The Irish regulator ComReg is considering these licences after it was forced to delay its formal auction following legal action.
Comreg is consulting on offering licences up to 6 months in length in the 700 MHz and 2.1 GHz bands. The regulator says it is doing this to avoid “consumer disruption”. Existing licences in the band are due to expire in October.
The 700 MHz band is one of three EU 5G pioneer bands. So far, Ireland has only assigned one pioneer band, namely the 3.6 GHz band. No plans have been announced for 26 GHz.
ComReg had initially planned to award the 700 MHz band at auction in July, however, this has been delayed following legal action from mobile operator Three.
In addition to the 700 MHz pioneer band, the 2.1 GHz, 2.3 GHz and 2.6 GHz bands were also due to be awarded. Irish regulator Comreg was forced to delay the auction when the High Court decided to grant Three’s stay application in July.
Comreg is appealing this decision but it won’t be until October 19 until the court hears the appeal. It’s unclear when the auction will take place.
