Unsettled UKE

At the moment the Office for Electronic Communications (UKE) is processing the tenders for GSM 1800 frequencies, 410-430 Mhz frequencies, and Wi-Max frequencies.

"The application period for all these tenders is over, and in the case of the first two [GSM 1800 and 410-430 Mhz] we already know who the winners are. However, I cannot reveal the name of the companies without the signature of the UKE president," said Anna Streżyńska, Deputy Minister of Transport and Construction and acting president of UKE. "As for Wi-Max, we are currently verifying the legality of the tender procedure," she added.

The bidders in the GSM 1800 tender were Telefonia Dialog, PTK Centertel and Telekomunikacja Kolejowa. However, since the transformation of the Office for Telecommunication and Postal Regulation (URTiP) into UKE at the end of December 2005, the new regulator remains leaderless, so there's no one to sign the decision.

A UKE president could not be appointed because according to new regulations three candidates must be selected by the National Radio and Television Council (KRRiTV), and the key person is later nominated by the Prime Minister. The contest for the post is in progress.

"I don't know how much longer UKE can function in such a temporary mode. My patience is going to end on April 15, because this is when the staff's employment contracts have to be prolonged and local offices have to be reorganized," she added.

Streżyńska says she is entitled to sign the decisions on the president's behalf, but refuses to do so in order to avoid future legal battles.