MP275 'Section K changes to support 4G Communications Hubs rollout'

Under the current charging methodology, the DCC charges differentiate between a Single Band and a Dual Band Communications Hub. The 4G rollout will see a high discrepancy between Single Band and Dual Band Communications Hubs Fixed and stock level Charges.

Additionally, the Communications Hub returned not redeployed Explicit Charge was not originally designed to account for a nationwide swap-out. The current upfront charge for a 2G/3G Communications Hub swap-out may create higher than expected costs for Suppliers.

There are concerns that these Charges, if left unchanged,  could lead to a disincentive for Suppliers in the early years of 4G deployment, as they may delay activity to avoid higher charges.

The DCC has proposed the introduction of a Unitary Charge for Communications Hubs, regardless of its variant, to level the costs in the early years of 4G Communications Hub deployment. The DCC has also proposed a change in the Charging Methodology to re-apportion the financing for 2G/3G Communications Hubs when swapped for a 4G Communications Hub.