CHRONICLE OF THE REGULATORY ACTIVITY OF THE COMMUNICATIONS REGULATION COMMISSION
In 2023, the Communications Regulation Commission celebrated 25 years of regulatory activity. On the occasion of the anniversary, we are presenting a history of the Commission from its establishment to the present.
The world we live in is dynamic and with each passing day the need for mobility and connectivity is growing. Hence, we and the society we live in are faced with a number of challenges.
The Communications Regulation Commission (CRC/the Commission) is an independent state regulatory body implementing the policy in the field of electronic communications and postal services in the Republic of Bulgaria.
By Decree № 225 of 09.10.1998, the Organizational Regulations of the State Telecommunications Commission (STC) and its administration were adopted, which regulate the activities, structure, organization and work of the Telecommunications Commission and its administration.
The State Telecommunications Commission became a state body under the Council of Ministers, implementing the sectoral policy in telecommunications, by regulating and controlling telecommunications in accordance with the procedure and manner specified in the Telecommunications Act. The Commission is a legal entity financed by the budget with its registered address in Sofia City and is a primary budget allocation body.
In 2001, the Bulgarian government approved amendments and supplements to the Telecommunications Act, which abolished the State Telecommunications Commission (STC). Its successor was the Communications Regulation Commission, a body with regulatory functions in the field of telecommunications, postal services, electronic documents and electronic signatures.
The headquarters of the State Telecommunications Commission is located at:
6 Gen. Gurko Street, Sofia City, and is located in the building of the Sofia Central Post Office or the Telegraph and Post Office, which is the first state institution in Bulgaria after the Liberation.
The Post office building, circa 1930.
The building was designed by architect Yordan Milanov, a graduate and assistant of the famous Austrian architect Karl König. The Central Post Office is one of the most significant architectural monuments of the early 20th century. It was opened in 1904 and was declared a remarkable architectural achievement.
A photo of the Central Post Office building today, which houses the headquarters of the Communications Regulation Commission
Activities of the Communications Regulation Commission
Since its foundation, the main goal of the Communications Regulation Commission has been to ensure conditions for the development of the telecommunications sector and the provision of modern, diverse, high-quality and accessible communications services. Over the years, changes in the European regulatory framework have been transposed into national legislation, on the basis of which the main functions and activities of the Commission are formed.
The Electronic Communications Act, adopted in 2007, transposing the European regulatory framework of 2002, introduced requirements for the analysis of the level of competition in individual markets in the sector, based on the principles of competition law. Opportunities for flexible application of measures to stimulate competition have been provided, the powers of the Commission as a regulator have been further developed, the requirements regarding the quality of the universal service have been increased, and the regulation of mobile operators has been specified. This new framework creates greater opportunities for the development of an effectively functioning competitive market for electronic communications networks and services, as part of the European market, protection of the public interest, ensuring access to a wide range of services, protection of consumer interests and privacy of personal data.
Greater transparency and predictability have been achieved, clearer rules in the activities of the Commission and its powers, coordination and interaction at the national level with the Commission for Protection of Competition (CPC) and at the European level with the national regulatory authorities of the EU Member States have been strengthened, and this interaction has been continuously expanded over the years both in the European and international contexts.
The Communications Regulation Commission carries out its regulatory and control functions by implementing four laws - the Electronic Communications Act, the Postal Services Act, the Electronic Document and Electronic Trust Services Act, and the Electronic Communications Networks and Physical Infrastructure Act. The Measures Against Money Laundering Act (MAMLA), the Measures against the Financing of Terrorism Act (MAFTA), the Technical Requirements to Products Act, as well as their by-laws.
Changes in legislation – national and European, naturally lead to changes in the structure and activities of the different units of the Commission over the years, implementing the management of the radio frequency resource, numbering resources, electronic trust services, market regulation, control and monitoring of the spectrum, international cooperation, etc. The following pages reflect these changes over the years and more important moments in the activities of the different structural units.
Regulatory activity and activities related to scarce resources – radio frequency spectrum, geostationary orbit position and numbering resources
Radio frequency spectrum and geostationary orbit position
In the STC, radio frequency spectrum management activities are carried out by two directorates - the Licensing and Permitting Activity Directorate, which was subsequently divided into the Licensing Directorate and the Radio Frequency Spectrum Directorate.
The main functions of these directorates were the following:
- The Licensing and Authorization Directorate, established in 1998, subsequently the Licensing Directorate (2001), assists the State Telecommunications Commission (STC) in carrying out its functions in relation to the preparation, issuance, amendment, supplementation, suspension, termination and revocation of individual and general licenses, as well as in resolving disputes arising between telecommunications operators, in the cases specified by law.
- The Radio Frequency Spectrum and Electromagnetic Compatibility Management Directorate, established in 1998, subsequently the Radio Frequency Spectrum Directorate (2001), assists the STC in carrying out its functions regarding the management of the radio frequency spectrum for civil needs, the international coordination and registration of radio frequencies and radio equipment, and the creation of a normal electromagnetic environment on the territory of the Republic of Bulgaria.
In 2001, the Technical and Market Regulation Directorate was established as part of its functions, such as the development of the National numbering plan, the management of numbering resources and activities related to electronic trust services are still being carried out by the Scarce Resource Management Directorate.
In 2002, in order to optimize the activities of the CRC, a new Permitting Activities and Frequency Planning Directorate was established, uniting the work of the previously existing directorates Licensing and Radio Frequency Spectrum. The activity of the new directorate are related to the management of the radio frequency spectrum, including frequency resource planning, preparation of proposals for amendments to the National Plan for Radio Frequency Spectrum Allocation, preparation of policies and principles for the management and allocation of the radio frequency spectrum for civil needs; national and international coordination of radio frequencies and radio frequency bands; issuance, amendment, supplement, suspension, termination and revocation of individual licenses under the Telecommunications Act; development of projects for the issuance, amendment and supplement of general licenses, as well as registration and deletion of registration under general licenses; amateur radio activity, etc.
In 2002, the Technical Regulation and Electronic Signature Directorate was created, and part of its functions were related to the preparation of a National Numbering Plan, the management of numbering resources, electronic documents and electronic signatures, etc., which are currently part of the activities of the Scarce Resource Management Directorate.
In 2018, with the adopted amendments and supplements to the Organizational Rules of the Communications Regulation Commission and its administration (published in the State Gazette, issue 51 of June 19, 2018), the Permitting and Frequency Planning and Technical Regulation and Electronic Signature Directorates were renamed respectively into Radio Frequency Spectrum Management and Technical Regulation, while retaining their main functions.
With the latest amendments and additions to the Commission's organizational rules (published in the State Gazette, issue 8 of January 28, 2020), Scarce Resource Management Directorate was created at the beginning of 2020, which is primarily engaged in the preparation and updating of the regulatory policy for radio frequency spectrum management, ensuring conditions for the harmonized use of radio frequency resources and issuing authorizations for their use - functions related to the effective and efficient management of the radio frequency spectrum.
Scarce resource management
Both the radio frequency spectrum and numbering resources play a significant role in the development of electronic communications. The harmonization of the National Numbering Plan in accordance with European requirements is a prerequisite for ensuring optimal conditions for the introduction of new technologies and optimization of the numbering space used. For this reason, Scarce Resource Management Directorate is currently carrying out activities on both radio frequency spectrum management and numbering resource management. The consolidation of activities related to scarce resources in one place helps to ensure good regulatory conditions for the development of a competitive communications sector and increasing social and economic benefits.
An important aspect of the CRC's activities over the years has been the creation of appropriate conditions for the development of mobile networks and the introduction of innovative digital technologies and services in Bulgaria.
At the time of the establishment of the State Telecommunications Commission and its transformation into the Communications Regulation Commission, two mobile operators were operating on the Bulgarian market, one operating a first-generation (1G) mobile network according to the NMT (Nordic Mobile Telephone) standard, and the other a second-generation (2G) mobile network.
NMT is an analog technology that allowed the creation of the first fully automated cellular telephone systems. This technology provides voice communication services, text messaging and conference calls with mobile phones. Compared to subsequent generations, it has very limited functionality, with very low data transfer rates.
The second-generation mobile network - GSM (2G), is a digital mobile communication standard that provides faster data speeds and more reliable communication, as well as many new features such as SMS and GPRS (data provision). For its time, this technology was truly revolutionary and dominated the mobile phone industry for a long time.
In 2001, after a procedure being carried out, the State Communications Commission provided radio frequency spectrum to a third mobile operator, which started providing GSM services.
A few years later, in June 2004, a new participant entered the mobile cellular network and services market – the incumbent BTK AD, which received a license for a 2G network (GSM) with national coverage as part of the completion of the company's privatization deal. The launch of commercial activities of the third digital operator created prerequisites for increased competition in the mobile services sector and a redistribution of market shares between operators.
Following tender procedures being carried out in 2005, the Communications Regulation Commission (CRC) provided radio frequency spectrum to the three GSM operators for the construction of third-generation mobile networks under the UMTS (3G) standard. The technology supports higher data transmission speeds compared to GSM and provides more diverse and better-quality services for end users, including multimedia transmission everywhere, along with broadband access. It enables the transmission of moving images – videos and movies, and wireless connection to the Internet from a mobile phone or portable device becomes possible.
In the same year, CRC also provided radio frequency spectrum for “point-to-multipoint” networks, which enable high-speed data transmission for end users.
In 2010, the NMT network was discontinued, which also terminated the provision of analog mobile service in Bulgaria.
The fourth generation of mobile networks using the LTE standard (4G) was launched in Bulgaria in 2011, with the granting by the CRC to the three operating mobile operators of the right to use the spectrum provided to them in the 900 MHz and 1800 MHz bands for GSM, UMTS, LTE and WiMAX terrestrial systems. In the same year, spectrum for mobile networks in the 1800 MHz band was provided to three more operators, only two of which started providing services (the operators are currently not operating). 4G is a high-speed network providing faster data speeds, lower latency and increased capacity. This technology allows users to use services such as HD voice, augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR). In addition, 4G provides significantly faster internet for mobile devices, offering the possibility of watching streaming videos and downloading various multimedia content in real time.
In 2017, the CRC signed agreements with neighboring countries, which coordinated the new digital television plans in advance. This placed Bulgaria among the first European countries to meet the deadline under Decision (EU) 2017/899, namely to conclude agreements on cross-border frequency coordination by 31 December 2017 in order to ensure the use of the 700 MHz band for 5G networks.
In the period 2019-2022, the CRC issues temporary authorizations for the use of radio frequency spectrum in the 700 MHz, 800 MHz, 2 GHz, 2.6 GHz, 3.6 GHz and 26 GHz bands, which enable operators to test new technical methods and/or technologies, including LTE, 5G. Practical tests of 5G in 2019 include the first call over a 5G mobile network in our country, the first medical examination of a patient in Bulgaria, carried out using the new technology, virtual reality, streaming of video content and gaming, a remote mentoring session for hobby chefs, broadcasting of 360° video from a concert, applications in education, etc.
The fifth generation of mobile networks, 5G, is the latest and fastest mobile technology, delivering data speeds many times faster than 4G. In addition, 5G has lower latency and the potential for greater network capacity, allowing more devices to be connected simultaneously. 5G will significantly improve future technology services by providing new opportunities for communication, mobility, innovation and sustainability. Artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning, telemedicine, autonomous vehicles, smart cities, augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) are all services that can be supported by 5G.
On April 6, 2021, after public consultations, the CRC conducted an auction with secret bidding, as a result of which, 3 authorizations for the use of radio frequency spectrum in the 3.6 GHz band, one of the initial bands for 5G networks, were issued to the three mobile operators participating in the auction, each of which received 100 MHz of spectrum.
This ensures real conditions for the introduction of 5G networks in Bulgaria and high-speed services for consumers, which is a prerequisite for achieving the goals of the Digital Decade Programme, universal mobile broadband coverage and digital transformation. In 2021, the CRC provides the opportunity for the three mobile operators to increase the capacity of their networks in densely populated areas to serve the growing data traffic, where service consumption is higher, through the additional spectrum that was provided to them.
In 2022, as a result of a procedure being carried out, the CRC provides a frequency resource in the 26 GHz band, which is also designated for 5G. By providing a total of 1600 MHz in the 26 GHz band, the CRC implements a measure: The efficient use of the radio frequency spectrum when absorbing funds from the National Recovery and Resilience Plan. The 26 GHz band is suitable for use in densely populated areas and provides very high speed, which allows for a larger number of connections to be made with 5G technology and new active antenna systems, without a significant reduction in speed, which is an advantage over the LTE network.
In its activities, the CRC follows the basic principles of radio spectrum management, ensuring flexibility and neutrality in the use of the frequency resource, both in terms of the services provided and the technologies used. Following this principle, the CRC has ensured conditions for technologically neutral use of the radio frequency bands 700 MHz, 800 MHz, 900 MHz, 1800 MHz, 1.5 GHz, 2 GHz, 2.6 GHz, 3.6 GHz and 26 GHz in accordance with the European policy in the field of radio frequency spectrum. Undertakings holding authorizations with allocated resources in the specified bands can implement new technologies through which to provide a variety of high-speed mobile broadband services.
CRC has played an important role in the transition from analogue to digital television in Bulgaria, which has been completed. The technological transition entirely to terrestrial digital television broadcasting DVB-T is largely due to the work carried out by the CRC in implementation of the Plan for introduction of terrestrial digital television broadcasting.
Over the past years, the CRC has provided an opportunity for Bulgarian undertakings to operate geostationary and non-geostationary satellite systems and, accordingly, to increase Bulgaria's presence on the satellite services market, by carrying out numerous regulatory activities related to the successful implementation of the first Bulgarian satellite in geostationary orbit, BulgariaSat, in 2017 and the first satellites in non-geostationary orbit QMR-KWT in 2021 and SHAREDSAT_2141 in 2022.
And last but not least, with its representatives, the CRC participates in the preparation of the positions of the Republic of Bulgaria on the items on the agenda of seven World Radiocommunication Conferences (WRCs) held in the period 2000-2023, in accordance with its competences and takes part in their holding.
Numbering resources
The National Numbering Plan (NNP) provides sufficient number resources for all types of electronic communications networks and services. As a result of the introduction of closed numbering and the consolidation of numbering areas with geographic numbers by switching to geographic codes with a length of no more than three digits, the problems in regions with insufficient resources were solved and the efficiency of using geographic numbers improved. In order to provide a number resource for Machine-to-Machine (M2M) services in the NNP, a separate band has been defined.
The provided possibility for number portability is an important factor in consumer choice and contributes to the development of competition in the provision of electronic communications services.
Regulation
At the end of 2001, with the adoption of the Amendments and Supplements in Postal Services Act (PSA) the institutional separation of the functions of state administration and regulation of postal services was implemented and accordingly all regulatory functions were transferred from the Ministry of Transport and Communications to the Communications Regulation Commission. By transferring the regulatory and control functions to the CRC, full harmonization with Art. 22 of Directive 97/67/EC of 1997 on the establishment of an independent national regulatory authority for the postal sector was also achieved.
Since the establishment of the CRC as the legal successor of the STC, the activity of regulating electronic communications services and postal services has been carried out by the Regulation Directorate, which is the legal successor of the Technical and Market Regulation Directorate, established in 2001, and of the Market Regulation Directorate, established in 2002. Since its establishment, the Directorate has had three separate departments for research and analysis of the electronic communications market, for regulation of the electronic communications market, and for regulation of postal services, and this department is responsible for issuing licenses and authorizations for providing postal services.
One of the main goals of the Directorate, since its establishment and to the present, is the annual collection and processing of information from undertakings and operators holding registration, in accordance with the Electronic Communications Act and the Postal Services Act. In order to automate and optimize the activities and processes related to this goal, in 2020, an online system for filling out and accepting questionnaires for the report on the activities of undertakings operating electronic communications networks and/or services and postal service operators (online questionnaire system, the system) was implemented in the Communications Regulation Commission.
Of particular importance for the practical implementation of the current legal framework in the field of telecommunications/electronic communications, as well as for the implementation of an effective regulatory policy by the CRC, are the monitoring, research and analysis of the electronic communications market. To perform its regulatory functions, the Commission relies on the Regulation Directorate to systematically collect and process information on the electronic communications networks and services provided by the undertakings, on the basis of which to analyze the state of the electronic communications market, to determine relevant markets, as well as to forecast the development of electronic communications in Bulgaria.
In 2008, the Directorate began work on the identification, analysis and assessment of relevant markets for electronic communications networks and services, identified as subject to ex ante regulation in the European Commission Recommendations on relevant markets of 2003 and 2007. In early 2009, the European Commission approved the first three market analyses on relevant markets, notified by the CRC at the end of 2008.
In the period 2009 - 2022, 39 procedures for the identification, analysis and evaluation of relevant markets of electronic communications networks and services were carried out in 5 rounds, as set out in the European Commission Recommendations on relevant markets of 2003, 2007, 2014 and 2020. Based on the definition, analysis and assessment of each individual relevant market, measures have been imposed and/or repealed in order to achieve competition in the electronic communications market.
In the period 2009 – 2016, the CRC imposed regulation as a result of 14 procedures for the definition, analysis and assessment of relevant markets and deregulated 2 relevant markets. As a result of the measures imposed on the markets in question, the development of the electronic communications market in the Republic of Bulgaria, as well as changes to the regulatory framework in the field of electronic communications at the European level, the CRC has currently deregulated all relevant markets for electronic communications services, which is evidence of the existence of a competitive environment.
The Directorate works closely with other specialized regulatory authorities in Bulgaria and in Europe to ensure that the Bulgarian market for electronic communications networks and services is competitive and sustainable. The market analyses carried out by the Directorate are essential for ensuring quality and accessible electronic communications services for citizens and businesses in Bulgaria.
In order to analyze the state of the postal market in our country, it is conditionally divided into two market segments: universal postal service (UPS) and non-universal postal services (NPS).
In fulfillment of its regulatory obligations to stimulate the development of the postal market, on the one hand ensuring conditions for competition and equality of postal operators, and on the other hand protecting the interests of consumers, the Regulation Directorate annually analyzes the situation in the sector by monitoring: market entry and existing barriers; changes in realized revenues from UPS and NPS; consumer attitudes and their awareness of using postal services; forecast and assessment of operators for market development. The rapid development of technologies in recent decades, as well as changes in consumer behavior, have caused a transformation of postal services worldwide, which is not only a challenge, but also an opportunity for postal operators in Bulgaria. Digitalization in the postal services sector and the trend to identify the delivery of goods generated by e-commerce as one of the fastest growing and most effective postal services, as well as changed consumer attitudes, have created prerequisites for the emergence of new participants in the postal sector - online platforms.
Control activity
The beginning of the implementation of telecommunications control was set out at the end of 1992 with the functioning of the State Communications Inspectorate under the Posts and Telecommunications Committee, which later was transferred in the State Telecommunications Commission and renamed the Telecommunications Control General Directorate.
Within the STC, the Directorate assists the State Commission in carrying out control and administrative-punitive activities regarding compliance with the Telecommunications Act by persons carrying out telecommunications activities.
With the establishment of the CRC in 2002, the directorate became part of it, and was renamed from the Telecommunications Control General Directorate to the Communications Control General Directorate. In order to more fully reflect the functions performed in the field of radio frequency spectrum monitoring, with the latest amendments and supplements to the Commission's organizational rules (published in the State Gazette, issue 8 of January 28, 2020), from the beginning of 2020, the directorate was renamed from the Communications Control General Directorate to the Communications Monitoring and Control General Directorate (CMC GD).
During the period from 2002 to 2023, with the expansion of the functions of the CRC, the control functions of the directorate are also expanded.
Currently, the CMC GD exercises control over compliance with the Electronic Communications Act (ECA), the Postal Services Act (PSA), the Electronic Document and Electronic Trust Services Act (EDETSA), the Electronic Communications Networks and Physical Infrastructure Act (ECNPIA), other applicable regulatory and European acts, by-laws, issued authorizations and licenses, applicable general requirements, specific obligations imposed by decision and decisions of the CRC.
The CMC GD is organized into 8 departments. To carry out the control functions and the functions of the administrative penalty activity of the CRC throughout the country, the Directorate has a central unit in the city of Sofia (organized into three departments: Radio Frequency Spectrum Control Department; Communications Inspection Department and Technical and Technological Support Department) and 5 (five) territorial units in the following settlements: the city of Vratsa, the city of Veliko Tarnovo, the city of Varna, the city of Burgas and the city of Plovdiv. Each of the territorial units carries out control over the territory of several regions and thus ensures the implementation of the control functions of the Commission throughout the whole country.
In carrying out its control functions in the field of radio frequency spectrum, CMC GD develops and maintains a National Radio Frequency Spectrum Monitoring System for Civil Purposes (NRFSMS).
The beginning of the construction of the NRFSMS was set in 1997 with the construction of one stationary and one mobile radio monitoring station on the territory of the city of Sofia.
Currently, the system has 33 stationary and 13 mobile radio monitoring stations and various types of portable measurement configurations for monitoring and control of services provided via the radio frequency spectrum. Their construction is carried out on a regional basis, which is determined by the need to implement effective monitoring in the VHF/UHF bands, which are used most intensively for modern networks and their range of action is limited by the requirement for a direct line of sight.
To control the effective use of the radio frequency spectrum, direct and real-time two-way data exchange between the monitoring and spectrum management databases is necessary. The monitoring system must have access to the spectrum management database for up-to-date information and comparison of theoretical with actual spectrum occupancy, as well as for rapid detection of illegal users. On the other hand, the monitoring system can provide valuable information on the real state of the RFS for spectrum management purposes. Information on the actual spectrum occupancy is essential for its effective management.
Building a modern and effective radio monitoring system requires very good organization, serious investments, as well as highly qualified personnel.
In 2021, a Monitoring System Development Plan was adopted for the period 2021-2025, with future development aimed at updating and modernizing it with a view to ensuring the possibility of effective and interference-free use of the radio frequency spectrum by legal users, preventing illegal use of the spectrum and exercising control over the quality of services provided to end users.
Legal and international activities
Over the years of its existence, from its establishment to the present day, as specialized directorates within the Communications Regulation Commission, the Legal Directorate and the International Cooperation and Communications Directorate have carried out their activities.
During the functioning of the State Telecommunications Commission (STC) in 1998, Legal and Regulatory Regulation and International Relations Directorate was established, providing legal services to the STC and supporting the activities of developing regulatory acts and implementing the functions of the State Commission with regard to international cooperation and its participation in international organizations and projects. With the adopted by the Council of Ministers Decree № 18 of 26.01.2001, the Organizational rules of the STC and its administration, part of the functions of the Directorate are reduced, and with the rules it is divided into Legal Regulation Directorate, which provides legal service activities. International Activities and European Integration Directorate is established, which will provide activities on international cooperation and European integration.
With the establishment of the Communications Regulation Commission and the Rules on the organization, activities, work planning and structure of the Communications Regulation Commission and its administration adopted in 2002 (State Gazette, issue 95 of October 8, 2002), the two directorates were renamed respectively into the Legal Directorate and the International Activities and Projects Directorate, and the latter existed as such until 2004, when it was closed with the new Organizational rules of the Commission, and the activities related to the representation in international organizations in the field of communications and activities under procedures of international programs and projects, and maintaining the operational contacts of the Commission with experts from the European Commission, the Council of Europe, the Delegation of the European Commission for Bulgaria, etc., were transferred as functions to the Administrative and Business Services Directorate.
In 2007, the work of the CRC regarding international activities and communications with the European Commission and other European and international bodies was again structured into the International Activities and Communication with the EC Directorate.
In 2012, in accordance with the Administration Act and the Civil Servant Act, new structural changes were made to the CRC, adopted with new organizational rules (Published in the State Gazette, issue 52 of July 10, 2012). A new structure responsible for coordination, planning and international activities was established, named the Coordination, Planning and International Activities Directorate, and the Legal Directorate was renamed into the Legal Regulation and General Legal Services Directorate. With this name and structure, these two directorates carried out their activities until 2018, until the adoption of new organizational rules of the Commission (Published in the State Gazette, issue 51 of June 19, 2018), by which the directorates were again renamed into the International Cooperation and Communications Directorate and the Legal Directorate, and in 2020, with the latest amendments and supplements to the organizational rules of the CRC (amended and supplemented in the State Gazette, issue 8 of January 28, 2020), the activities of the International Cooperation and Communications Directorate are carried out by the directorates of the general and specialized administration, according to their competence.
In line with the dynamic development of telecommunications and based on priorities at European and national level, the Commission has expanded the scope and objectives of its activities.
The Regulation (EU) 2022/2065 of the European Parliament and of the Council on the Digital Single Market, known in the public sphere and telecommunications community as the Digital Services Act, adopted in 2022, introduced new harmonised rules, responsibilities and obligations applicable to all online intermediation services of the information society provided in the European Union. In this regard, by Decision № 405 of June 13, 2024 of the Council of Ministers of the Republic of Bulgaria, the Communications Regulation Commission was designated as the national authority performing the functions of the Digital Services Coordinator of the Republic of Bulgaria under this Regulation. The Digital Services Coordinators are the independent national authorities responsible for the direct supervision and enforcement of the Regulation and the coordination and exchange of information at national and European level, interacting with the European Board for Digital Services.
With the Anti-Money Laundering Measures Act and the Measures against the Financing of Terrorism Act were also assigned additional functions of a supervisory authority under these laws to the Commission.
In connection with the changes in the regulatory framework, in 2024 the Commission adopted a draft of the Organizational rules of the CRC and its administration (Published in the State Gazette, issue 91 of October 29, 2024), which reflects its new functions. The Organizational rules also create a new directorate – the International Activities, Digital Services and Coordination Directorate.
In performing its functions arising from Bulgarian and European legislation, the Communications Regulation Commission interacts and represents Bulgaria in a number of European and international organizations in the field of electronic communications, postal services, standardization, etc. The Commission actively participates in the work of the Independent Regulators Group (IRG), the Body of European Regulators for Electronic Communications (BEREC), the European Regulators Group for Postal Services (ERGP), the European Conference of Postal and Telecommunications Administrations (CEPT), the European Telecommunications Standards Institute (ETSI), the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), the Universal Postal Union (UPU), the Network of Regulators of the Member States of the International Organisation of La Francophonie (FRATEL), etc. The participation of representatives of the Commission in the work of these organizations provides an opportunity for the exchange of information, ideas, experience and the implementation of good regulatory practices with a view to achieving the strategic goals of the Commission on a national and international scale.
CRC is a full member of IRG, BEREC and ERGP, and actively participates in their work at the level of heads of national regulatory authorities (NRAs) and at expert level. In 2016, CRC was elected as the Chair of ERGP and as such is the organizer and host of a plenary meeting and a working seminar of ERGP in the town of Pravets, and in 2015 and 2017 it performed the functions of the Vice-Chair of the Group.
As part of the administration of the Republic of Bulgaria in CEPT, the CRC participates in the work of the three committees of CEPT - the Electronic Communications Committee (ECC), the Committee for ITU Policy (Com-ITU) and the European Committee for Postal Regulation (CERP). In 2019, the Commission hosted the 51st plenary meeting of the ECC in Sofia.
According to the Electronic Communications Act (ECA), CRC also performs the functions of a national standardization organization before ETSI and annually participates in the ETSI General Assemblies.
In the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), the Commission has the statute of Associated Administration/Regulator and as such participates within the framework of national delegations of the Republic of Bulgaria in the World Telecommunication Standardization Assembly (WTSA), the World Telecommunication Development Conference (WTDC), the World Radiocommunication Conference (WRC), which determine the tasks of the three sectors for a 4-year period, as well as in the supreme governing body of the ITU - the Plenipotentiary Conference (PP). In 2022, Bulgaria was elected as a member of the ITU Council from Region C, covering countries from Eastern Europe and North Asia, for the period 2023-2026. Over the years, the CRC has participated in a number of annual events organized by the ITU, such as the Global Symposium for Regulators (GSR), the World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS), ITU Telecom World, etc.
CRC is also part of the postal administration of the Republic of Bulgaria, and within the framework of a national delegation, its representatives participate in the UPU Congresses and in the sessions of the Council of Administration of the UPU.
Administrative activity
Over the years, the administrative activity of the Communications Regulation Commission has been carried out by a general administration, whose composition, structure and names have undergone changes, depending on the changes in the legal and regulatory framework.
During the period of operation of the State Telecommunications Commission (1998-2002), this activity was carried out by the Financial, Economic and Administrative Activities Directorate, structured in 2001 in a general administration as the Administrative Services and Financial and Economic Activities Directorate.
When the Communications Regulation Commission was established in 2002, the general administration was structured into two directorates - the Administrative and Business Services Directorate and the Financial, Information Services and Human Resources Management Directorate. This structure was maintained until 2004, when part of the general administration staff transferred to the Office of the Chairman, under his direct subordination, and the remaining part continued to operate within the two directorates until 2007. In that year, in connection with the regulatory changes made, these two directorates were renamed into the Administrative and Information Services Directorate and the Financial, Business Services and Human Resources Management Directorate and functioned as such until 2012. With the new Organizational rules adopted in the same year, the two directorates were transformed into one general administration directorate named Financial and Administrative Services, renamed in 2018 into the Financial and Administrative Activities Directorate.
The activities of the Financial and Administrative Activities Directorate are directly related to the provision of administrative services to citizens, legal entities and organizations.
One of the main priorities of the Communications Regulation Commission is to provide quality and timely administrative services, taking into account the dynamics of development of public relations in the sectors regulated by it. The principles observed by the employees of the Financial and Administrative Activities Directorate are: equal treatment of all users; provision of complete information about the acts, administrative services and actions and/or performed in the implementation of administrative services; creation and promotion of standards for the quality of administrative services; coordination and interaction with all parties interested in improving administrative services; periodic research, measurement and management of user satisfaction; provision of different forms and methods for requesting administrative services and for implementing administrative services; provision of different methods of payment of the due fees or prices of services.
The changes undertaken over the years in terms of administrative capacity and technical support for administrative services have a positive impact on the quality of the services offered. The development of technologies and the reduction of the administrative burden contribute to the easier communication between users and the CRC administration.
The provision of appropriate information services to the Commission and the support of the offered electronic administrative services is essential for the effective performance of its regulatory and control functions.
Inspection Activity Department of the Communications Regulation Commission
The Inspection Activity Department of the Communications Regulation Commission is a newly established unit in the structure of the Communications Regulation Commission since 2020, in accordance with the provision of Art. 19a of the adopted and entered into force on 28.01.2020 Organizations rules of the Communications Regulation Commission and its Administration (amended and supplemented by State Gazette, issue 8 of January 28, 2020). The Inspection Activity Department is directly subordinate to the Chairman of the CRC and assists him in carrying out his control functions regarding the activities of the administration. The functions of the Inspection Activity Department are regulated in Art. 46, para. 4 of the Administration Act, Art. 6, Para. 3, Art. 8, Art. 9, Para. 1 and Para. 2 of the Regulation on the structure and minimum number of Inspection Activity Departments, the procedure and manner for carrying out their activities and the interaction with the specialized control bodies and Art. 19a, Para. 3 of the Regulations of the CRC and its Administration.
The Inspection Activity Department carries out scheduled and unscheduled inspections of structures, activities and processes in the CRC administration, collects and analyzes information and carries out inspections to identify violations, manifestations of corruption and ineffective work of the CRC administration, controls compliance with laws, by-laws and internal departmental acts for the organization of work of employees of the CRC administration, proposes the initiation of disciplinary proceedings in case of established violations of official duties, as well as of the Code of Conduct for Employees in the State Administration and the Code of Ethical Conduct of the CRC, inspections on signals against illegal or incorrect actions or inactions of employees of the CRC administration, inspections to establish conflicts of interest, drawing up acts for established violations in case of established violations by employees of the administration, when provided for by law, sending signals to the prosecutor's office when inspections establish data on a crime committed by employees of the CRC, participation in the development of projects and preparation of proposals for new or amending internal departmental acts regulating the organization of work and the activities of the CRC administration, inspections of the provision of administrative services in the commission.
The activities of the Inspection Activity Department of the CRC are carried out in accordance with the Administration Act, the Civil Servant Act, the Anti-Corruption Act, the Administrative Procedure Code, the Code of Conduct for Civil Service Employees, the Code of Ethical Conduct for CRC Employees, the Organizational Rules of the CRC and its administration, Internal Rules for the Activities of the Inspection Activity Department, National Strategy for Preventing and Combatting Corruption in the Republic of Bulgaria 2021-2027, Internal Rules for Combatting Corruption in the CRC, Internal Rules for the Protection of Persons Who Have Filed Signals for Corruption, Corruption Acts and/or Conflict of Interest in the CRC, Rules for Internal Reporting of Violations to the CRC and Subsequent Actions of the CRC, Internal Rules for the Organization of the Verification of Declarations under the Anti-Corruption Act and for Establishing Conflicts of Interest, Internal Rules for Analysis and Evaluation of the Effectiveness of the Activities of the Administration in the CRC.
The CRC Inspection Activity Department provides public information about its activities on the CRC website, in the Anti-Corruption section.
The functional and structural changes that the Communications Regulation Commission has undergone over the years are inseparably linked to another significant factor in its development – human resources. Namely, this factor is the basis of the achieved results, which would not have been possible without the hard work, professionalism and love for the profession of its former and current employees, experts and managers.
Their dedication, strength and energy invested over the years since the establishment of the Commission until today were celebrated during the celebration of the 25th anniversary of regulatory activity in November 2023.
A moment from the Employee Leadership Awards of the CRC on the occasion of the anniversary
The members of the CRC in 2023, from left to right: Erdinch Hayrula, Anna Hadzhieva, Ivan Dimitrov (Chairman), Kristina Hitrova (Deputy Chair), Iliya Hristozov
Address by the Chairman of the Communications Regulation Commission, Mr. Ivan Dimitrov:
“As the Chairman of the Commission at this time, I have the privilege of hosting the celebration of this respectable anniversary and on behalf of the members of the current Commission, and on my own behalf, to say a big and heartfelt thank you to all former chairmen, former and current members, as well as employees of the Communications Regulation Commission, who during these 25 years have given their work, talent, creative inspiration and love in the name of the common goals and cause of the CRC.
I would like to express my gratitude to all our partners and colleagues over the years from the state administration and the telecommunications sector, with whose cooperation and successful work with the Commission, many of our ambitious goals and tasks were realized.
Over the past 25 years, looking from today's perspective, I can share with you with satisfaction that, following the principles of openness, dialogue and partnership, the Communications Regulation Commission has established itself as a successful regulatory body outside the executive branch, implementing sectoral policies in the field of telecommunications and postal services.
It is an honor for me to be the Chairman of the CRC!”
General photo of former and current members of the CRC during the celebration of the anniversary “25 years of regulatory activity” - November 14, 2023. From left to right: Konstantin Tilev, Nikola Kolev, Valentin Haralambov, Georgi Aleksandrov, Vyara Mincheva, Erdinch Hayrula, Aneta Ivanova, Veselin Bozhkov, Iliya Hristozov, Anna Hadzhieva, Svilen Popov, Veselin Stoykov, Desislava Preobrazhenska, Emil Altimirski, Kristina Hitrova, Ivan Dimitrov, Dobri Dobrev, Andreana Atanasova, Petar Rendov and Valentin Georgiev
Continuing these words, it can be noted that:
The Communications Regulation Commission continues to fulfill its mission today as a specialized independent regulatory body implementing sectoral policy in the field of electronic communications and postal services. In the conditions of equality and transparency, in accordance with Bulgarian and European legislation, the Commission strives to promote competition in the communications markets in the country and works to increase investments in the communications sector, for the development of new technologies and consumer protection in Bulgaria.
The CRC will continue to fulfill this mission in the future, in order to meet the challenges of the time we live in and the public interest of the citizens of the Republic of Bulgaria.
The history exposed here traces the development of the Commission from its institutional beginnings, set by Decree № 225 of October 09, 1998, to the present day and remains open to additions and supplements, in accordance with the dynamic and challenging development of the electronic communications and posts sector not only in Bulgaria, but also worldwide.
