In order to ensure communications for residents in crisis situations, the Saeima on Thursday, October 22nd, in its final reading supported amendments to the Electronic Communications Law that were deemed urgent.
The new rules mean a sysyem of 'nationwide roaming' will in future be possible for all mobile phones (cellphones) with one provider's system defaulting to another if necessary.
"The aim of the amendments is to ensure the continuity of communication services in emergency and crisis situations. If a mobile operator's network is unavailable for a long period of time, another operator will provide communications," said a Saeima release.
"In times of crisis, people should be able to contact their loved ones, call for help, and receive important information. Therefore, it is essential to ensure that communications are available even if an operator's network is down," Arvils Ašeradens (New Unity), chairman of the National Economy, Agrarian, Environmental, and Regional Policy Committee responsible for the progress of the bill in the Saeima, said ahead of the Saeima session that approved the measures.
Roaming will be activated after the decision of the crisis management body, representatives of the Ministry of Transport explained earlier. Once the decision has been made and the relevant switches have been flicked, mobile devices will automatically connect to the network that has best coverage in the specific location. This will allow residents to continue using voice communication and text messaging services even if their own provider's services are down for whatever reason.
However the new system will not be immediately available: the law requires mobile operators to implement national roaming options by July 1st of next year.
Seen a mistake?
Select text and press Ctrl+Enter to send a suggested correction to the editor
Select text and press Report a mistake to send a suggested correction to the editor