The Riigikogu passed with 60 votes in favour (3 abstentions) the Electronic Communications Act Amendment Act (859 SE), initiated by the Government of the Republic.

In order to better regulate the competitive situation on the communication service market, the Communications Board is entitled to define markets and to carry out market analysis also on the so-called developing markets. In addition, the Act creates conditions for faster development of digital television, enabling, among other things, to retransmit digitally the programmes coming from foreign countries. The Act also establishes conditions for the issue of the frequency permit of the fourth national third generation mobile network (Universal Mobile Telecommunication System – UMTS). Pursuant to the Act, the frequency permit will be issued on the public competition with a starting price of EEK 70 million for ten years on similar conditions as three analogous permits, issued pursuant to the former Telecommunications Act.

On the motion of the Legal Affairs Committee, the Riigikogu suspended the second reading of the Bill on Amendments to the Penal Code, Code of Criminal Procedure, Witness Protection Act and Code of Misdemeanour Procedure (599 SE).

The Riigikogu concluded the second reading of the Bill on Amendments to the Heritage Conservation Act (674 SE), initiated by Members of the Riigikogu Trivimi Velliste, Mark Soosaar and Imre Sooäär.

The Riigikogu Press Service

11 May 2006