Based on the data contained in the 11th Report of the European Commission, Lithuanian users have one of the lowest fixed line subscription fees in Europe which ranks fourth in the residential and second in business seg-ments.

■ Lithuanian users also pay some of the lowest monthly bills for the basket of fixed telephone communi-cation services. Based on the methodology of Economic Co-operation and Development Organization (ECDO), the European Commission established that Lithuania ranks third in terms of the low size of the bill in the EU.

■ Paying on average EUR 14 (LTL 48) per month for 1 Mbps speed broadband Internet communication Lithua-nians use cheapest broadband Internet communication in the EU, two and a half times less than the EU average.

■ Rent of leased lines in Lithuania is among the low-est in the EU12.

Fig. 8. Prices for 1 Mbps speed broadband communication in the EU, EUR per month Source: Ministry of Transport and Communications. Prices of broadband subscriptions in EU-countries 2005. Finland. www.mintc.fi/oliver/upl139-Julkaisuja_2_2006.pdf <http://www.mintc.fi/oliver/upl139-Julkaisuja_2_2006.pdf>

tial). Medium segment and wholesale segment (business) are noteworthy for some of the lowest prices as well (respec-tively No.5 and No.8 in terms of cheapness in the EU)11.

RRT annual report

56 57

Quality of ICT services

■ In the opinion of 67 per cent of Lithuanian resi-dents, the quality of electronic communication services has increased13.

Competition in the markets of ICT and postal and courier markets

■ Since the end of 2004 the number of new public fixed telephone communication providers grew by 17,3.

■ Compared to 2004, in 2005 the income of alterna-tive fixed telephone communication providers increased by 22,9 per cent.

■ Gradual liberalization of the postal market – star-ting from 1 January 2006 the 50 grams reserved postal items weight limit and 2.5 higher tariff was set for postal service providers – further promotion of competition, which creates preconditions for affordable prices and diversity of services for postal service users.

■ The simplification of market entry procedures resulted in the increase of the number of market partici-pants – in 2005 the number of market participants grew by 53 per cent comparing with 2002.

■ In 2005 the revenues of other postal and courier service providers for the provided postal and courier serv-ices grew by 17 per cent comparing with 2002.

1Source: U.S. Department of Commerce, U.S. Commercial Service. http://www.buyusainfo.net/docs/x_1051810.pdf 1 Source: Licensing in an Era of Liberalization and Convergence. Case Study. The Republic of Lithuania. International Telecommunications Union. Geneva. http://www.itu.int/ITU-D/treg/Case_Studies/Licensing/Lithuania_CS.pdf 2 Source: The digital divide in Europe. 2005 // Eurostat. http://epp.eurostat.cec.eu.int/pls/portal/docs/PAGE/PGP_PRD_CAT_PREREL/PGE_CAT_PREREL_YEAR_2005/PGE_CAT_PREREL_YEAR_2005_MONTH_11/4-10112005-EN-AP.PDF3 Informa. World Cellular Information Service Market Snapshot.4 The European Electronic Communications Regulation and Markets 11th Report 20055 World Broadband Statistics Q1 2005 // Point Topic Ltd., 2005.http://www.point-topic.com/contentDownload/dslanalysis/world%20broadband%20statistics%20q1%202005.pdf6 The European Electronic Communications Regulation and Markets 11th Report 2005 by the European Commissionhttp://europa.eu.int/information_society/policy/ecomm/implementation_enforcement/index_en.htm 7 Source: The data of the study, executed 10 March 2006 by UAB RAIT 8 The European Electronic Communications Regulation and Markets 10th Report 2005 by the European Commission m.“http://europa.eu.int/information_society/policy/ecomm/implementation_enforcement/index_en.htm 9 The European Electronic Communications Regulation and Markets 11th Report 2005 by the European Commissionhttp://europa.eu.int/information_society/policy/ecomm/implementation_enforcement/index_en.htm 10 The European Electronic Communications Regulation and Markets 11th Report 2005 by the European Commissionhttp://europa.eu.int/information_society/policy/ecomm/implementation_enforcement/index_en.htm 11 The European Electronic Communications Regulation and Markets 11th Report 2005 by the European Commissionhttp://europa.eu.int/information_society/policy/ecomm/implementation_enforcement/index_en.htm 12 Survey data. Executed on 10 March 2006 by UAB RAIT.

Brief overview of the Results of Avtivities

58 59

CHANGES IN LEGAL SYSTEM OF REGULATION OF ELECTRONIC COMMUNICATIONS AND POST

“In order to encourage investments into this promising economy sector we have to ensure a consistent European digital economy regulatory framework, which would be market oriented, flexible, appropriate and forward-looking.”

Viviane Reding, 1 June, 2005

Drafting of laws

In 2005 the RRT actively participated in drafting the fol-lowing laws:

■ Amendments of the Code of Administrative Viola-tions of Law of the Republic of Lithuania;

■ Amendment of the Law on the Provision of Infor-mation to the Public of the Republic of Lithuania;

■ The concept and drafts of the Law on Electronic Communication Networks and Information Security of the Republic of Lithuania;

■ Draft Law on Information Society Services of the Republic of Lithuania.

When participating in the drafting of laws RRT sought to create preconditions to increase consumers’ confidence in the electronic media and information society, achieve compliance of the regulatory system with changes in the ICT market, take account of the technological advance-ment of the ICT sector, take account of changes and needs of the information society and audio-video service market and, what is particularly relevant today, create significantly better conditions for further development of the information society.

Drafting of secondary legislation

In terms of law-making, 2005 was dedicated to the implementation of the EU legislation by drafting second-ary legislation and harmonizing it with both with the EU regulatory framework and provisions of national laws of the Republic of Lithuania.

In 2005 RRT prepared the draft of the Decree of the Government of the Republic of Lithuania “On Amending of the Decree No. 699 of the Government of the Republic of Lithuania of 3 June 2003 “On the Approval of the Rules for Provision of the Universal Telecommunication Services and Setting the Limits for the Prices for the Universal Telecom-munication Services“, which was approved by Decree No. 162 of the Government of the Republic of Lithuania of 15 February 2006. By order of the Minister of Transport and Communications of the Republic of Lithuania the Rules for the Provision of the Universal Postal Services, Regulating the Conditions and Requirements Regarding Provision of the Universal Postal Services were approved.

By signing his orders the Director of RRT approved more than 40 legal acts (the complete list of secondary legislation prepared by RRT is presented in Annex 1).

58 59

PROTECTION OF CONSUMER RIGHTS AND LEGAL INTERESTS

Supervision of the universal services

AB Lietuvos Telekomas, the provider of the universal services is obliged to provide public telephone communica-tion services at fixed location, by payphones, the service of the provision of information on the subscribers of public telephone communication services and to provide disabled consumers with possibilities to use the universal services. The quality of the provided universal services must com-ply with the universal service quality requirements, set by RRT.

Protection of consumer rights and legal interests in electronic communication sector

In regard to the scope and quality of provision of the universal services in 2005 the following should be noted:

– the public telephone communication services at fixed location are provided within the entire territory of the Republic of Lithuania;

– at the beginning of 2006 the payphones’ density in the Republic of Lithuania was 1.746 payphones per one thousand urban residents and 0.453 payphones per one thousand residents, residing in other areas;

– In 2005 RRT ensured the introduction of public elec-tronic telephone directory, providing information on both fixed and mobile telephone communication subscribers’ telephone numbers at the http://telefonai@takas.lt Internet page. The information on all the public telephone communi-cation subscribers’ numbers is also provided by telephone communication number 118. The universal service recipi-ents are provided with printed lists of public fixed telephone communication network subscribers, which are updated annually;

– In the end of 2005 RRT prepared and in 2006 approved the description of the requirements for the providers of uni-versal services, ensuring availability of the public telephone communication services, provided by payphones, including availability of payphones to disabled service recipients, with the objective of making the universal services avail-able to all users. In addition, the description provides a list of addresses of the rehabilitation centers for the disabled, in which the textual payphones must be installed.

– In 2005 RRT prepared and submitted to the Govern-ment of the Republic of Lithuania the draft of amendment of the rules on provision of universal services, which was approved by Decree No. 162 of the Government of the Republic of Lithuania of 15 February 2006. The objective of the amendment of the rules on provision of universal servic-es is to obligate the universal service providers to adapt the services for the disabled and to ensure that undertakings, wishing to provide universal services are provided with the possibility to become designated universal service provid-ers. According to the new rules on the provision of univer-sal services RRT, at least once per year will announce the proposal for the service providers to express the wish to provide the universal services.

Service quality control

In order to evaluate the quality of universal services and to present impartial information on the quality of service to the consumers of electronic communication services, in 2005 RRT executed control measurements of local and national calls in the public fixed telephone communication network of the universal service provider.

By using its equipment, in 2005 RRT made almost 150

■ In 2005 the mobile telephone communication service prices in Lithuania were the lowest in the EU (37–65 per cent lower than the EU member states average).

(European Commission Report 11 “European Electronic Com-munications Regulation and Markets in 2005“)

■ Lithuanians use the cheapest broadband Internet in the EU, by paying on average 14 Euro (approxi-mately LTL 48) for the most popular 1 Mb/s speed rate per month – twice as less than the residents of other EU member states.

(The “Broadband Access Prices in the EU Member States in 2005” study, executed by the Ministry of Transport and Com-

munications of Finland)

■ According to the opinion of 67 per cent of Lithua-nia’s residents the quality of electronic communi-cation services has improved during the five later years.

(The data of the study, executed 10 March 2006 by UAB RAIT)

60 61

thousand test calls in the public fixed telephone communi-cation network of AB Lietuvos Telekomas – the number of calls was approximately 60 per cent higher than that made in 2004.

Service quality indicators were evaluated in observance of the methodology set in the rules on setting the public

By using its equipment in 2005 RRT made more than 1 360 control calls to the networks of each of the following mobile telecommunication service providers: UAB Bitė Lietuva, UAB Tele2, UAB Omnitel, UAB Eurocom and publicly announced the results of the evaluation of service quality indicators. The quality evaluation has shown that quality indicators of public mobile telephone communication services, provided by different service providers’ networks

differ by less than 1 per cent. When evaluating the mobile telephone communication

services quality indicators, equal measurement conditions were ensured in regard to all the service providers, i. e. the measurements were executed:

■ only in the reliable communication zones,■ only within the internal networks of service providers,■ during business days and regular business hours.

Table 2. The results of evaluation of quality indicators of the services, provided by public mobile telephone communication service providers, executed in 2004–2005.

Service provider

The part of successful call attempts*, per cent

The part of successful calls*, per cent

Average call setup time, seconds

Number of calls

2004 2005 2004 2005 2004 2005 2004 2005

UAB Bitė Lietuva 100.0 99.9 99.62 99.1 9.92 10.9 2 092 1 369

UAB Eurocom 99.95 99.9 99.76 99.5 9.71 10.9 2 098 1 373

UAB Omnitel 100.0 100.0 99.67 99.7 9.04 9.9 2 091 1 376

UAB Tele2 99.53 99.7 99.05 99.6 10.23 10.4 2 122 1 369

* Call attempt means an attempt to make a call to en existing telephone communication number, which is in reach (till the ringing, busy or answer signal is heard).** Call means the connection, executed by use of public telephone communication service facilities, giving the possibility of bidirectional communication in real time.Source: RRT.

fixed telephone communication service quality indicators and provision of data. The results of service quality control tests showed that the public fixed telephone communica-tion service quality indicators were not in excess of the threshold values of service quality indicators, set for the universal service providers and, compared with 2004, the quality of services improved.

Table 1. The results of evaluation of quality indicators of the public fixed telephone communication services, provided by AB Lietuvos Telekomas, executed in 2004–2005

Quality indicatorsValues of measurements

Threshold values2004 2005

The part of unsuccessful calls

National calls, per cent 0.26 per cent 0.19 per cent Not more than 5 per cent

92 131 test calls 149 697 test calls

Call setup time

Average national call setup time, seconds 0.26 seconds 0.26 seconds Not longer than 10 seconds

89 267 test calls 149 297 test calls

The time, during which 95 per cent of the quickest national call setups were executed, seconds

0.36 seconds 0.35 seconds

89 267 test calls 149 297 test calls

Source: RRT.

Fig. 9. Distribution of the number of calls of Lithuania’s mobile telecommunication service providers against the call setup time, per cent.Source: RRT.

RRT annual report

60 61

Fig.10. The mobile laboratory of public telephone communication service quality measurements of RRT

Majority of Lithuanian consumers is satisfied with the quality of electronic communication services. The survey, executed by public opinion and market research center Vilmorus in the beginning of 2005 showed that the quality

of mobile and fixed telecommunication services is positively rated by 91 and 90 per cent of consumers correspondingly (Consumers Survey, 13-16 January 2005).

Fig. 11. Service quality evaluation (percentage of consumers, positively rating the quality of the provided services)Source: Vilmorus, Consumer Survey, 13 – 16 January 2005

Lithuanian consumers notice that the quality of elec-tronic communication services is continuously improving. During the study, commissioned by RRT the opinion of the majority of surveyed consumers (66,9 per cent) was that during the last five years the quality of electronic commu-nication services has significantly improved (14.4 per cent) or improved (52.5 per cent); (data of the study, executed by UAB RAIT, 10 March 2006).

As the quality of electronic communication services is improving the service availability to consumers is increas-ing too. During the study, commissioned by RRT 47.6 per

cent of all the surveyed consumers noted that during the last five years the electronic communication service prices reduced significantly (5.9 per cent) or reduced (41.7 per cent) (the data of the study, executed by UAB RAIT 10 March 2006).

The study, executed by public opinion and market research center Vilmorus in the beginning of 2005 showed that more than one half (53 per cent) of Lithuania’s consum-ers consider the prices of public mobile services reason-able; 34 per cent of consumers are of the same opinion in regard to fixed telecommunication prices (Consumers Survey, 13-16 January 2005).

Protection of consumer rights and legal interests

62 63

In 2006 RRT will continue periodical control measure-ments of service quality indicators, the announcement of the results of which will both assist the consumers when choosing their service provider and encourage the service providers to continue improving the quality of services.

Consumer complaints investigation

In 2005 RRT received 238 complaints from electronic communication service users. The number of consumers, applying to RRT with the request to have a dispute resolved or wishing to receive consultation by electronic mail or tel-ephone significantly increased in 2005: approximately 130 consumers applied to RRT by electronic mail, about 300 made telephone inquiries.

Fig. 13. Dynamics of the number of complaints of electronic communication service users in 2001–2005Source: RRT.

Compared with 2004, 2005 saw the increase of the number of consumer complaints regarding the quality (approximately 64 per cent), the greater part of complaints concerns the quality of mobile Internet (GPRS, EDGE serv-ices).

Table 3. Reasons for complaints of electronic communication service consumers in 2001– 2005 and RRT decisions

2001 2002 2003 2004 2005

Consumers’ complaints regarding:

Quality 19 53 38 28 46

Billing 32 71 83 110 146

Other matters (tariffs, tariff changes, payment plans, etc.) 31 57 66 90 46

Decisions:

In favor of the consumer 36 34 19 33 25

In favor of the service provider 3 4 4

The service provider has taken a decision in favor of the consumer during the investigation of the complaint by RRT

30 120 76

Rejected according to the procedure, set by legal acts by submitting explanations in regard to the consumer request

138 71 99

Pending 34Source: RRT.

Fig. 12. Service prices reasonability evaluation (per cent of consumers)Source: Vilmorus, Consumer Survey, January 13-16 2005

RRT annual report

62 63

In 2005 electronic communication service providers, influenced by RRT indemnified the service recipients LTL 8 746.23 of disputed amounts, including LTL 6 544.54 vo-luntarily paid by service providers.

Continuous increase in the number of requests, related to consumer rights and legal interests, received by RRT indicates that consumers are becoming ever more aware of their rights and more informed on the enforceability of their rights and legal interests and also take ever greater confi-dence in RRT, the institution that protects their rights.

Consumer awareness increase

On 1 January 2006 new rules on the provision of elec-tronic communication services came into force. The rules focus more on the obligation of electronic communication service providers to properly inform consumers on the pro-vided electronic communication services, especially with regard to informing service recipients prior to the conclu-sion of the agreement. The new rules also set the service bills breakdown level, the Internet service providers’ obli-gation to specify the minimum ensured data transmission and receipt speed rate in the service provision agreement and the consumers’ right to set their own credit limit for the provided services. After the rules came into force, consum-ers received an opportunity to block the increased tariff services, provided by the 9XX XXXXX series telephone communication numbers free of charge. Provisions of the new rules will give consumers greater transparency when using electronic communication services.

It should be noted that starting from 1 January 2006 tel-ephone communication service providers, prior to call setup inform the consumers about them making a call to another public telephone communication service provider’s network by a tone signal. The measure shall provide users with po-ssibility to control their communication expenses better.

In 2005, being aware of the significance of education of consumers for consumer rights protection RRT opened a new section “Information for Electronic Communication Service Consumers” on its website. In this section RRT presents consumers with useful information on their rights, services, provided by operators, brief description of the Internet technologies, replies to frequently asked questions and the procedures to be followed in case of disputes with operators regarding their services.

In order to ensure protection of consumer rights and legal interests and taking into consideration the public announcements of the European Commission (hereinafter referred to as EC) regarding the insufficient transparency of the retail prices of mobile international roaming in the European Union, RRT took measures in order to increase the transparency of the retail prices of mobile international roaming.

In the end of 2005 RRT issued a press release, inform-ing the consumers on the structure and specificities of the mobile international roaming tariffs. Striving for transparency of mobile international roaming retail prices RRT added the “Information for the traveling abroad” rubric to the “Informa-tion for the Electronic Communication Service Consumers” section of its webpage. The rubric includes links to web-pages of public mobile telephone communication operators and service providers of the Republic of Lithuania, present-ing the mobile international roaming service prices and the link to the EC webpage, presenting the comparison of the mobile international roaming service prices. The consumer, upon comparing and evaluating available information on the telecommunication service tariffs, applied by the opera-tors and particularities of network coverage and taking his/her individual needs into consideration may take final decision on the choice of mobile telecommunication opera-tor, providing its services in a foreign country.

For the purpose of ensuring of greater transparency in the electronic communication services market, encour-aging efficient competition and giving consumers more

information on the prices of the services, provided by public telephone communication networks in a quick, simple and widely available manner, RRT has plans to introduce the

Protection of consumer rights and legal interests

64 65

electronic communication service prices comparison calcu-lator on its webpage. The calculator will be an effective tool, which will assist all Lithuanian consumers when choosing their service provider based on the most attractive service prices offers. In the first stage the electronic communication service prices comparison portal will cover public fixed and public mobile (including the international roaming) services, and in the future RRT is planning to add other electronic communication services to the portal.

Single emergency telephone number 112

In 2005 the single emergency telephone number 112 was functioning in all Lithuania’s public telephone communication networks. At present calls are handled by Emergency Response Center under the Ministry of Internal Affairs in Vilnius, in other administrative units call are handled by territorial police institutions (police commissariats).

In 2005 RRT approved the description of the procedure and conditions of the subscribers’ and/or service recipients’ calls forwarding to the numbers of Emergency Response Center and/or emergency services numbers, foreseeing general principles for forwarding of calls to the emergency number 112, or other short numbers during the transitional period, during which the short telephone communication numbers of emergency services are replaced by the common emergency telephone number 112. During the transitional period each short number may be abolished if the average number of calls made to each short number per month during the year does not exceed 100 from the moment of commencement of forwarding of the calls to the numbers of the Emergency Response Center on the entire territory of the Republic of Lithuania. This criterion is approved in the description of the procedure of usage of short telephone communication numbers of emergency services during the replacement of the numbers by the single telephone emergency number 112, approved by the Government of the Republic of Lithuania.

In December 2005 RRT joined activities of the work-group, coordinating activities of the “eCall” vehicle emer-gency calls system, operating in Europe. In case of serious accidents emergency services by using the system will be able to receive emergency signal and location information immediately

Activities of RRT in the field of ensuring of security of networks and information

In 2005 activities of ensuring security of electronic com-munication networks and information (IT) were the priority activities of RRT. As the number of computer technologies

is rapidly increasing throughout the world, the issue of IT security is becoming ever more topical. The information on the new computer viruses, phishing of data, attacks on electronic networks, spaming, harmful content in public net-works raises concern to consumers, service providers and governmental institutions.

► Development of legal framework, regulating the security of networks and information

24 March 2005 after the Government of the Republic of Lithuania, by its Decree No. 315 approved the measures for the implementation of the Government of the Republic of Lithuania Program 2004–2008, preparation of the concept, draft and implementation plan of the Republic of Lithuania Law on Security of Electronic Communication Networks and Information (the responsible executors – Ministry of Transport and Communications, the Ministry of Interior Affairs and RRT) and state strategy of security of electronic information in the state institutions’ information systems till the year 2008 and its implementation plan (the responsible executors - Ministry of Transport and Communications, the Ministry of Internal Affairs, Information Society Develop-ment Committee under the Government of the Republic of Lithuania and RRT) started.

► Building Computer Emergency Response Team

In 2005 RRT commenced a Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT) with the main objective to quickly respond to the security incidents, occurring in electronic communication networks and coordinate their elimination actions, especially when there is a potential risk to func-tionality of the network or security of data in the electronic space. Apart of the main activities, related to the response to security incidents, CERT executes preventive activities by providing information on the new IT security problems and potential threats to the functioning of electronic systems and computers, executes statistical data analysis. In 2005 RRT purchased software for the execution of CERT func-tions, formed the contact network with the Internet service providers for quick exchange of data on the networks and information security incidents, also the contact network with the institutions related to the activities of ensuring the secu-rity of networks and information.

► Study of the state of network and information (IT) security in Lithuania

In 2005 RRT completed the first comprehensive study of IT security situation in Lithuania, with the objective of identification main networks and information security prob-

RRT annual report

64 65

lems, faced by the information and communication technol-ogies (ICT) service users, companies and Internet service providers (ISP) and evaluate the extent of the problems in Lithuania. The study showed that up to 25 per cent of business users and up to 18 per cent of private users have experienced damage due to IT security incidents, 91.6 per cent of private users and 100 per cent of Internet service providers faced computer viruses and 86.8 per cent of pri-vate customers and 100 per cent of Internet service provid-ers have been subject to spaming. In fact each electronic communication service user faces IT security incidents of different types. Comprehensive results of the study are presented in the overview of Lithuania’s telecommunication sector for 2005.

Drawing on the results of the study RRT will be able to direct its actions and resources to the resolution of the iden-tified problems more efficiently. RRT is planning to execute periodical (annual) studies of this kind in the future.

► Informing the public

Taking into consideration the increasing number of Lithuania’s internet users, confronted with IT security incidents in 2005 RRT launched pro-active educational and information activities:

■ In the beginning of 2005 a new section “Networks and information Security” was introduced on the webpage of RRT at www.rrt.lt, providing information on the viruses and IT security problems, advice on the ways to avoid incidents and actions to be taken when incidents occur. In addition, the information on the legal framework, inter-institutional and international cooperation in the field is provided;

■ In 2005 RRT issued 17 news items and 13 press releases on the news with regard to IT security and hazard-ous computer viruses and provided advice on the ways to avoid the damage, raised by specific viruses;

In 2005, in cooperation with Lithuanian commercial banks, the Ministry of Interior, the Information Soci-ety Development Committee under the Government of the Republic of Lithuania, the “Window to the Future” alliance and Internet service providers distributed 200 thousand booklets and brochures informing consumers on Internet phishing and the tools to protect against phishing.

■ In cooperation with the “Window to the Future” alliance training on secure Internet use was carried out at public Internet access points in 2005;

■ 7 February 2006, in cooperation with Lithuania’s institutions and representatives of the private sector the www.esaugumas.lt interactive webpage, providing infor-mation on IT security was opened. The webpage consists of four main parts and contains information presented for the different ICT user categories in the acceptable form i.e information for private users, private companies and employees of public institutions and for CERT. The web-page is expected to become the main portal for Lithuania’s consumers, searching for information on the issues of elec-tronic security and wishing to share the information with others.

Fig.14. The number of Internet service providers, who incurred damage due to IT security incidents, according to the type of damage, per centSource: RRT

Fig.15. The number of private users, who incurred damage due to IT security incidents, according to the type of damage, per centSource: RRT

Protection of consumer rights and legal interests

66 67

► RRT cooperation in the IT security ensuring activities

In 2005 representatives of RRT participated in the “The Safer Internet” program management group. “The Safer Internet” is an EC program, used to draw public attention to illegal and harmful information on the Internet, related with such violations of Lithuanian laws as pornography, pedo-philia, racism, xenophobia. A great deal of attention is dedi-cated to the protection of children and teenagers against harmful Internet content. RRT has presented the informa-tion on Lithuania’s initiatives of children security against harmful Internet content to Danish regulatory agency NITA. When collecting the information on the situation in Lithuania it appeared that the state lacks clear institutional and legal system, regulating the protection of minors against harm-ful content, found on the Internet. In 2006 the EC distin-guished safe Internet as one of the priority fields.

On 24-25 November 2005, in cooperation with the Ministry of Transport and Communications and European Networks and Information Security Agency a large-scale European networks and information security conference “Preparation to Respond to Networks and Information Security Incidents” was organized in Vilnius. Top level speakers from Europe’s and world’s public institutions, business companies and non-governmental organizations delivered speeches at the Conference.

RRT wants conferences of this scale to become an annual event and for Lithuania to become the leader in networks and information security field in the entire Eastern and Central Europe. It has been preliminary agreed that in autumn of 2006 RRT, ENISA, the Ministry of Transport and Communications and the Ministry of Internal Affairs will arrange the second European networks and information security conference “Ensuring of Security in Organizations’ Networks and Information Systems”.

A representative of the Ministry of Transport and Com-munications (an ENISA Board member) represents ENISA in Lithuania, Director of RRT substitutes member of the

Board, the ENISA contact person in Lithuania is the Deputy Director of RRT. RRT has the right to raise IT security relat-ed questions on the international level by applying to ENISA and actively contribute to the activities of ENISA, in order to both ensure the IT security in Lithuania and strive for ensur-ing IT security in the entire European Community.

ENISA periodically presents information on the activities of RRT in the field of networks and information security in its ENISA Quarterly publication.

On 23 November 2005 RRT, Lithuanian Banks Associa-tion (LBA) and “Infobalt“ Association announced the Memo-randum on progress in the field of networks and informa-tion security, with the objective to develop and encourage universal and strong networks and information security culture in Lithuania. When implementing the memorandum governmental institutions and private sector will join forces in order to ensure better security of consumers in the elec-tronic space.

Being aware of the extent of spread of ICT, the future development perspectives and each resident’s need for activities in the electronic space it is obvious that the need to distribute and receive information and use the electronic space services without any fear will become ever more important.

In March 2005 the contact network between RRT and representatives of the Internet service providers (hereinaf-ter referred to as ISP), responsible for the ISPs’ networks’ security, was formed. In addition the governmental institu-tions’ contact network, consisting of persons and special-ists, appointed by each institution, directly working with the networks and information security issues was formed.

At the end of 2005 RRT, in cooperation with the ENISA announced that 29-30 March 2006 the first international TF-CSIRT competence development training course will be held for the future members of CERT groups in Vilnius, the course will be arranged by TERENA, the organization that

RRT annual report

66 67

joins international CERT groups and FIRST and ENISA. The topic of the training course will be the study of organi-zational, technical and legal problems of CSIRT (Computer Security Incident Response Teams).

In 2005 RRT joined the worldwide “Spam Zombies” project, organized by the US Federal Trade Commission, which seeks to inform Internet access service providers on the spam zombies’ problem and the tools to use to minimize the problems. Spam spreaders get into the users’ home computers by using hidden software that makes it possible to influence computers in such a way that they become spam spreaders. Home computers that spread spam are called “zombies”.

Representatives of RRT participate in activities of CNSA (Contact Network of Spam Authorities) EC work-group. In addition the RRT joined the London action plan, exchanging the information on spam studies, statistical information, etc.

Radio interference elimination

As the electronic communication market is developing we see new radio communication systems and technolo-gies come into existence that need to be protected against foreign radio interferences and quite often these new technologies cause different radio and television program receipt interruptions. Mobile radio interference study groups of RRT quickly respond to the complaints of residents and radio frequencies (channels) users, identify the reasons for radio interferences and take measures in order to eliminate them. Radio interferences are most frequently caused by poor quality television receipt antennas with integrated amplifiers, vehicle alarm signaling movement sensors, radio local area networks (RLAN) and disorderly electrical home appliances.

Fig. 16. The dynamics of complaints regarding radio interfe-rences, received and investigated by RRT in 2003–2005 Source: RRT.

Protection of consumer rights and legal interests

Protection of consumer rights and legal interests in postal sector

Supervision of the universal services

VĮ Lietuvos Paštas (from 1 January 2006 – AB Lietuvos Paštas) is obliged to provide the universal postal services within the entire territory of the country. The company must ensure that the services are provided in an uninterrupted manner, on the same conditions to all the universal postal service users, on each business day and not less than five days per week.

In order to ensure uninterrupted provision of universal postal services, the following service fields are reserved for the universal postal service provider: collection, sort-ing, conveyance, delivery and handing of domestic items of correspondence, direct mail and received international items of correspondence, in observance of weight and price limits. Starting from 1 May 2004 - the 100 grams, and from 1 January 2006 – 50 grams weight limit for reserved postal items is applicable.

Universal postal services quality control

In 2005 RRT continued an independent study of qual-ity of the universal postal services, provided by VĮ Lietuvos Paštas. The compliance of universal postal services to the postal services quality requirements (standards), set for the universal postal service provider was examined.

In the course two postal correspondence delivery qual-ity studies carried out in 2005 RRT sent 2600 control letters in the entire territory of the Republic of Lithuania.

Fig. 17. The structure of complaints regarding radio interfe-rences, received and investigated by RRT in 2005, per centSource: RRT.

Radio interferences noticed may be reported to RRT by calling toll free telephone number at 8 800 20 030, that functions within the entire territory of the Republic of Lithuania.

68

RRT metinės veiklos ataskaita

69

Table 4. The results of study of the quality of delivery of postal correspondence by the universal postal service providerin 2004–2005, per cent of letters

Delivery quality indicators (the time period)

Quality investigation results (per cent) Set quality standards (per cent)2004 2005

The same day (D+0) 0.4682 0.1649

Day 1 (D+1) 78.6402 72.7835 85 per cent

Day 2 (D+2) 95.8308 95.2990

Day 3 (D+3) 98.5478 98.7629 97 per cent

Day 4 (D+4) 99.5317 99.2577

Day 5 (D+5) 99.5800 99.5464

Day 6 (D+6) 99.9100 99.7526

Day 7 (D+7) 99.9500 99.8351

Day 8 (D+8) 100.0000 99.8763

Day 9 (D+9) 100.0000 99.9588

Day 10 (D+10) 100.0000 100.0000*D – the day, on which the postal correspondence is presented to the universal postal service provider at a post office or placed into the mail letter box till the time, specified by the service providerSource: RRT.

Comparing the results of studies of universal postal services quality, executed by RRT in 2004 and in 2005, it could be observed that in 2005 the D+1 quality indicator dropped by 6 per cent to 72.84 (the value in 2004 – 78.64 per cent), and the D+3 indicator insignificantly increased up to 98.76 per cent (the value in 2004 – 98.55 per cent). RRT obliged VĮ Lietuvos Paštas to take measures in order to improve the postal correspondence delivery time.

In 2005 6 studies of the services, provided by the universal postal service provider were executed, during which 23 units of VĮ Lietuvos Paštas were visited in order to examine the observance of the requirements to ensure the necessary information on the services to the consumers, set in the rules for the provision of universal postal services, the set procedure for collection, sorting, conveyance and delivery of postal items and the orderliness of sending of international postal items. VĮ Lietuvos Paštas was notified to take measures in order to ensure the delivery of inter-national postal items according to the standard, set in the Postal Directive.

Arranging universal postal services provision locations – for the consumers’ convenience

Obligatory public postal network characteristics, defin-ing the conditions for location of universal postal services provision points and their equipment requirements are set for the universal postal service provider. According to the said characteristics the universal postal service provider must arrange a sufficient number of postal services provi-

sion points. The public postal network characteristics are set in order to ensure that each resident of Lithuania could get the possibility to use postal services in a convenient manner.

The following universal postal service provision points are distinguished:

■ stationary, ■ mobile, ■ postal agents working locations,■ mailboxes for public usage.According to the data of VĮ Lietuvos Paštas, 4 141 mail-

boxes (1 606 in cities and 2 535 in rural areas) for sending letter are installed in the Republic of Lithuania at present, VĮ Lietuvos Paštas maintains 1 229 401 mailboxes for receiv-ing letters (899 379 in cities and 330 022 in rural areas) on the territory of the country at present. Consumer complaint investigation

In 2005 47 complaints from postal and courier service users were received, including 25 with regard to the provi-sion of universal postal services and 22 regarding provision of other postal and courier services. Most frequently the postal and courier service users applied to RRT regarding damages or loss of postal items and regarding delivery of postal items. The number of consumer complaints, which comparing with 2004 grew 2.8 times in 2005 shows that the users of postal services are aware of their rights and are better informed on where to apply when problems occur.

68

RRT metinės veiklos ataskaita

69

Fig. 18. The postal and courier service user complaints dynamics in 2002–2005Source: RRT.

In 2005 the rules on investigation of complaints between providers and users of postal and/or courier services were approved. The rules set the form, content and procedure of submission of requests to resolve a dispute between a provider and consumer of postal and/or courier services, the requirements for collection and submission of evidence, the rights and responsibilities of the parties to dispute and other interested persons, participating in the investigation of the dispute, the procedure for preparation for dispute investigation, the detailed procedure for reconciliation of the parties, procedure for essential investigation of the dispute and procedure for adoption of resolutions. In observance of the said rules not only will RRT have the right to state the fact of violation, but also adopt the resolution, enforceable in regard to the postal or courier service provider and take stricter measures.

Table 5. The reasons for complaints from postal and courier service users and resolutions, taken by RRT in 2005

2005

Complaints regarding the quality of postal and courier services:

22

Resolutions in favor of service users 14

Resolution, partially in favor of the user 3

No violation is identified 3

Pending 2

Complaints regarding the provision of universal postal services:

25

Resolutions in favor or service users 6

Amicable resolution of dispute 1

Rejected according to the procedure, set by legal acts by presenting explanations

4

Pending 14Source: RRT.

Promotion of competition in electronic communications and postal sectors

Consumer awareness increase

In order to provide the public with the most compre-hensive and topical information on the issues, related to the provision of universal postal services, other postal and courier services possible in 2005 RRT introduced the “Infor-mation for Postal and Courier Service Users” section on its webpage, where the information on the rights of postal and courier service users, the obligations of the providers, qual-ity, security and other requirements, raised to postal and courier services are publicized.

In 2005, RRT commissioned a survey on satisfaction of Lithuania’s residents with the services, provided by postal and courier service providers. During the first comprehen-sive public opinion survey RRT sought to identify the postal services, most frequently used by Lithuanians and compli-ance of the services with the residents’ expectations, sat-isfaction of consumers with the obligations, undertaken by the service providers and service provision conditions.

The results of the survey showed that 62.3 per cent of Lithuania’s residents used postal and courier services in 2005. More than half (61.8 per cent) of Lithuania’s residents think that if the competition between the service providers increases, the quality of postal services will improve.

During the survey it was identified that the postal and courier service users, when choosing their service provider, give most attention to the execution of obligations to the user, quality of customer care, reasonable prices for serv-ices provided, quick delivery of postal items and convenient location for the provision of services. The majority of the surveyed (69.9 per cent) use the services, provided by VĮ Lietuvos Paštas one time per month or more frequently. More than one half (61.1 per cent) uses the services, pro-vided by other postal and courier service providers less frequently than one time per month. The participants of the survey are satisfied with the services, provided by both VĮ Lietuvos Paštas and other providers (the data of the study, executed by UAB RAIT in November 2005).

70 71

Fig. 20. Evaluation of prices, quality, accuracy of the information on the provided services, customer care and diversity of services, provided by VĮ Lietuvos Paštas in 2005 (consumer assessment) (for the evaluation a 4 point scale was used: 1 – the user is “very dissatisfied”, 4 – “very satisfied”)Source: the survey, executed by UAB RAIT in November 2005

Protection of consumer rights and legal interests in sector of equipment and devices

RRT, when executing the supervision of radio commu-nication equipment, telecommunications terminal equip-ment and other devices and equipment, for instance home electric and medical appliances, information technology equipment, electric and electronic sub-units of transporta-tion equipment, industrial and scientific equipment strives for the consumers on Lithuania’s market to be able to purchase the aforementioned equipment, compliant with security, electromagnetic compatibility and radio frequency spectrum efficient use requirements.

After the implementation of the EU legislation, abolish-ing the limitations on provision of the said equipment to Lithuania’s market in Lithuania that resulted in the reduction of costs of provision of the said equipment to the market, consumers may purchase the equipment at better prices.

The results of supervision of radio communication equipment and telecommunication terminal equipment market

In 2005 by executing control measurements RRT investigated whether technical parameters of radio com-munication equipment, taken from the market satisfy the established security and electromagnetic compatibility requirements. Both preventive and ongoing supervision was executed. RRT laboratories tested the compliance of technical parameters of radio communication equipment, taken from the market to the requirements related to the efficient radio frequency spectrum usage set forth in the Technical Regulation on Radio Communication Equipment and Telecommunications Terminal Equipment (the Regula-tion).

In 2005 from the Customs Department under the Minis-try of Finance RRT received and analyzed the documents of 9 454 equipment units brought in the country. When analyzing the data on the brought-in equipment, presented by the Customs Department under the Ministry of Finance (classificatory codes) the equipment, falling into the regula-tory area, provided by the Regulation is selected, it is also checked weather there is new equipment unavailable in the market yet. The information on the brought-in equipment is stored in the database and is later used when executing equipment checks in sales outlets.

In 2005 95 stores and sales outlets were checked. The equipment of 7 types was found non-compliant with the requirements, provided in the Regulation, its provision to the market was suspended, equipment of 6 types was removed from the market, provision of one type of equip-ment to the market was suspended till the identified viola-tions are eliminated, 4 companies were obliged to suspend the provision of equipment to the market and eliminate the identified violations.

RRT annual report

Fig. 19. Postal and courier services, used by residents in 2005, per centSource: The study, executed by UAB RAIT in 2005

70 71

Table 6. The results of supervision of radio communication equipment and telecommunications terminal equipment market, 2004– 2005

Promotion of competition in electronic communications and postal sectors

The results of checksThe number, pcs.

2004 2005

The total number of checked equipment units

132 183

radio communication equipment 102 157

terminal equipment 8 2

equipment of both types 22 24

The CE marking present 10 17

The CE marking absent 122 166

The conformity declaration present 35 28

The presented conformity declaration is 97 155

thorough 53 56

abridged 21 53

the reference regarding the compatibility to the requirements, provided in the Directive 1999/5/EC is presented

8 26

the Internet link to the conformity declaration is presented

15 20

The notification is not obligatory 85 117

The notification is obligatory: 47 66

the notifications are presented by 27 17

the notifications are not presented by 20 49

The information on the terminal equipment interfaces is presented by

21 23

The information on the usage of terminal equipment is presented by

22 28

The information on the radio communication equipment usage is presented by

70 136

Source: RRT.

RRT, when executing the supervision under the Regu-lation, checked whether the technical parameters of radio communication equipment, taken from the market, sat-isfy the requirements of harmonized Lithuanian standards, related to the efficient usage of radio frequency spectrum. In 2005 the compliance of parameters of 15 radio com-munication equipment units (equipment of 5 types) to the requirements, provided in the Regulation was checked and equipment of 2 types was found non-compliant with the requirements of the Regulation.

In 2005, in order to ensure free movement of radio com-munication equipment and telecommunications terminal equipment and provision of the equipment to the market Lithuania’s manufacturers and/or equipment importers co-

mmissioned the RRT to execute tests of 7 radio communi-cation equipment according to the harmonized standards, under the Radio Communication Equipment and Telecom-munications Terminal Equipment Directive, obligatory for the selected compliance evaluation procedures.

The equipment and devices electromagnetic compatibility control

In 2005, by decision of the National Accreditation Agen-

cy the accreditation scope of the accredited Equipment and Devices EMC Control Division of RRT was extended and approved. At present the accreditation scope of the accred-ited Equipment and Devices EMC Control Division of RRT is one of the broadest of Lithuania’s accredited institutions. The technical competence and quality system of the unit is fully compliant with the international standards and other normative documents.

The accreditation sphere of the accredited Equipment and Devices EMC Control Division of RRT was consistently extended since 1999. At present the unit is accredited to execute tests according to 136 international (IEC, CISPR, ISO), regional (EN, ETSI EN, GOST) and national (LST) standards.

Fig. 21. The dynamics of electromagnetic compatibility standards, included into the accreditation sphere of RRT in 1999–2005 Source: RRT.

The Equipment and Devices EMC Control Division of RRT executes compliance tests based on electromagnetic compatibility requirements on:

■ Radio communication and telecommunications terminal equipment;

■ Information technology equipment;■ Household appliances, electric tools and similar

apparatus;■ Radio and television broadcast receivers and

associated equipment;■ Industrial, scientific and medical radio frequency

equipment;

72 73

RRT annual report

■ Audio, video and entertaining lighting control apparatus for professional use;

■ Agricultural and forestry machines;■ Electrical and electronic sub-assembly units of

vehicles;■ Internal combustion engine locomotive parts.According to the results of equipment and devices tests,

executed by RRT it may be stated that in 2005 the number of radio communication and telecommunication equip-ment tested for the first time was greater than that of other electric and electronic devices (including household and industrial devices).

Fig. 23. The test equipment, used by RRT for electromagnetic compatibility control: left – anechoic chamber, right – weather protected open area test site

With the view to executing electromagnetic compatibil-ity control more effectively and accurately RRT consistently extended its technical base. At the end of 2005 the existing screened room was upgraded to an anechoic chamber, completely compliant with the EU requirements, its walls were covered by TDK ferrite tiles and pyramid absorbers. The anechoic chamber, together with modern measure-ment equipment will allow to execute software controllled measurements of radiated disturbancesin the 30 MHz–18 GHz frequency range and immunity to electromagnetic fields tests in the 80 MHz–4 GHz frequency range in more quick, accurate and effective way. A part of electromag-netic compatibility tests is executed in open area test sites (OATS)–at 10 m (weather protected site) and 30 m (open area site) distance. All the measuring instruments are peri-odically calibrated at the accredited EU calibration labora-tories, in order to ensure their compliance with international etalons.

In each case RRT tests the following: a) the electromagnetic disturbance emissions, i. e. 10

different electromagnetic disturbance (conducted and radi-ated) characteristics are tested in the frequency range 50 Hz to 20 GHz;

b) immunity to disturbances, i. e. 15 different character-istics of immunity are tested;

c) the characteristics of radio spectrum, radiated by radio communication equipment, i. e. different electromag-netic compatibility parameters, regulated in harmonized standards are tested.

Fig. 22. Compliance of the equipment, tested in 2005 to the electromagnetic compatibility requirements, per cent Source: RRT.

72 73

Fig. 24. The dynamics of the number of statements of electro-magnetic compatibility tests, executed by RRT in 2000–2005Source: RRT.

In 2005 RRT identified most cases of non-compliance to the EU electromagnetic compatibility requirements due to radiated disturbances in the 30 MHz–1000 MHz frequency band (42 per cent of the total of non-compliance cases) and due to conducted disturbances at mains terminals in 150 kHz–30 MHz frequency range (22 per cent of the total of non-compliance cases)

Equipment and devices conformity assessment

The radio communication equipment and telecommuni-cations terminal equipment sector are an important part of the telecommunications market. All the mentioned equip-ment is divided into two classes:

– Class 1 covers the radio communication equipment and telecommunications terminal equipment, which may be provided to the EU market and used in all the EU member states without any restrictions;

– Class 2 covers the radio communication equipment and telecommunications terminal equipment, falling into the sphere of application of the Regulation however such equipment is not included into the list of equipment of Class 1. The EU member states apply certain restrictions to their provision to the market and/or usage.

In 2005 RRT received 1 429 notifications on the provi-sion of the equipment of Class 2 to the market. The number of such notifications more than doubled comparing with 2004. All the notifications were investigated and the replies regarding the possibilities to put equipment on the market and conditions for usage of the equipment in Lithuania were forwarded to the equipment providers: in seven cases the equipment was prohibited from putting on Lithuania’s mar-ket, in three cases it was stated that use of equipment in Lithuania is impossible, in eight cases the importers were informed on the conditions of partial restriction of use of

the equipment in Lithuania, 99 submitted declarations of conformity for the products and 12 notified body opinions were analyzed.

Table 7. The document files regarding provision of Class 2 equipment to the market, analyzed by RRT in 2004–2005

Type of equipmentNumber of files

2004 2005

WLAN equipment 290 887

PMR equipment 146 145

Mikrolink equipment 47 74

Low distance equipment 120 269

Other equipment 51 54

TOTAL: 654 1 429Source: RRT.

Promotion of competition in electronic communications and postal sectors

74 75

Promotion of competition in electronic communications sector

Participants of electronic communications market

The electronic communications sector was liberalized on 1 January 2003. Simple market entry procedure, set for all undertakings gave the conditions for rapid growth of the number of market participants.

In 2005 19 undertakings submitted their notifications on the intent to engage in public fixed telephone com-munication network and/or services provision business, 2 undertakings presented notification on the intent to engage in public mobile telephone communication network and/or service provision activities, 3 new undertakings submitted notifications on the intent to engage in the provision of leased line services.

Fig. 25. The dynamics of number of undertakings, engaging in different electronic communication activities in 2003–2005 Source: RRT.

■ In 2005 the mobile telephone communication penetration in Lithuania grew the fastest among all the EU member states and, according to the data of the international telecommunication market studies agency Informa Telecoms & Media became the big-gest in the world in December 2005.

■ Starting from the end of 2004 the number of alter-native public fixed telephone communication serv-ice providers grew by 17.4 per cent.

■ Compared with 2004, the revenues of alternative providers grew by 22.9 per cent in 2005.

■ The number of Internet access subscribers grew 2.1times from the beginning of the year.

■ The number of broadband Internet subscribers grew almost by 81.4 per cent.

■ The prices of mobile telephone communication, fixed telephone communication access, retail leased lines, applicable in Lithuania are among the lowest in the world.

(Lithuanian Communications Sector 2005)

PROMOTION OF COMPETITION IN ELECTRONIC COMMUNICATIONS AND POSTAL SECTORS

74 75

Market studies

Opening of the market and elimination of procedural barriers to enter the market did not eliminate all the com-petitive problems in the electronic communications sector. Electronic communications are an infrastructure sector and the peculiarities of the sector form specific competition problems and challenges to regulators.

According to the Law on Electronic Communications, RRT executes electronic communication markets studies with the aim to establishing whether the competition on the specific electronic communication service markets is effi-cient and, in case the competition on the studied markets is not efficient it seeks to define the undertakings, holding significant power in the markets and prevent the abuse of such undertakings in the market.

RRT is entitled to set specific obligations, foreseen in the Law on Electronic Communications to undertakings, holding significant power on the corresponding market, which include transparency, non-discrimination, separation of accounting, provision of access, price control and cost accounting and also other obligations, related to the provi-sion of services to end users and other obligations, taking into consideration the set competition problems on the specific electronic communications market and suitability of the specific obligations for resolution of such problems. RRT sets the moment of commencement of execution of such obligations. The market studies are executed, and the obligations set encourage competition, beneficial for the end users.

According to the Law on Electronic Communications the maximum period for study of one market is 13 months (excluding public consultations with market participants, the EC and other EU state institutions). RRT takes final deci-

sion on the specific studied market, i. e. the undertakings with significant market power and the obligations, applica-ble to them only upon evaluation of opinions of the Europe-an Communities Commission (EC Commission), national regulatory institutions of EU member states, Competition Council of the Republic of Lithuania and participants of the electronic communications market.

In 2005 market studies were the priority activities of RRT. When studying markets in 2005 RRT gave priority to studies of wholesale electronic communication services market, which are the basis for the development of retail electronic communication services. Therefore with the view to creating favorable conditions for competition on the retail services market in 2005 RRT started studies of almost all the wholesale electronic communication service markets (9 markets out of 11), and in the beginning of 2006 started studying of all the remaining markets. Four market studies were successfully completed in 2005.

In 2005 RRT notified 4 market studies to the EC Com-mission. All 4 market studies were successful, the consent of the EC Commission was received and till 20 February 2006 RRT adopted resolutions regarding the undertakings, holding significant power on four markets – voice calls termination in individual mobile telephone communication networks market; calls termination in individual public tel-ephone communication networks, provided at a fixed loca-tion market; wholesale broadband communication access market; transit services, provided by public fixed telephone communication network market.

Till 1 July 2006 RRT is planning to notify the EC Com-mission on all the 18 markets studies (the number of markets notified in the EC Recommendation 2003/311/EC of 11 February 2003 on the corresponding electronic com-munications market).

Fig. 26. Market study situation as of March 2006 Source: RRT.

Supervision of execution of obligations, set for the undertaking with significant market power

RRT continuously supervises how the undertakings with significant market power observe the obligations, set in their regard i.e. the obligation to announce the advance networks interconnection offer, advance access provision

offer, non-discrimination and transparency obligations and the obligations, related with accounting and pricing. The obligations, applied in regard to the undertakings with significant market power reduce barriers for entry to the corresponding markets and increase the freedom of busi-ness initiatives, ensure similar conditions for competing on the electronic communications markets to the undertakings

Promotion of competition in electronic communications and postal sectors

76 77

and a greater degree of competition on the markets, which results in lower prices for electronic communication service users, a wider range of services and better quality, also ensure each consumer’s freedom to choose the service provider that suits their needs best.

In 2004 RRT initiated the project on formation of the LRAIC (long run average incremental costs) accounting model for identification of the costs of public fixed tele-phone communication backbone network services. In 2005 the works of the first stage of formation of LRAIC costs accounting model in regard to the public fixed telephone communication backbone network and leased line trunk segment services were executed (RRT formed the “bot-tom up” model part (BU–LRAIC), at present AB Lietuvos Telekomas forms the “top down“ model part (TD–LRAIC)). In 2006, after both models are coordinated and a hybrid model (HY-LRAIC) is formed, the project will be completed. The implemented LRAIC project will give the possibility to set the wholesale services costs and prices of the fixed telephone communication network operator, efficiently operating on the competitive market and using the optimum technologies.

Referring to the results of market studies, at the end of 2005 RRT initiated the project on formation of public mobile telephone communication LRAIC cost accounting model, whose implementation will give the possibility to set the wholesale services costs and prices of the mobile tel-ephone communication network operator, efficiently operat-ing on the competitive market, which will reduce the market entry barriers and increase the competition for the benefit of consumers.

AB Lietuvos Telekomas, by way of taking the require-ment of RRT into consideration, has reduced the prices of unbundled access services and renewed the public offer of unbundled access services. In average the prices reduced by 25 per cent or from 2 per cent to almost 52 per cent for separate services, comparing with the previously valid prices of AB Lietuvos Telekomas.

In the beginning of 2005 AB Lietuvos Telekomas renewed the advance telecommunication networks inter-connection offer. According to the complaints, filed by UAB NTT, UAB Interneto Pasaulis and UAB Linkotelus the executed changes were in conflict with the require-ments, provided in legal acts. Taking into account obliga-tions imposed by RRT into consideration in October 2005 AB Lietuvos Telekomas presented the renewed advance telecommunication networks interconnection offer and in December repeatedly renewed the advance telecommuni-cation networks interconnection offer.

In 2005 the complaint of UAB Linkotelus was investi-gated. The subject of the dispute was the question whether the amended networks interconnection conditions, offered

by AB Lietuvos Telekomas after UAB Linkotelus wished to extend the networks interconnection agreement did not violate the obligations, set for AB Lietuvos Telekomas and the request to apply temporary measures in order to protect UAB Linkotelus from termination of networks interconnec-tion agreement. After the parties to the dispute signed the reconciliation agreement, by decision of Dispute Investiga-tion Comission of RRT the dispute between UAB Linkotelus and AB Lietuvos Telekomas was terminated.

Encouragement of market self-regulatory mechanisms

In order to encourage market self-regulatory processes and increase transparency of the market the RRT periodi-cally announced comprehensive reports on development of the market both in the electronic communication sector (five periodical reports during 2005), and in postal and courier services sector (four quarterly reports).

In 2005 the comprehensive publication “Lithuania’s Telecommunications Sector” (in Lithuanian and English languages) was published for the first time. The publication is planned to become annual.

The data on the electronic communications and postal and courier services markets, collected by RRT are impar-tial, giving the possibility to view the situation on the market and its separate parts. According to the market overviews of RRT the market participants may analyze the business situation, view the trends on separate spheres according to the character of the provided services, the market shares of the market participants and according to distribution of technologies.

Number portability service

In 2005 the telephone communication number portabil-ity was fully implemented, the final transfer of subscribers’ telephone communication numbers to the central database was completed on 1 February 2006. Implementation of number portability service means that all the users, while retaining their subscriber number, may choose any serv-ice provider according to the criteria important to the user: quality of services, prices, range of the provided services, customer care quality, discount systems applicable. After implementation of the central database principle, the user, when using the services of another mobile telephone com-munication service provider, may use not only voice com-munication service, but also short messages (SMS), multi-media messages (MMS) and all the other mobile telephone communication services. The previously valid number portability service principle by way of call forwarding did not grant the users the possibility to send and receive SMS and

RRT annual report

76 77

MMS (the main differences between the two number porta-bility service implementation principles – central databases and call forwarding are presented in the figure below).

According to the data of RRT at the end of January of 2006 61 367 users used the number portability service (1.15 per cent of all the users), including 57 788 mobile and 3 579 fixed communication subscribers. The number portability service gives the users freedom and the pos-

sibility to choose the services of the operator, best suiting his/her needs and retain the telephone number. In case of availability of number portability service, the competition between the service providers, providing similar telephone communication services increases, since the service pro-viders become aware of the importance not only to attract the largest number of new subscriber possible but also to retain the existing subscribers.

Choice of service provider

Starting from 1 January 2003 the subscribers of public telephone communication networks and/or service provid-ers with significant power on the market of connection to the public telephone communication network and using the network at a fixed location were able to use the services of another public fixed telephone communication operator by dialing short telephone communication numbers from the 10XX series. Starting from 1 January 2004 subscrib-ers were able to choose the services, provided by another public fixed telephone communication operator, including the way of pre-selection, i. e. the subscribers, who signed an agreement with another service provider, did not need to dial the short telephone communication number (from the 10XX series) and execute any additional procedure.

Referring to Article 33 of the Law on Electronic Com-munications, on 28 November 2005 the description of the conditions and procedure for ensuring the right of the subscriber to use the telephone communication services, provided by any public telephone communication service provider was prepared. The aforementioned description is applied in regard to the public telephone communica-tion networks and/or service providers, having significant power on the market of connection to the public telephone communication network and using the network at a fixed location.

In 2005 the service provider selection service was avail-able to the subscribers of public fixed telephone communi-cation operator AB Lietuvos Telekomas. At the end of 2005 23 electronic communication service providers were able to provide electronic communication services to the subscrib-ers of AB Lietuvos Telekomas.

Supervision of electronic communications infrastructure

In 2005 RRT executed national supervision of installa-tion and use of electronic communications infrastructure. RRT establishes construction designing conditions in observance of the rules on installation and use of electronic communications infrastructure, setting the main secu-rity and functional requirements of the construction when designing, constructing and equipping new constructions or reconstructing or repairing the existing electronic communi-cation constructions, to the extent it relates with installation of electronic communications engineering systems inside the constructions.

In 2005 8 requests to establish the designing conditions were received, investigated and replies were forwarded to the applicants.

Fig. 27. Number portability scheme by the method of forwarding (left) and by using the central database model (right)Source: RRT

Promotion of competition in electronic communications and postal sectors

78 79

Promotion of competition in postal sector

Postal and courier services market participants

At present there are no constraints for new participants to enter the postal and courier services market; in order to engage in courier services activities, the only thing to do is to inform RRT. Postal activities require permissions, however issuance procedures are simple and quick. Both postal and courier service providers must observe the requirements of legal acts, regulating the said activities.

In 2005 RRT issued 2 licenses to engage in the provi-sion of postal services and entered 10 companies into the list of courier service providers; abolished 2 licenses for the provision of postal services and deleted 5 courier service providers from the list of courier service providers.

According to the data available on 31 December 2005, 75 enterprises operated on the postal and courier services market, including 10 enterprises providing both postal and courier services, 1 company, providing postal services only and 64 provided courier services only.

■ Gradual liberalization of the postal market – start-ing from 1 January 2006 the 50 grams reserved postal items weight limit and 2.5 higher tariff was set for postal service providers – further promo-tion of competition, which creates preconditions for affordable prices and diversity of services for postal service users.

■ The simplification of market entry procedures resulted in the increase of the number of market par-ticipants – in 2005 the number of market participants grew by 53 per cent comparing with 2002.

■ In 2005 the revenues of other postal and courier service providers for the provided postal and courier services grew by 17 per cent comparing with 2002.

(RRT 2005 QIV postal sector overview) ■ The prices of universal postal services in Lithua-nia, comparing with other EU countries are among the lowest – the price of one standard letter, weigh-ing up to 20 grams is 29 eurocents.

(The Free and Fair Post Initiative, Brussels, 2005)

Fig. 28. The dynamics of number of postal and courier service providers in 2002-2006 Source: RRT.

Universal postal service tariffs and cost accounting

In July of 2005 the rules on accounting of costs of the universal postal service provider (the Rules) were approved. The Rules superseded the procedure of account-ing of costs of universal postal service providers, approved in 2003. The new Rules set the main cost accounting man-agement principles for the universal postal service provider and requirements for the cost accounting system.

The universal postal service provider VĮ Lietuvos Paštas must execute accounting of costs according to the requirements, set in the Rules and one time during the accounting period, however not later than till 1 June of the following accounting period, will prepare and submit to RRT the detailed monthly report, sufficient for the evaluation of whether the cost accounting system, used by the universal postal service provider complies with the requirements, pro-vided by the Rules and other legal acts, approved by RRT.

In April 2005 VĮ Lietuvos Paštas submitted the first universal postal services and reserved postal services cost report for 2004 to RRT. Upon studying the report RRT presented its comments and specified main shortcomings, which VĮ Lietuvos Paštas must eliminate.

In November 2005 VĮ Lietuvos Paštas submitted the universal postal services cost accounting improvement measures plan for 2005–2007 to RRT.

Supervision of postal and courier service market

69 audits of postal and courier service providers were executed in 2005. The main violations observed were non-observance of service quality requirements and agree-ments, failure to deliver postal items to addressees by hand upon signature, failure to submit quarterly reports in due time, absence of internal rules and identification seal of the enterprise. 20 enterprises were notified regarding the failure to submit the reports on the executed activities. In 2005 5 administrative law violation code statements for the identified violations of the requirements provided by legal acts were issued to 3 companies.

RRT annual report

78 79

Encouragement of investment and development of advanced ICT technologies

In 2005 the terrestrial digital television development plan was prepared and approved, the tender for granting the right to use radio frequencies (channels) from the 470-862 MHz radio frequency band for launching of two digital television networks and transmitting of digital television programs via those networks was announced. The tender was won by and the licenses to use the radio frequencies in two digital television networks were issued to AB Lietuvos Radijo ir Televizijos Centras and AB Lietuvos Telekomas.

Prior to issuing the licenses a huge work on coordi-nation of frequencies, allocated for digital television with neighboring states was done, the proposals regarding the European digital TV radio frequencies usage plan were presented at the European level.

According to the conditions of the licenses to use radio frequencies (channels) on digital terrestrial television net-works, the stations, able to transmit not less than 16 digital

■ Technological competition on Lithuania‘s broad-band communication market is the most intense in the entire EU.

(EC Report 11 “European Electronic Communications Regula-tion and Markets 2005“)

■ According to the opinion of 72.7 per cent of Lithuania’s residents, the new communications technology selection possibilities increased signifi-cantly (17.9 per cent) or increased (54.8 per cent) during the latter five years.

(The data of survey, executed by UAB RAIT 10 March 2006)

terrestrial television programs will be installed in Vilnius till 30 June 2006. The companies, which received the licenses, till 1 January 2009, will ensure that digital television network will cover at least 95 per cent of the territory of the Republic of Lithuania.

In 2005 public tender for granting the right to use radio frequencies (channels) in the third generation mobile radio communication (UMTS) networks was announced. In Feb-ruary 2006, by way of tender the right to use the radio fre-quencies (channels) in the 1920-1980 MHz and 2110-2170 MHz radio frequency UMTS networks was granted to UAB Omnitel, UAB Bitė Lietuva and UAB Tele2. According to the tender conditions the winners will start the provision of UMTS/IMT-2000 services within the time period of one year, however one of the license holders started providing the UMTS services in eight cities of Lithuania already at the end of February 2006, and at present UMTS services are avail-able to approximately 25 per cent of Lithuania’s residents. UMTS networks will give possibility to provide users with new generation electronic communication services, which preeminently are viewed as data transmission via wireless networks at the speed rate of up to 2 Mbps: streaming (for instance multimedia, video on demand, direct broadcasts services), interactive services (for instance Internet brows-ing and web games, access to databases), basic services (for instance electronic mail, SMS, web browsing, down-loading of videos), telephony services (for instance, voice telephony, video telephony, video games). UMTS will also allow customers to use several services simultaneously.

At the end of 2005 RRT prepared and announced for public consultation the radio frequency development within the 3.410–3.600 GHz radio frequency band plan. The radio frequency band is used for the introduction of wireless broadband access (for instance WiMax) therefore in 2006, upon issuance of licenses for activities within the radio frequency range, the broadband communication in Lithuania is likely to develop even more rapidly and better possibilities to receive services in rural areas will come into existence.

RRT actively participated in international and regional coordination of usage of 410–470 MHz, 2300–2400 MHz, 2500–2690 MHz, 3600–3800 MHz and 5725–5925 MHz radio frequency bands. The radio frequency bands to be used for the most modern technologies radio communica-tion equipment must be harmonized on the level of the European states or on the European Community level therefore RRT closely cooperated with workgroups of Electronic Communications Committee (ECC) of European Conference of Postal and Telecommunication Administra-tions (CEPT) and the EC and the decisions of RRT are taken referring to joint decisions, taken by the aforemen-tioned workgroups. The activity ensures that radio frequen-

SHAPING PRECONDITIONS FOR TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENT OF ELECTRONIC COMMUNICATIONS MARKET

80 81

cies for new technologies will be used in an efficient man-ner both on the national and regional level.

The undertakings, which have received the right to use the aforementioned radio frequencies, during the coming years will invest into Lithuania’s electronic communications infrastructure which will have positive influence on Lithua-nia’s residents use of modern services and possibilities that will become available will correspond to the most advanced countries’ ICT development trends.

In 2005 RRT dedicated significant attention to the devel-opment of radio frequency management methods and radio frequency assignment procedures, the updated version of the rules for the allocation and use of radio frequencies/channels was prepared and approved. The said rules consolidated more flexible and liberal radio frequency management procedures, including allocation of frequen-cies for experimental purposes. This is likely to encourage innovations and faster development and implementation of new wireless technologies. For the said purpose in 2005 2 licenses to use radio frequencies/channels were issued for launching experimental networks of the third genera-tion mobile radio communication (UMTS/IMT-2000) (UAB Omnitel and UAB Tele2), in January of 2006 – the license to use television channel 27 in Šalčininkai for the experimen-tal broadcasting transmission of the 1st Lithuanian national program (AB Lietuvos Radijo ir Televizijos Centras).

When liberalizing radio frequency usage conditions, RRT is striving to encourage market participants to provide the widest range of modern wireless services and use the available limited national resources as efficiently as pos-sible.

Radio and television

At the end of 2005 123 and 214 radio stations were broadcasting in Lithuania. In 2005 a digital radio station, broadcasting 6 radio programs and a digital television sta-tion, broadcasting 5 television programs were operating in Vilnius.

Multichannel multipoint distribution service (MMDS) stations broadcasted television programs by 3 channels in Klaipėda and by 6 channels in Šiauliai and Panevėžys. The radio frequencies/channels, foreseen for broadcasting transmission of radio and television programs are planned and allocated according to the strategy on allocation of radio frequencies for broadcasting transmission of radio and television programs and the strategic plan, prepared by RRT in cooperation with Lithuania’s Radio and Televi-sion Commission.

In 2005 RRT furnished Lithuania’s Radio and Television Commission with the information on 2 radio frequencies and 1 television channel, which, according to the strategic plan

of allocation of radio frequencies for broadcasting transmis-sion of radio and television programs, are foreseen to be allocated to radio and television program broadcasters. The last time the plan was renewed was in August of 2005.

In 2005, in cooperation with telecommunication admin-istrations of foreign states radio frequencies/channels usage conditions for 16 analogue television stations, 17 digital terrestrial television stations and 31 radio broad-casting stations were coordinated. In addition technical parameters of 62 television stations were presented for registration into the register of the International Telecom-munications Union (ITU).

Radio Communication Mobile Service

The radio frequencies/channels, allocated for mobile radio communication are used by internal and public radio communication networks of terrestrial mobile service, ship and shore stations of maritime mobile service, aircraft and terrestrial stations of aeronautic mobile service. At the end of 2005 RRT supervised of 2 944 allocated radio frequencies/channels, used for operation of 1261 internal radio communication networks, 87 terrestrial stations of aeronautic mobile service and 36 coast stations of maritime mobile service and stations of other services – totally more than 20.5 thousand stations. RRT supervises 6 public radio communication networks that operate 2 176 stations. 253 ship and 306 aircraft stations are registered in the database of RRT at the moment.

In 2005 RRT issued the licenses for: 75 – for use of public radio communication network stations, 351 – for use of radio frequencies in internal mobile telecommunication networks, 18 – for use of radio frequencies of maritime mobile service, 38 – for use of radio frequencies of aero-nautic mobile service, 139 – for use of ship stations, 130 – for use of aircraft stations.

In 2005 international coordination of the radio frequen-cies, allocated for the mobile service was executed. 21 radio frequencies for mobile communications were coor-dinated with the telecommunication administrations of the neighboring states. By requests, received from the te-lecommunication administrations of the neighboring states 12 radio frequencies for mobile radio communication were coordinated.

Radio Communication Satellite and Fixed Service

At present the developers of new technologies show particular interest in 2–26 GHz radio frequency bands, since they are suitable for good propagation of radio-waves, the losses are insignificant, the radio communication distance

RRT annual report

80 81

is sufficient for stable transmission of data. Since the 3.410–3.600 GHz radio frequency band is prepared for the provision of wireless broadband access services, licenses for usage of the radio frequency band are foreseen to be issued in the nearest future according to the finalized radio communication development plan.

Table 8. The radio frequency bands, possible to be used in Lithuania for wireless broadband access

Frequency Band The usable channels Free channels

3.410–3.600 GHz 25 x 3.5 MHz 12 x 3.5 MHz

3.600–3.800 GHz 28 x 3.5 MHz 23 x 3.5 MHz

10.15–10.3/10.5–10.65 GHz

20 x 7 MHz 5 x 7 MHz

24.5–26.5 GHz 32 x 28 MHz 5 x 28 MHz

Source: RRT.

In 2005 2 operators had the licenses to operate within the 3.5 GHz and 10.5 GHz radio frequency bands for the provision of wireless broadband access services in Lithua-nia, 4 operators had licenses for 26 GHz.

In 2005, after construction of 32 wireless broadband access base stations, their total number grew up to 72 and at present the services, provided by operators are acces-sible to major cities’ and district residents.

After the number and quality of services, provided by satellite service increased and after the satellite communi-cation network operators reduced the satellite communica-tion channel lease prices, the number of users of satellite communication services in Lithuania kept growing.

At the end of 2005 9 undertakings were operating within the satellite radio communication Ku-band (11–18 GHz) and C-band (4–6 GHz), 3 new licenses to use the 6.5 GHz and 14 GHz radio communication frequency bands were issued.

Satellite communication could be one of the technolo-gies, used for the development of broadband communica-tion in remote locations, where there is no possibility to use other technologies or installation costs of those technolo-gies are unreasonably high. Taking the average speed rate service provision costs into consideration satellite commu-nication system is the most efficient solution in rural resi-dential areas, where there are less than 20 users. Typical users of the service are business entities in remote areas of the country.

Spectrum engineering

As the number of data transmission lines and wireless broadband access stations in Lithuania increases, the elec-tromagnetic compatibility assessment and spectrum plan-ning is becoming ever more important in order to utilize the

available spectrum resources in the most rational manner possible. When evaluating the electromagnetic compat-ibility the recommendations ITU-R P.452, ITU-R P.530 and ITU-R P.525/526, prepared by the International Telecom-munications Union were observed.

In 2005 RRT evaluated electromagnetic compatibility of 38 data transmission lines and 20 wireless broadband access central stations and analyzed 20 projects on data transmission lines.

In 2005, as agreed upon in the agreement between the telecommunication administrations of the Republic of Lithuania and Russian Federation regarding coordina-tion of terrestrial mobile service stations and television and VHF/FM stations within the 48.5-87.5 MHz radio frequency band, coordination distance tables were pre-pared. Coordination distance is the distance at which the stations, located near the border of another state must be coordinated prior to commencement of operation. After the distance is identified provisions of the agreement between the telecommunication administrations of the Republic of Lithuania and Russian Federation regarding coordination of mobile stations within the 48.5-87.5 MHz radio frequency band were implemented.

For the purpose of ensuring the protection of stations, operated in Lithuania against interference, Lithuania’s radio communication stations are coordinated with the telecom-munication administrations of foreign states. Comparing with 2004, in 2005 3 times more, i. e. more than 1200 requests for allocation of frequencies for fixed service sta-tions within the frequency range from 1 GHz to 40 GHz were forwarded to the telecommunication administrations of foreign states for coordination and more than 500 foreign state telecommunication administrations station coordina-tion requests were examined.

Fig. 29. The number of requests for coordination of radio stations, forwarded to foreign states telecommunication administrations and the number of requests for coordination of radio stations from foreign states telecommunication administrations, examined by RRT in 2004–2005.Source: RRT.

Shaping preconditions for technological development of electronic communications market

82 83

In 2005 by way of open tender the ICS Telecom soft-ware, manufactured by British company ATDI was pur-chased. The software, giving the possibility to evaluate the interoperability of fixed, mobile, satellite and broadcasting services is already used for planning of wireless broadband access stations.

In 2005 the 3.4-3.8 GHz spectral band was analyzed for the prepared frequency range development plan and the possible regional operators networks in the range was planned. The purpose of the analysis is to identify the a-mount of spectrum for one regional operators’ network. In order to plan a functioning network, covering more than 75 per cent of territory of the country 42 central stations were selected in main cities and towns of Lithuania, TDD technology was applied and the 7 MHz channel bandwidth was selected. When executing the analysis and theoreti-cal planning the network it was established that in order to utilize the available spectrum resources efficiently, at least 3 channels would be sufficient for the network in order to have the entire territory of Lithuania covered.

When preparing for the implementation of digital televi-sion in Lithuania RRT evaluated the influence of other radio communication services, operated in the television radio frequency range to the receipt of digital television. Since aeronautics navigation radars are operated within the range, RRT executed the study of immunity of the DVB-T standard digital television system to aeronautics navigation radars. The studies showed that the digital television signal conversion equipment is immune to the interfering radar impulses, therefore the aeronautics navigation radars, functioning in the neighboring states will not bring interfer-ences to receipt of digital TV programs in Lithuania.

International radio frequency coordination negotiations

During the transnational meeting with representatives of Belarus and Latvian telecommunication administrations, held in September 2005 in Vilnius, Lithuania’s requirements for digital TV radio frequency plan, foreseen to be devel-oped and adopted during the second session of regional radio communication conference (RRC-06) were coordi-nated. During the meeting the requirements of telecom-munication administrations for the last preparatory stage of the RRC-06 conference and mutual coordination of radio broadcasting frequencies were agreed upon.

For the purpose of coordination of Lithuania’s require-ments with telecommunication administrations of other states (Finland, Sweden, Poland, Estonia, Latvia, Russia, Belarus, Ukraine), RRT participated in a transnational meet-ing with telecommunication administrations of the neighbor-ing states held in Kiev and in October of 2005 Lithuania’s

requirements for the digital TV radio frequency plan were discussed with telecommunication administrations of Rus-sia, Poland, Latvia and other states. During the meeting the frequency range plan III, prepared by Lithuania’s experts was accepted with insignificant changes.

Radio amateur activities

RRT holds examinations for persons, wishing to engage in radio amateur activities and radio amateurs, wishing to obtain higher class licenses for radio amateur activities.

In 2005 new radio amateur examination commis-sions were formed in 5 major cities of Lithuania (Kaunas, Klaipėda, Panevėžys, Šiauliai and Vilnius).

In 2005 the 344 A level radio amateur qualification examination questions, prepared according to the require-ments, provided by CEPT Recommendation T/R 61-02 and the 295 B level questions were renewed and approved.

In 2005 14 applicants took the qualification examina-tions, 13 of them, including 12 new radio amateurs suc-cessfully passed the examination.

10 December 2005 the new edition of the description of the procedure for granting the right to engage in radio ama-teur activities and the conditions for radio amateur activities came into force. The description sets the procedure for issuing licenses to engage in radio amateur activities and licenses to use radio call signs and canceling their validity, as well as the procedure for assigning, making and using radio call signs, procedure for sending messages and using frequencies, technical requirements to the stations used by radio amateurs and their control, use of digital stations and networks and radio amateur direction finding transmitters, the procedure for organizing qualification examinations and issuance of HAREC certificate and the rights of radio amateurs. Licenses to engage in radio amateur activities of the new form, more compliant with the wishes of radio amateurs have been prepared and are now being issued. The licenses to use radio call signs are also being issued to legal persons. The procedure for granting four-digit radio call signs has been amended.

The information on the call signs, allocated to radio amateurs, the issued licenses and their validity period and other topical information is published on the Internet web-page of RRT.

In 2005 272 radio amateurs’ requests were examined, 220 orders on radio amateur activities were prepared, 251 licenses for radio amateur activities were issued: 194 Class A licenses (equivalent to CEPT license for radio amateur activities) and 57 Class B licenses (national), 10 harmo-nized radio amateur examination certificates (HAREC) were issued, 72 new radio call signs were allocated, 5 radio amateurs recommenced their activities.

RRT annual report

82 83

Radio spectrum monitoring

In 2005 automated radio control systems for the con-trol of radio spectrum were installed in the largest cities of the country. The said systems make it possible to execute complex studies of radio interferences and control meas-urements of television and radio broadcasting transmitter radiation parameters on the entire territory of Lithuania.

Fig. 30. Radio spectrum control results, 2004–2005 Source: RRT.

Management of other resources

Management of network identifiers

26 October 2005 the rules for allocation and usage of international signaling point codes, national signaling point codes, public mobile telephone communication network codes, public data transmission network identification codes and service providers’ issuer identifier numbers were prepared and approved. The rules foresee the pos-sibility to file applications and assign network identifiers to operators electronically.

In 2005 5 international and 5 national signaling point codes and 1 public mobile telephone communication net-work code were assigned.

Telephone communication number management

In 2005 RRT supplemented the rules for the allocation and use of telephone communication numbers and the national telephone communication numbering plan, fore-seeing the possibility to present electronic applications for assignment of numbers, public telephone communication network and/or service providers are given the possibility to receive an unlimited amount of numbers, the provision, obliging to use the minimum amount of numbers was abol-ished, provision of the increased tariff services, intended for adults is expressly regulated by stating that the increased

tariff services, intended for adults can only be provided by the numbers, foreseen in the national telephone commu-nication numbering plan as the increased tariff numbers, intended for adults.

RRT has been receiving a significant number of com-plaints, where users describe the cases when they, when calling to short numbers, due to one mistakenly dialed digit are connected with an operator, providing the services, intended only for adults. RRT, for the purpose of protection of minors from the services, able to bring negative influ-ence made the decision that starting from 1 April 2006 the increased tariff services, intended for adults will be provid-ed exclusively by the numbers of 909 XXXXX series. The users, wishing to protect the minors against the possibility to call to numbers of the 909 XXXXX series will be able to block the calls to the said numbers by informing the service provider on such intent in advance.

For the purpose of regulation of typographic writing and arrangement of national and international telephone communication numbers and use of symbols for writing of national and international telephone communication numbers in all the letters, patterns, logbooks, accounts and other documents, used on the territory of the Republic of Lithuania, in December of 2005 RRT approved the rules for writing of national and international telephone communica-tion numbers.

In 2005 RRT registered 31 cases of unauthorized use of radio frequencies, 14 cases of non-compliance of the maximum radio frequency deviation to the requirements, 16 transmitters, operated without permission were identi-fied and located in Vilnius zone, the persons in default were instructed to eliminate violations.

Shaping preconditions for technological development of electronic communications market

84 85

Table 9. Summary of the assigned telephone communication numbers

Purpose of numbersNumber of issued licenses (pcs.) Number of assigned numbers (pcs.)

2002–2005 2005 2002–2005 2005

Short numbers 10XX 23 1 23 1

Short numbers 18XX 32 9 32 9

Public fixed telephone communication service numbers 17 9 1749540 675900

Public mobile telephone communication service numbers 40 11 7940000 2000000

Service numbers 15 7 17310 6230Source: RRT.

Registration of the high level .eu domain names

In 2005 registration of the “.eu“ Internet domain names was commenced. The EC appointed the EURID organiza-tion to administer the high level “.eu“ domain and receive organizations’ applications to become registrars of “.eu“ domain names. Implementation of the high level “.eu” domain is regulated by the EU legal acts. RRT is respon-sible for the implementation of the EU “.eu“ regulation in Lithuania.

On 7 December 2005 the first stage of registration of the high level “.eu” domain commenced, during which busi-ness enterprises, public institutions and natural persons were given the possibility to receive Internet addresses and electronic mail addresses with the “.eu” ending. The “.eu” domain ending will show the webpage visitors that the web-page belongs to an organization, operating in a EU member state or a EU member state candidate.

During the four months’ Sunrise period the priority right holders, including businesses were given the possibility to apply regarding domain name registration on the condition that they reside or have established their organizations on the territory of the EU.

In 2005 the rules for the approval of the right of public administration institutions to register the “.eu” name in the high level domains were prepared and approved. The rules set the procedure for approval of the state institutions’ right to have their name registered in the “.eu” domain.

In the beginning of 2006 RRT approved the right to reg-ister their Internet name in the “.eu” domain to the following public administration institutions – Druskininkai municipality administration („druskininkai.eu“), Vilnius city municipality administration („vilnius.eu“), Panevėžys district municipal-ity administration („panrs.eu“) and Panevėžys citycouncil („panevezys.eu“).

Starting from 7 April 2006 the domain names register started receiving requests from all the persons, wishing to obtain the high level “.eu” domain. The commenced “.eu” domain registration implements the EC undertaking to give

the European information society its identity in the Internet space on the basis of clear EU rules.

RRT annual report

84 85

Activities in the EU institutions

In 2004 Lithuania became a member state of the EU. In 2005 RRT, which had its representatives in the committees and workgroups of the EU Council and the European Com-mission (the Commission) from the start of Lithuania’s EU membership, when commemorating one year’s anniversary of Lithuania’s membership in the EU, expanded its partici-pation within the EU decision making process.

The expanded RRT activities in the EU Council and the Commission committees and workgroups in 2005 gave the possibility to extend the range of the prepared posi-tions, proposed for further consideration and proposals in regard to the issues, considered in the EU institutions. The proposals regarding the EU legal acts and different documents related to electronic communications and postal regulation issues were examined. The responsible national institutions were presented RRT position regarding the international institution’ documents related with the ICT and postal sector and setting not only the main electronic communication and postal activity conditions, encouraging

the development of new technologies and ensuring the EU residents’ high living standards but also having influence to electronic communications and radio frequency spectrum usage in a much wider region.

Positions regarding the universal services, transfer and management of radio spectrum, i2010 communicate, implementation of digital television, EU electronic com-munication regulatory system, Internet management, telecommunication data storage, proposal on amendment of the directive on TV without borders, etc were presented. The position regarding participation in the European Court of Justice case on cost-based number portability service tariffs was prepared. More than 40 positions were prepared in total. When responding to the rapid advancement of technologies and resolving rising problems the EU revises the regulation of electronic communications, an adequate and flexible regulatory system, ensuring the development of the sector and better service to the consumers is being developed and perfected. The positions, prepared by RRT are contributions to the EU processes.

The participation in the EU Council and the Commis-sion committees and workgroup activities gave RRT the possibility to directly contribute to the development of new electronic communications and postal services markets regulatory measures in the EU, evaluation of the situation, existing on the market, to evaluate the transfer of provisions of EU directives into the national legislation and to protect Lithuania’s interests when forming the common EU position within global processes.

In 2005, upon commencement of the preparatory works for Lithuania’s presidency in the EU in 2013, by Decree “On formation of inter-departmental workgroup for the preparation of Lithuania’s presidency in the EU”, issued by the Prime Minister of the Republic of Lithuania” RRT was included into the list of institutions, participating in the preparatory works, therefore the continuous RRT activities in the EU bodies and representation of Lithuania’s interests acquired a lot greater importance than previously.

Fig. 31. The system of main European Commission committees and workgroups, in which representatives of RRT participated in 2005

HORIZONTAL INTEGRATION INTO DECISION MAKING SYSTEM IN THE EU

86 87

Within its remit RRT worked in the field of transposition of the EU legal acts into the legislation of the Republic of Lithuania, prepared the measures for transfer within the set period of time, submitted plans regarding the measures for implementation of the EU legal acts, assigned to RRT as the responsible institution and the reports on the progress and results of implementation of the assigned EU legal acts to the Chancellery of the Government of the Republic of Lithuania.

In 2005 the following EU legal acts were assigned to RRT as the institution responsible for implementation of the EU legal acts:

■ Commission Decision 2005/50/EC of 17 January 2005 on coordination of 24 GHz radio frequency band for fixed-term use of vehicle low distance radar communication equipment in the Community;

■ Commission Decision 2005/53/EC of 25 Janu-ary 2005 on application of Item e of Part 3 of Article 3 of Directive 1999/5/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council for radio communication equipment, used in auto-matic identification system (AIS);

■ Directive 204/108/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 15 December 2004 on coordination of the laws of the member states, related with electromagnetic compatibility, superseding Directive 89/336/EEC;

■ Commission Recommendation of 6 April 2005 on broadband electronic communication via the electricity transmission lines;

■ Commission Decision 2005/513/EC of 11 July 2005 on usage of the coordinated radio spectrum within the 5 GHz frequency band for implementation of wireless access systems, including the radio local area networks (WAS/RLAN);

■ Commission Decision 2005/631/EC of 29 August 2005 on the essential requirements for ensuring the Cos-pas-Sarsat radio beacons usage possibility for rescue serv-ices, mentioned in Directive 1999/5/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council;

■ Commission Recommendation of 19 September 2005 on accounting separation and cost accounting sys-tems according to the electronic communications regula-tory framework;

■ Directive 2005/82/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 14 December 2005, superseding Directive 90/544/EEC of the Council on harmonized imple-mentation of the frequency bands, dedicated for pan-Euro-pean terrestrial public radio paging in the Community;

■ Commission Decision 2005/928/EC of 20 Decem-ber 2005 on coordination of usage of 169.4–169.8125 MHz frequency band in the Community.

Cooperation with national regulatory authorities of other states

Successful cooperation with the national regulators of other EU member states in 2005 made it possible to reach greater harmonization of the internal market and more effective representation. During the annual meeting of national regulators of the Baltic states, held in September 2005 in Tallinn all the three states presented the informa-tion on the newest changes in the electronic communica-tions and postal markets, exchanged their experience in implementation of the EU legal acts, regulating electronic communications and post, discussed the possibility of closer cooperation in the international roaming regulation field in the future.

In cooperation with other EU member states’ regulators RRT actively participated in the activities of the Independ-ent Regulators Group (hereinafter referred to as IRG). The temporary workgroup, formed by IRG presented proposals regarding the revision of the EU electronic communications regulatory framework. In addition in 2005 RRT actively participated in the activities of European Regulators Group (hereinafter referred to as ERG) and other EC workgroups, resolving topical market study, electronic communications regulation, EU directives practical implementation issues and regulatory aspects, related to the arrival of new tech-nologies, exchanging information and sharing experience of different countries.

In September of 2005 the meeting of IRG end service recipients workgroup was arranged in Vilnius. 15 repre-sentatives of different European states participated and the experience in regard to the issues, related with end service recipients was shared.

In 2005 RRT participated in the international mobile roaming retail prices transparency study, executed by ERG. The study sought to inform consumers and give them the possibility to choose the most acceptable international mobile roaming service provider.

When executing market studies RRT acted in close cooperation with the EC Commission and national regula-tory authorities of EU member states. The executed market study draft reports were forwarded to the EC Commission and regulators of other EU states, public consultations were held and the decisions were taken only upon completion of the consultations.

International Conference on European Networks and Information Security

An important example of cooperation with the EU institutions is the international European networks and information security conference “Readiness to Respond to

RRT annual report

86 87

Networks and Information Security Incidents”, which was for the first time arranged in Lithuania in November 2005. Almost 200 representatives of Lithuania’s and foreign state institutions, private business companies and academic society attended the conference, arranged by the Minis-try of Transport and Communications, European Network and Information Security Agency (ENISA) and RRT. The main objective of the conference was a wide discussion regarding the best response to networks and information security incidents and contribution to the objectives of the EC initiated i2010 program – development of the common European information space. RRT plans to apply this prac-tice in the future by arranging conferences on the topics of public interest.

Cooperation with the European Commission Technical Assistance Bureau (TAIEX)

For the purpose of absorption of the longtime EU mem-ber state experience in implementing the EU regulatory system requirements, in 2005 RRT successfully cooper-ated with the European Commission Technical Assistance Bureau (TAIEX) and used TAIEX assistance in the fields of postal regulation, electromagnetic compatibility, informa-tion technologies security, mobile and fixed communication services quality supervision and electronic communication regulatory framework.

In November 2005 RRT, in cooperation with TAIEX, arranged the ”EU Electronic Communications Regula-tory Framework” Seminar in Vilnius, during which common economic regulatory principles, influence of convergence to regulation of electronic communications field, price regulation in the infrastructure economy branches, regu-latory specificities of the electronic communications sec-tor and the EU regulatory framework requirements were discussed.

Activities in the European Conference of Postal and Telecommunications Administrations (CEPT)

In 2005 representatives of RRT participated in activities of the CEPT committees and main workgroups, examining the topical radio communication, electronic communica-tions and postal issues. CEPT covers almost all the Euro-pean countries (46 states) however in order to unify the European technical provisions the CEPT bodies function according to the mandates, issued by the EC Commission.

The activities of the CEPT Electronic Communications Committee and its workgroups are oriented to the solu-tions, aimed at unification of technical conditions for usage of radio frequency spectrum and radio communication

equipment and certain electronic communications regula-tory conditions in the European states. Representatives of RRT participated in the decision preparation activities and presented comments in regard to the projects under prepa-ration. For the meeting of workgroups for regulatory affairs (WGRA) RRT prepared the project regarding the decision to set the usage and separate license conditions for certain inductive equipment, operated within the 148.5–1600.0 kHz frequency band. The resolutions, adopted by the Elec-tronic Communications Committee are being implemented in Lithuania by foreseeing the corresponding technical requirements and conditions.

In May of 2005 the 54th meeting of the CEPT radio fre-quency management workgroup (hereinafter referred to as FM WG) was held in Vilnius. During the meeting the draft decisions regarding the use of frequencies in European states were examined. The works, executed by FM WG are important when formulating the European radio frequency policy, which is later implemented by the decisions of Elec-tronic Communications Committee (hereinafter referred as to the ECC). During the meeting the issues on further radio frequency harmonization in Europe were considered, a good deal of attention was dedicated to radio frequency bands, foreseen to be used for the public access mobile radio communication and wireless access systems, radio frequency usage prospects plans were discussed, drafts of the ECC decisions and recommendations, regulating the radio frequency management were prepared.

An important field of activities of CEPT, to which a good deal of attention was dedicated in 2005, is preparation of European states to and drafting of common proposals for the conferences of the International Telecommunications Union (hereinafter referred to as the ITU). Representatives of RRT participated in the activities of the workgroups, preparing the proposals for the ITU Regional Radio Com-munications Conference and Plenary Summit Conference to be held in 2006 and the Worldwide Radio Communi-cation Conference (to be held in 2007), examined draft documents, prepared by the workgroups and presented its comments.

In September 2005 the fifth meeting of the 1st section of the Worldwide Radio Communication Conference prepara-tion workgroup (CPG/PT1) was held in Vilnius. The section considers the issues on amending of the Radio Commu-nications Regulation – the document of the International Telecommunications Union, having the power of an agree-ment, related to the usage of satellite services, planning, usage and international coordination of geostationary posi-tions of fixed satellite services. During its meeting in Vilnius, the workgroup moved forward in planning the preliminary common European proposal for the Worldwide Radio Com-munication Conference.

Horizontal integration into decision making system in the EU

88 89

As for the postal regulation field, the meeting of the CEPT European Postal Regulators Committee (CERP) market supervision data workgroup was held in Vilnius on 23 November 2005.

Cooperation with global organizations

International Telecommunications Union (ITU)

In November 2005 representatives of RRT participated in the annual ITU Worldwide Regulators Symposium and expressed their views during public discussions “Interna-tional Efforts in Fighting with Spam” and “The Regulator’s Role in Development of Broadband Communication”.

Representatives of RRT participated in the Worldwide Summit on Information Society Issues (WSIS) and present-ed the speech on the practice of implementation of wireless technologies in Lithuania.

When participating in the activities of the International Telecommunications Unit (ITU), RRT dedicated significant attention to the preparatory works on transition from the terrestrial analogue to digital broadcasting. In order to introduce the digital terrestrial broadcasting there is a need to revise the currently valid analogue television frequency plans, adopted by the Stockholm agreement of 1961 and Geneva agreement of 1989. The first step of the ITU to this direction was taken in 2004, upon arranging the Regional Radio Communication Conference (RRC-04). The second session of the conference will be held in 2006. In 2005 representatives of RRT participated in the activities of Regulation and Procedures Group of the Regional Radio Communication Conference, dedicated for planning of dig-ital television and its special workgroup (RPG SWG). The groups worked on drafting of the new agreement, the topics of equal access to the radio spectrum and regulation of the transitional period procedures (as defined in the RRC-04 resolutions) were discussed.

When preparing for the ITU Worldwide Telecommunica-tions Development Conference RRT prepared its proposals on the most important ITU development sector topics and priorities and participated in the meeting of the ITU Tel-ecommunications Development Advisory Group (TDAG).

Universal Postal Union (UPU)

In October of 2005 representatives of RRT participated in plenary meeting of Universal Postal Union (UPU) Admin-istrative Council for the first time. During the meeting the worldwide postal strategy for 2004-2008 was discussed and the preparatory works for the strategic postal confer-ence to be held in 2006 were executed. When preparing for the Universal Postal Union (UPU) reform and in order to

define the main postal market development guidelines RRT prepared its answers to the UPU questionnaires “Postal sector subjects’ survey. Future development trends“ and “The EU reform opinion survey“.

Interinstitutional cooperation in Lithuania

In 2005 RRT continued cooperation with the following state institutions of Lithuania:

■ When preparing drafts of legal acts in the field of telecommunication regulation and discussing the strategic and international telecommunications’ regulation issues RRT closely cooperated with the Ministry of Transport and Communications.

■ RRT actively cooperated with the Ministry of Interior in the field of networks and information security. The information on phishing of data in the electronic space is exchanged with the Electronic Space Crime Unit.

■ When preparing the information society develop-ment related documents RRT cooperated with the Infor-mation Society Development Committee under the Government of the Republic of Lithuania.

■ RRT cooperated with the Competition Council of the Republic of Lithuania regarding the issues of com-petition in the electronic communications field, supervision and market studies.

■ RRT continuously cooperates with the State Data Protection Inspectorate and National Consumer Rights Protection Council under the Ministry of Justice in investigation of the complaints regarding the spam elec-tronic messages and other issues.

■ In cooperation with Lithuania’s Radio and Tel-evision Commission RRT resolved the issues regarding licensing of broadcasting (retransmission) activities and radio frequencies/channels, used for broadcasting and/or retransmission of radio and television programs.

■ When preparing the draft of amendment of the Law on Provision of Information to the Public RRT cooper-ated with the Ministry of Culture.

■ When preparing the Lithuania’s position for the Directive of the European Parliament and of the Council regarding storing of the data, handled when providing pub-lic electronic communications services RRT cooperated with the Ministry of Justice.

■ A cooperation agreement on provision of statisti-cal data and information on electronic communications and postal markets was signed with the Department of Statistics under the Government o the Republic of Lithuania.

■ RRT cooperated with the State Non-foodstuffs Inspectorate and Customs Department under the Minis-

RRT annual report

88 89

try of Finance in the field of supervision of market of radio communications, telecommunication terminal equipment and other equipment, radiating radio waves.

■ Representatives of RRT chair the TK18 “Telecom-munications” and TK67 “Postal Services” technical commit-tees of the Standardization Department, whose activities are related with the implementation of international stand-ards in the Republic of Lithuania.

■ When preparing the Republic of Lithuania bank of terminology RRT actively cooperated with the State Lithuanian Language Commission.

Horizontal integration into decision making system in the EU

90 91

RRT staff and organization structure

ORGANIZATIONAL ASPECTS OF RRT ACTIVITIES

At the end of 2005 RRT had 158 employees - 148 civil servants (including 1 state official) and 10 employees, working under employment agreements. 39 per cent of employees were female and 61 per cent male. The aver-age age of the civil servants and the employees, working under employment agreements was 41 years.

128 civil servants (i. e. 86 per cent of employees) have university education, including 7 PhD’s and 6 employees are aspiring for the said degree. As in each year in 2005 the employees developed their qualification according to the qualification development program.

Fig. 32. RRT structure as of 1 February 2006

90 91

Fig. 33. The education of RRT civil servants in 2005Source: RRT.

Implementation of the E-RRT project

In order to provide public services and information to the society, business entities and institutions in a higher quality, more convenient and efficient manner by using the possibilities, provided by information technologies and for the purpose of adapting to the technological advancements and ever changing market needs in 2005 RRT commenced electronic provision of services by using the worldwide rec-ognized Verisign security certificate, ensuring confidential-ity and security of the provided data.

The undertakings and residents can present their notic-es, applications, requests, complaints, reports and other information electronically. The list of services is not finite, it will be continuously supplemented and amended according to the needs and the readiness to provide services elec-tronically. At the end of 2005 RRT was able to provide 15 services to business entities electronically.

Implementation of electronic services in RRT is exe-cuted in four stages, corresponding to the levels of the e-government model, widely used in Europe. At present most services, provided by RRT correspond to the third level, when the user’s ID is identified by the system and both inquiries are presented and replies are received elec-tronically. Some services are already provided at the fourth level (issuance of permissions for telephone communica-tion numbers).

RRT – transparent and open organization

In 2005 RRT dedicated a good deal of attention to cooperation with the market participants and consumers, other institutions and organizations by arranging and par-ticipating in various seminars, meetings and conferences. In order to inform the public on the most topical aspects of RRT activities, RRT actively cooperated with the media. In 2005 RRT published 127 press releases and news

items. Representatives of RRT presented the media with comments, participated in radio and television programs. In 2005 RRT was mentioned in 677 mass media commu-nications (according to the data of mass media overview, executed by UAB Mediaskopas). The largest amount of messages on RRT was published in the press (461 articles or 68 per cent of all the mass communication media, exist-ing in 2005), 153 reports on the radio (23 per cent of all the mass communication media), 63 reports on the television (9 per cent of the mass media).

Fig. 34. RRT mass media reference structure against topics in 2005Source: RRT.

Public consultations regarding draft legal acts, prepared by RRT and the links to the ongoing international public consultations on the topical electronic communications and postal issues were presented on RRT webpage.

In 2005 RRT organized 12 events in Lithuania, out of which the following can be distinguished: the traditional seminars for postal market participants and state institu-tion representatives “Postal Market Regulatory Aspects” (4 speeches, 80 participants) and “Electronic Communica-tions Sector Regulatory Practice and Perspectives” for the participants of electronic communications market, state institutions and the mass media (12 speeches, almost 200 participants). The employees of RRT actively informed the public on the activities of RRT and development of Lithua-nia’s telecommunications sector, presented speeches on the ICT topics in different events in Lithuania and abroad.

Planning and organization of activities of RRT

RRT acts in observance of the Strategic Activity Plan, that sets out main activity targets for three years, tasks and measures for implementation of the targets.

For the purpose of implementation of strategic targets in 2005 RRT executed a special program – the telecom-munications management and control program (code 88 1), whose objectives correspond to the strategic priorities of the Government of the Republic of Lithuania: striving for harmonious development, ensuring of further improve-

Organizational aspects of RRT activities

92 93

ment of business development conditions, development of information society. The special program corresponds to the provisions of the Government Program for 2004–2008: creation of the most favorable environment for develop-ment of business enterprises, especially small and medium enterprises, encouragement of investments into the public infrastructure, acceleration of the development of informa-tion society and advancement of technologies, encourage-ment of the development of telecommunications sector, improvement of competitive potential of national economy, provision of e- government services to residents and undertakings, adoption of legal acts in consideration of the society’s needs and opinion, and evaluation of the influence of the newly prepared and valid legal acts to society by the business and other stakeholders.

The RRT strategic activity plan is prepared taking into consideration priorities and the program measures plan of the Government of the Republic of Lithuania, the national long-term development strategy, the radio frequency assignment strategy for broadcasting transmission of radio and television programs, other strategic planning docu-ments, whose implementation is executed with participa-tion of RRT and the functions of RRT.

The RRT units’ activities are controlled each quarter by analyzing the execution of the unit activity plans and the shortcomings of activities.

In 2005 the new edition of the RRT financial control rules and the euro introduction measure plan were approved.

Each year RRT submits the annual RRT activity and financial report for the previous calendar year to the Parlia-ment and the Government of the Republic of Lithuania and announces the report publicly.

RRT submitted the proposals regarding the EC legis-lation and working program and EC strategic targets for 2005-2009 to the Information Society Development Com-mittee of the Parliament of the Republic of Lithuania. The proposals were approved. RRT prepared and submitted to the Information Society Development Committee of the Parliament of the Republic of Lithuania proposals regarding the priorities of the EC working program for 2006.

In 2005 RRT participated in the execution of measures under Chapter 598 “Preparation of the new information society development planning documents, coordinated with the provisions of Lisbon strategy and el. Europe action plan” and Chapter 601 “Preparation of the national strategy of electronic information security in the state institutions’ information systems and its implementation measure plan and their implementation till 2008“ of the “Science, educa-tion and information society” program of the Government of the Republic of Lithuania. When executing measure 598, upon approval of Lithuania’s information society devel-opment strategy, RRT presented proposals for the draft

of Lithuania’s information society development program 2006-2008, prepared by the Information Society Develop-ment Committee under the Government of the Republic of Lithuania and proposals and comments in regard to the prepared project.

RRT activity guidelines for 2006

The priority RRT activity directions for 2006:■ Execution of market studies, in order to ensure

competition on the electronic communications market for creation of favorable conditions for competition to large, medium-sized and small undertakings;

■ Efficient management of radio frequencies, used for the new technology networks and supervision of their use, dedicating the biggest attention to broadband fixed and mobile access technologies for the used radio fre-quency spectrum;

■ Network and information security development activities;

■ Modernization of ICT regulatory environment referring to the development of technologies (advancement and convergence).

RRT annual report

92 93

The revenues, reckoned by RRT in 2005 for the provided services and executed works

No. RRT revenue groupsRevenues 2005

thousand LTL Per cent

1. Revenues from tenders and auctions for granting the right to use radio frequencies/channels and telephone communication numbers

17.20 0.06

2. Issuance of licenses to use radio frequencies/channels, public radio communication network stations, ship and aircraft stations, manufacturing, educational and medical facilities and issuance of licenses for radio amateur activities

281.00 0.9

3. Radio frequencies/channels supervision 20 884.04 66.91

4. Telephone communication number use supervision 3 378.18 10.8

5. Tests of radio communication equipment and telecommunications terminal equipment, tests of electromagnetic compatibility of equipment and devices

61.23 0.2

6. Supervision of observance of postal and courier service provision conditions and obligations 166.33 0.53

7. Supervision of observance of electronic communications activity conditions and obligations 31.25 0.10

8. Other 6 394.36 20.5

9. TOTAL (1+2+3+4+5): 31 213.59* 100.00

*The revenues, actually paid to the state budget – LTL 32 955.0 thousand

Usage of appropriations, assigned for the RRT program, executed in 2005, thousand LTL

No. ExpensesFor the special program – Communications management and control

program

Appropriations Pay-box expenses

1. Total expenses 14 235.5 11 903.44

Including:

1.1. Work remuneration 7 541.0 6 608.8

1.2. Social insurance contributions 2 338.0 2 042.7

1.3. Other expenses for goods and services 4 356.5 3 251.9

2. Property expenses 11 212.3 4 096.7

3. TOTAL (1+2) 25 447.8 16 000.1**LTL 6.978 thousand are the continued investment project funds carried over to 2006

RRT FINANCIAL REPORTFOR 2005

94 95

Because of the extremely rapid development of elec-tronic communications market and electronic communica-tions infrastructure and since RRT strived for balancing its revenues and expenses, in 2005 RRT three times reduced the amounts of the tariffs of charges for the provided serv-ices and executed works. The total tariff level was reduced significantly (approximately 60 per cent), new technologies (digital television, broadband radio communication, third generation radio communication, etc.) and public net-works development in peripheral areas of the country were encouraged.

Upon recalculation of the amounts of payments, the GSM, DCS radio communication, telephone communica-tion numbers and universal postal services provision obli-gation supervision tariffs were reduced significantly. The procedure of payment of charges for the provided services and executed works was changed.

The charge changes, encouraging development of the new technologies:

■ In order to encourage implementation of digital tel-evision and radio and MDTV the k3 rate, reducing the radio frequency supervision tariffs, applicable to broadcasters of digital television and radio by 30 per cent was introduced;

■ In order to encourage development of public broadband radio communication networks (3.5 GHz, etc,) the tariffs were reduced by 29–49 per cent;

■ In order to encourage the development of net-works throughout the entire country, covering all the areas (regions) the k1 rate was introduced in regard to public radio communication networks, in the major cities (Vilnius, Kaunas, Klaipėda, etc.) the said rate is 2, on the remaining territory of Lithuania - 1;

■ In case the radio frequencies/channels are used for public radio communication networks, for maintaining the infrastructure RRT may set the time period, during which the charges shall not be paid, no longer than 1 year from the date of granting the right to use radio frequencies/channels. This will give the operators the possibility to invest more into network development already in the first stage. In 2005 the operators, who received the licenses to use radio frequencies for digital terrestrial television and in 2006 the operators, who received the licenses to use radio frequencies for launching of the third generation radio com-munication networks were exempted from the charges for supervision of the radio frequencies for the time period of one year.

The reduction and changes of amounts of fees resulted in reduction of revenues of RRT – the revenues of the 4th quarter of 2005 amounted only to 48 per cent of those of the 2nd quarter, when the previous charges were in force.

Taking into account the fact that revenue of RRT last year were higher than expenditure incurred, this part of

income is returned to the market by reducing fees of RRT for works and services. New fees will become effective as of 1 May 2006. Given below are the main fee changes:

■ Fees for the supervision of obligations, set for operators that hold significant market power in a respective electronic communications market, were abolished;

■ Fees for the supervision of radio frequencies, (channels) and telephone communication numbers decreased by 13-20 per cent;

■ Amendment made with the view to encourag-ing the development of new networks and infrastructure. It allows to defer taxes for an unspecified period of time for the use of radio frequencies (channels) in newly estab-lished public radio communication networks;

■ RRT, with the view to attracting long term invest-ment to the sector and seeking to ensure balanced devel-opment of advanced technologies of electronic communica-tions, for the period of two years has substantially reduced fees for the supervision of radio frequencies, used in public radio network in remote areas of Lithuania and established the following coefficients: 2006 – 0,55, 2007 – 0,65.

Planned revenues of RRT based on fees valid from 1 May 2006. LTL 13.4 million in 2206 i.e. 43 per cent of the revenues in 2005; LTL12.1 million in 2007 i.e. 39 per cent of revenues in 2005. The changes will have influence on balancing of income and expenditure of RRT in 2006-2007 and on return of a part of the funds to the market.

RRT annual report

94 95

Annex 1

Orders of the Director of the Communications Regulatory Authority of the Republic of Lithuania

1. Order on supplementing and amending of Order No. 138 of the Director of the Communications Regulatory Authority under the Government of the Republic of Lithuania of 14 October 2002 “On the approval of technical regulations of radio equipment and telecommunications terminal equipment (Official Gazette Valstybės žinios, 2006, No. 5-189)

2. Order on the approval of description of requirements for communications electricity transmission systems (Official Gazette Valstybės žinios, 2006, No. 2-46)

3. Order on the approval of the rules for cost accounting according to the fully distributed costs method (Official Gazette Valstybės žinios, 2006, No. 2-45)

4. Order on the approval of the rules for writing of national and international telephone communication numbers (Official Gazette Valstybės žinios, 2005, No. 152-5628)

5. Order on amending of Order No. 1V-708 of the Director of the Communications Regulatory Authority of the Republic of Lithuania of 10 August 2005 “On the approval of the description of the procedure of payment and the tariffs of the charges for the services, provided and works, executed by the Communications Regulatory Authority of the Republic of Lithuania” (Official Gazette Valstybės žinios, 2006, No. 152-5626)

6. Order on the approval of the rules for the allocation and use of telephone numbers and the national telephone communication numbering plan (Official Gazette Valstybės žinios, 2006, No. 147-5386)

7. Order on supplementing and amending of Order No. 1V-562 of the Director of Communications Regulatory Authority of the Republic of Lithuania of 10 June 2005 “On the approval of the rules for installation and use of electronic communications infrastructure” (Official Gazette Valstybės žinios, 2006, No. 147-5385)

8. Order on the approval of the description of the procedure for granting the right to engage in radio amateur activities and the conditions of radio amateur activities (Official Gazette Valstybės žinios, 2005, No. 144-5273)

9. Order on the approval of the procedure and description of the conditions for ensuring the right of the subscriber to use telephone communication services of any provider of public telephone services (Official Gazette Valstybės žinios, 2005, No. 144-5272)

10. Order on the approval of the rules for ensuring of confidentiality of the information, received during negotiations regarding access, prior to and after the negotiations (Official Gazette Valstybės žinios, 2005, No. 140-5061)

11. Order on interoperability of the end user equipment, used for receipt of television signals (Official Gazette Valstybės žinios, 2005, No. 137-4956)

12. Order on the approval of the rules of serving of citizens and other persons by the Communications Regulatory Authority of the Republic of Lithuania (Official Gazette Valstybės žinios, 2005, No. 137-4955)

13. Order on the approval of the description of the conditions for publication of the standard proposal by the operator, obliged to provide unbundled access to the local metallic twisted pair line (Official Gazette Valstybės žinios, 2005, No. 133-4813)

14. Order on the approval of the rules for provision of access, including networks interconnection (Official Gazette Valstybės žinios, 2005, No. 133-4812)

15. Order on amending of Order No. 1V-129 of the Director of Communications Regulatory Authority under the Government of the Republic of Lithuania of 16 October 2003 “On the approval of terms and conditions of ensuring the subscriber’s right to retain the subscriber number when changing the provider of telephone services or the place and method of the provision of services” (Official Gazette Valstybės žinios, 2005, No. 128-4647)

16. Order on amending of Order No. 1V-119 of the Director of Communications Regulatory Authority under the Government of the Republic of Lithuania of 9 October 2003 “On the approval of the rules for allocation and usage of international signaling point codes, national signaling point codes, public mobile telephone communication network codes, public data transmission network identification codes and service providers’ payment card identification numbers” (Official Gazette Valstybės žinios, 2005, No. 133-4811)

17. Order on amending of Order No. 1V-27 of the Director of Communications Regulatory Authority of 13 March 2003 “On the approval of the list of radio frequencies/channels which may be used without an individual license” (Official Gazette Valstybės žinios, 2005, No. 127-4595)

18. Order on the approval of the rules for the assignment and use of radio frequencies/channels (Official Gazette Valstybės žinios, 2005, No. 122-4382)

19. Order on the approval of the rules for approval of the right of public administration institutions to register the domain name in the “.eu” high level domain (Official Gazette Valstybės žinios, 2005, No. 119-4317)

20. Order on the approval of the rules for auction for granting the right to use electronic communication resources (Official Gazette Valstybės žinios, 2005, No. 118-4300)

21. Order on the approval of description of general conditions of public tender for granting the right to use electronic communication resources (Official Gazette Valstybės žinios, 2005, No. 112-4115)

22. Order on amending of Order No. 1V-129 of the Director of the Communications Regulatory Authority under the Government of the Republic of Lithuania of 16 October 2003 “On the approval of terms and conditions of ensuring the subscriber’s right to retain the subscriber number when changing the provider of telephone services or the place and method of the provision of services” (Official Gazette Valstybės žinios, 2005, No. 105-3900)

23. Order on amending of Order No. 1V-125 of the Director of the Communications Regulatory Authority under the Government of the Republic of Lithuania of 15 October 2003 “On the approval of strategic plan for assignment of radio frequencies for broadcasting transmission of radio and television programs” and Resolution No. 89 of Lithuania’s Radio and Television Commission of 15 October 2003 “On the approval of strategic plan for assignment of radio frequencies for broadcasting transmission of radio and television programs” (Official Gazette Valstybės žinios, 2005, No. 104-3865)

24. Order on amending of Order No. 1V-27 of the Director of Communications Regulatory Authority of 13 March 2003 “On the approval of the list of radio frequencies/channels, which may be used without an individual license” (Official Gazette Valstybės žinios, 2005, No. 103-3834)

RRT annual report

96

25. Order on amending of Order No. 1V-167 of the Director of the Communications Regulatory Authority of 16 December 2003 “On the approval of radio frequency use plan” (Official Gazette Valstybės žinios, 2005, No. 111-4073)

26. Order on the approval of the rules for settlement of disputes between providers and consumers of postal services and/or courier services (Official Gazette Valstybės žinios, 2005, No. 91-3412)

27. Order on the approval of the rules for settlement of disputes between providers of postal services and/or courier services (Official Gazette Valstybės žinios, 2005, No. 90-3403)

28. Order on the approval of the rules for cost accounting of the universal postal service providers (Official Gazette Valstybės žinios, 2005, No. 83-3100)

29. Order on amending and supplementing of Order No. 138 of the Director of Communications Regulatory Authority under the Government of the Republic of Lithuania of 14 October 2002 “On the approval of technical regulations for radio equipment and telecommunications terminal equipment” (Official Gazette Valstybės žinios, 2005, No. 83-3099)

30. Order on amending of Order No. 1V-129 of the Director of Communications Regulatory Authority under the Government of the Republic of Lithuania of 16 October 2003 “On the approval of terms and conditions of ensuring the subscriber’s right to retain the subscriber number when changing the provider of telephone services or the place and method of the provision of services” (Official Gazette Valstybės žinios, 2005, Nr. 81-2992)

31. Order on the approval of technical regulations for electromagnetic compatibility (Official Gazette Valstybės žinios, 2005, No. 81-2991)

32. Order on the approval of the rules for installation and usage of electronic communications infrastructure (Official Gazette Valstybės žinios, 2005, No. 76-2786)

33. Order on amending of Order No. 292 of the Director of the Communications Regulatory Authority of the Republic of Lithuania of 16 September 2004 “On the approval of the rules for submission of documents to the Communications Regulatory Authority of the Republic of Lithuania” (Official Gazette Valstybės žinios, 2005, No. 73-2675)

34. Order on the approval of the rules for settlement of disputes between undertakings providing electronic communication networks and/or services (Official Gazette Valstybės žinios, 2005, No. 73-2674)

35. Order on amending of Order No. 1V-279 of the Director of the Communications Regulatory Authority of the Republic of Lithuania of 17 September 2004 “On the approval of the rules for market analysis” (Official Gazette Valstybės žinios, 2005, No. 71-2586)

36. Order on amending of Order No. 1V-27 of the Director of the Communications Regulatory Authority of 13 March 2003 “On the approval of the list of radio frequencies/channels which may be used without an individual license” (Official Gazette Valstybės žinios, 2005, No. 71-2587)

37. Order on the approval of the development plan of the third generation mobile radio communication (UMTS/IMT-2000) within the radio frequency bands of 1920–1980 MHz and 2110–2170 MHz (Official Gazette Valstybės žinios, 2005, No. 61-2200)

38. Order on the approval of digital terrestrial television development plan (Official Gazette Valstybės žinios, 2005, No. 57-1981)

39. Order on the approval of the procedure and description of the conditions for sending of the subscribers’ and/or service recipients’ calls to the numbers of the common rescue center and/or rescue services (Official Gazette Valstybės žinios, 2005, No. 55-1918)

40. Order on amending of Order No. 1V-125 of the Director of the Communications Regulatory Authority under the Government of the Republic of Lithuania of 15 October 2003 “On approval of the strategic plan for allocation of radio frequencies for broadcasting transmission of radio and television programs” and Resolution No. 89 of Lithuania’s Radio and Television Commission of 15 October 2003 “On the approval of strategic plan for assignment of radio frequencies for broadcasting transmission of radio and television programs” (Official Gazette Valstybės žinios, 2005, No. 49-1644)

41. Order on the approval of the rules for procedures for mediation and/or reconciliation of undertakings, providing electronic communication networks and/or services for the purpose of amicable resolution of disputes without an enforceable ruling (Official Gazette Valstybės žinios, 2005, No. 49-1643)

42. Order on the approval general terms and conditions for engaging in electronic communications activities (Official Gazette Valstybės žinios, 2005, No. 49-1641)

43. Order on the approval of the rules for measurements of electromagnetic field strength at radio monitoring stations (Official Gazette Valstybės žinios, 2005, No. 45-1496)

44. Order on amending Order No. 1V-223 of the Director of the Communications Regulatory Authority under the Government of the Republic of Lithuania of 6 August 2004 “On the approval of the forms of annual and quarterly reports of postal and/or courier services” (Official Gazette Valstybės žinios, 2005, No. 26-853)

45. Order on amending of Order No. 1V-125 of the Director of the Communications Regulatory Authority under the Government of the Republic of Lithuania of 15 October 2003 “On approval of the strategic plan for allocation of radio frequencies for broadcasting transmission of radio and television programs” and Resolution No. 89 of Lithuania’s Radio and Television Commission of 15 October 2003 “On the approval of strategic plan for assignment of radio frequencies for broadcasting transmission of radio and television programs” (Official Gazette Valstybės žinios, 2005, No. 11-351)

RRT annual report