agyar Telecom, Vodafone Hungary and Telenor Hungary won 5G licences
The 5G spectrum auction scheduled for end of March 2020 was held on time. Despite Covid-19, the process was upheld due to the heavy market interests observed. It took place just one day before authorities imposed restrictions on activities and movements to limit dissemination of Covid-19. On 24 March 2020, a trial auction was organised to help bidders get acquainted with the process and the methodology.
Spectrum in 700 MHz, 2100 MHz, 2600 MHz and 3600 MHz frequencies was for sale in the multi-band auction. 50 MHz was sold in the 700 MHz band (expected to be freed up on 6 September 2020), 30 MHz in the 2100 MHz band and 310 MHz in the 3600 MHz frequencies. No bids were submitted for the 2600 MHz spectrum.
Magyar Telecom, Vodafone Hungary and Telenor Hungary won 15-year licences (until 2035, licences can be extended for 5 additional years once with the same pricing conditions) in the 700 MHz, 2100 MHz and 3600 MHz bands and acquired usage rights for 128.49 billion HUF (368 million EUR). Magyar Telecom acquired 2×10 MHz in the 700 and 2100 MHz bands and 120 MHz in the 3600 MHz frequencies. Telenor got 2×5 MHz of spectrum in the 700 MHz frequencies and 140 MHz in the 3600 MHz band. Vodafone obtained 2×10 MHz of spectrum in the 700 MHz band, 2×5 MHz in the 2100 MHz band and 50 MHz in the 3600 MHz frequencies.
DIGI did not take part in the auction. Its licence bidding application was rejected earlier in September 2019 by the Hungarian regulator NMHH. DIGI has taken actions in court to request the suspension of the procedure but the final decision has not been unveiled so far. The player continues to protest against its exclusion from the 5G auction.
