All three frequency bands identified as pioneer bands for 5G networks in Europe have now been auctioned in Finland
The Ministry of Transport and Communications announced the completion of the 26 GHz spectrum auction on June 8, 2020. Three licences were awarded to the three current MNOs. Each MNO got an 800MHz block of spectrum in the 26GHz band, each sold at a starting price of 7 million EUR and covering all of mainland Finland. Elisa won the 25.1-25.9 GHz frequencies, Telia the 25.9-26.7 GHz and DNA got the 26.7-27.5 GHz frequencies.
The frequency band can be used for 5G networks as of 1 July 2020 and the licence is valid in mainland Finland until 31 December 2033. The lowest 850 MHz part of the pioneer band (24.25-25.1 GHz) will be reserved for local and/or regional vertical players and research & development or educational usage.
All three frequency bands identified as pioneer bands for 5G networks in Europe have now been auctioned in Finland. The 700MHz band frequencies were assigned in November 2016 and the 3.6GHz band spectrum auction took place in September 2018.
Elisa started offering 5G mobile devices and plans in June 2019. Telia Finland launched 5G services in seven cities at the end of 2019. The operator offers Fixed Wireless Access and mobile services. DNA began selling mobile 5G subscriptions in January 2020, having previously launched its ‘DNA Home 5G’ offering in December 2019. Since 2019, the 5G network has been made available in 30 cities and municipalities in Finland.
