3.4-3.8 GHz

In 2017, BIPT stated it intends to auction 400 MHz of spectrum in 3.4-3.8 GHz frequencies as soon as possible (2021 likely). Licenses would be valid until 2040.

In June 2018, BIPT mentioned it will allocated 5G trial licenses before true spectrum auctions to be held in in 3.4-3.8 GHz and 700 MHz bands late in 2019 or in 2020. As the multi-band auction was delayed, the government decided in March 2020 to issue temporary trial licences.

The auction is not expected before year-end 2021.

Other frequencies

BIPT also considers 700 MHz and 1400-1500 MHz frequencies for 5G. Due to the delay in assigning 700 MHz spectrum, BIPT awarded temporary 700 MHz licences in April 2020.

The 700 MHz auction is not expected before year-end 2021.

The 26 GHz band auction will not take place before 2021. A public consultation was launched in May 2019 on use of the 26 GHz frequencies.

Upper frequencies (31.8-33.4 GHz and 40.5-43.5 GHz) could be auctioned from 2022 to 2027.

The CRC closed a public consultation on frequency allocations in October 2017. It proposed to sell eight blocks of 5MHz in the 1.5GHz (1452MHz-1492MHz) band, three paired blocks of 5MHz in the 2GHz (1920MHz-1935MHz/2110MHz-2125MHz), 14 paired 5MHz blocks of frequency division duplex (FDD) spectrum in the 2.6GHz (2500MHz-2570MHz/2620MHz-2690MHz), ten blocks of 5MHz TDD spectrum in the 2.6GHz (2570MHz-2620MHz), 34 blocks of 5MHz in the 3.6GHz (3430MHz-3600MHz) band and 22 blocks of 5MHz TDD in the 3.6GHz (3645MHz-3700MHz and 3745MHz-3800MHz).In December 2018, the CRC issued a consultation on planned spectrum policy activities for the next three years.

In December 2018, Bulgaria’s telecommunications authority (CRC) opened a public consultation procedure on a draft decision to adopt an updated regulatory policy for management of radio spectrum. It includes a proposal to redistribute spectrum in the 3400-3800 MHz band for 5G use and define the conditions for use of at least 1GHz of spectrum in 24.25-27.5 GHz band.

Another public consultation was launched on elements of a new radio spectrum policy including redistribution at 1800 MHz, allocation of 2000 MHz frequencies, use of 3400-3800 MHz spectrum, conditions for releasing 1 GHz of 24.25-27.5 GHz frequencies for 5G, allocation of 700 MHz to mobile services.

3.5 GHz

The regulator first aimed at auctioning spectrum earlier in March 2021 but changed its mind and decided to assign 100 MHz of spectrum to each country MNO without an auction. Vivacom contested in court the CRC decision to allocate spectrum without an auction. The CRC finally hold the auction to avoid time-consuming proceedings one month later than expected. The auction was successfully finalized on 6 April 2021. A1 and Telenor initially were ready to buy more unpaired spectrum blocks but the new process stated that players could only win one sole block.

A1, Vivacom and Telenor secured 100 MHz each in the 3.5 GHz band (3500-3800 MHz) and generated 6.9 million EUR in revenues. Licences are valid for 20 years.

The Strategy for Broadband Development in Croatia for 2016-2020 was adopted in July 2016. It aims at achieving full broadband deployment by a technology neutral approach. The estimated budget for the implementation of the Strategy measures is ca. 770 MEUR.

A round table on “introduction of the 5G network in Croatia” was held in May 2018. On January 25, 2019, HAKOM issued a public call for spectrum allocation in 2.5-2.69 GHz for the period of May 2019 until October 2024. The frequencies could be used for 5G.

70 MHz of the 3400-3600 MHz band is not available in north Croatia, in two counties. After November 4, 2023, the entire 3400-3600 MHz band will be available countrywide. The entire 3600-3800 MHz band will be available countrywide after July 31, 2020, while one continuous block of 100 MHz of this band has already been available from September 1, 2019.

In March 2019, Croatia adopted a new plan with 5G as a priority. At the same time, Tele2, A1 and Hrvatski Telekom were awarded spectrum in band 7 (2500-2690 MHz).

On October 18, 2019, HAKOM issued a public consultation on the future assignment of 700 MHz, 1500 MHz,  3.6 GHz and 26 GHz bands. A public consultation was open until January 20, 2020, to enable all interested stakeholders to express their views and interests. Because of the gathered information, HAKOM published a document stating the intention to conduct a public auction for the 700 MHz, 3.6 GHz and 26 GHz frequency bands. The auction was planned for H2 2020, but these plans are currently under revision due to COVID-19 epidemic.

700 MHz band in Croatia is still used for digital terrestrial television in DVB-T/MPEG-2 system. Termination of DVB-T broadcasting in this band to enable its use for wireless broadband was planned for mid-2020, together with transition to DVB-T2/HEVC system on frequencies below 694 MHz. In March 2020 HAKOM postponed transition to DVB-T2/HEVC system and releasing of the 700 MHz band for at least 6 months due to the consequences of force majeure caused by COVID-19 pandemic and earthquake in a densely populated area of capital Zagreb, on March 22, 2020. Release of the 700 MHz band is also largely conditioned by cross-border coordination (interference situation in 470-694 MHz) and demanding transition procedure as DTT is a dominant TV platform with 48% household’s share.

In January 2020, the Government of the Republic of Croatia has adopted a resolution on Osijek as the Croatian 5G City and Slavonia as the first Croatian region to operate 5G networks commercially. Commercial work on 5G technology in Osijek is expected by the end of 2020. 5G is a prerequisite for utilization of the potential of digital transformation as a key factor for economic growth. For the successful introduction of technology, it is necessary to encourage active co-operation between the relevant state bodies.

In June 2020, HAKOM postponed the multi-band auction (700 MHz, 3.6 GHz and 26 GHz) until the first half of 2021 blaming the Covid-19 outbreak.

A public consultation has been launched in September 2019 on 5G spectrum auction (700 MHz, 3.6 GHz, 26 GHz). The auction was initially planned for November 2019, rescheduled for March 2020, and again postponed to May 2020. Finally, 700 MHz and 3.4-3.8 GHz spectrum was auctioned on 17 December 2020. The auction raised 41.6 million EUR globally. The winners are Cyprus Telecommunications Authority (Cyta), Primetel, Epic and Cablenet.

700 MHz/3.5 GHz

The CTU is expected to auction off 2x 30 MHz in 700 MHz (703–733/758–788 MHz) and 190 MHz of spectrum in 3.4-3.6 GHz (3410-3600 MHz) spectrum. The process should be completed at year-end 2020.

Rules of the tender were part of a public consultation in June 2019. In the 700 MHz band, CTU reserved 2×10 MHz for a new player and limited the period during which this new player can use other networks to roam.

Another consultation was launched in March 2020 on a new framework for the 700 MHz and 3.4-3.6 GHz auction. The framework will include spectrum set aside for verticals and spectrum caps. In May 2020, the 5G auction was in the final stage of a public consultation and the auction is expected to take place in tge second half 2020. The new conditions include the reservation of part of the spectrum (bandwidth 40 MHz) in the 3.4 GHz band for 5G campus networks (for industrial use) and a spectrum cap of 60 MHz of spectrum in the 3.4-3.6 GHz band for incumbents where new entrants can buy up to 100 MHz.

In September 2020, players filed complaints against the auction.

The auction finally ended on November 13, 2020 and raised 212 million EUR. In the 700 MHz band, O2 Czech Republic won the 2×10 MHz block with obligations to provide national roaming and PPDR services for public emergency and security bodies.

3.7 GHz

The Czech telecoms regulator auctioned 3.7GHz spectrum in July 2017, with bids far above the reserve prices. The regulator set a cap of 40 MHz of spectrum each incumbent player could get while new entrants were restricted to a maximum 80 MHz per operator. O2 (3680 MHz-3720 MHz), Vodafone (3600 MHz-3640 MHz) and new player PODA (3640 MHz-3680 MHz) each won a block of 40 MHz and another new entrant, Nordic Telecom 5G, acquired 80 MHz of spectrum in two blocks (3720-3760 & 3760-3780 MHz). The price for each spectrum block reached 7 times the reserve price. Each 40 MHz block was sold for 203 MCZK (~7.9 MEUR), for 1.015 BCZK (~39 MEUR). Spectrum licences will be valid 15 years until 2033.

The price for 3.7 GHz spectrum reached 1.2 EUR/MHz/PoP for 10 years.

At the same time, CTU was about to reallocate spectrum in the 450 MHz band (451.3 MHz–455.74 MHz & 461.3MHz–465.74 MHz), currently owned by O2. CTU has invited the operator to submit an application, fixing the minimum price of 210 MCZK (~8 MEUR) for the new licences.

26 GHz

The CTU also stated in 2019 its intention to use 26 GHz spectrum for 5G. It issued a public consultation in August 2020.

Spectrum licenses in the 700 MHz, 900 MHz and 2300-2400 MHz bands were auctioned in March 2019. TDC, Hi3G and TT-Netvaerket won the frequencies, raising a total of 296 million EUR. The licenses are valid from April 2020.

• Hi3G Denmark ApS won 2 x 10 MHz in the 700 MHz band and 2 x 10 MHz in the 900 MHz band at a total cost of almost 65 million EUR
• TDC A/S won 2×15 MHz in the 700 MHz band, 2×10 MHz in the 900 MHz-band, 60 MHz in the 2300 MHz band and 20 MHz for SDL in the 700 MHz-band at a total cost of almost 217 million EUR
• TT-Netvaerket P/S won 2×5 MHz in the 700 MHz band and 2×10 MHz in the 900 MHz band at a total cost of 14 million EUR

The multi-band auction (1500/2100/2300 MHz/3.5 GHz/26 GHz) ended in April 2021.

• TDC Net won spectrum in the 1,500 MHz band (1427-1472 MHz), in the 2,100 MHz band (1940-1960/2130-2150 MHz), in the 2,300 MHz band (2360-2400 MHz), in the 3.5 GHz band (3.41-3.54 GHz) and in the 26 GHz band (24.65-25.9 GHz) for 794.7 million DKK (106.9 million EUR). It was the only player to get spectrum in all the bands for sale.
• Hi3G Denmark acquired spectrum in the 2,100 MHz band (1920-1940/2110-2130 MHz), in the 3.5 GHz band (3.54-3.66 GHz) and in the 26 GHz band (26.5-27.5 GHz) for 540.5 million DKK (72.7 million EUR).
• TT-Network bought spectrum in the 1,500 MHz band (1472-1517 MHz), in the 2,100 MHz band (1960-1980/2150-2170 MHz), in the 3.5 GHz band (3.66-3.8 GHz), including the rental obligation for private networks, and in the 26 GHz band (25.9-26.5 GHz) for a total permit price of 741.0 million DKK (99.6 million EUR).

In March 2019, a 5G spectrum roadmap was issued with plans to auction 700 MHz spectrum in the first semester 2020.

The auction for 390 MHz of spectrum in the 3.6 GHz band was suspended in April 2019 following a complaint about the rules of the tender.

Early 2020, the government opened a new consultation and decided to offer a 4^th 5G license. Applications were due by June 18^th, 2020 and further extended up to July 31^st, 2020. The auction is expected to likely take place in 2021.

The potential of spectrum in the 40-44 GHz and 66-71 GHz ranges was mentioned.

Finland assigned spectrum in the three 5G pioneer bands.

3.4-3.8 GHz

In May 2018, the Finland’s Ministry of Transport and Communications launched a consultation on plans to make available 5G-suitable spectrum in the 3.5GHz band (3410-3800 MHz).

3.4-3.8 GHz spectrum auctions began on September 26, 2018 and ended on October 1^st, 2018. The same amount of spectrum was proposed for sale in three licences valid 15 years from January 1^st, 2019 to YE2033.

The 130 MHz licences were awarded to the three players in place. The 3410-3540 MHz slot was allocated to Telia Finland at 30.3 million EUR. Elisa paid 26.3 million EUR for the 3540-3670 MHz range. DNA paid 21 million EUR for frequencies in 3670-3800 MHz.

Overall, the auction raised 77.6 million EUR, a fairly reasonable amount, in line with government base prices.

700 MHz

700 MHz frequencies were assigned in November 2016.

26 GHz

At the end of 2018, the Finnish Ministry of Transport and Communications has published a new strategy for digital infrastructure. The strategy contains Finland’s 5G deployment plan and deals especially with the 3.6 GHz and 26 GHz bands.

The auction took place on June 8^th, 2020. The current MNOs, Elisa, Telia and DNA were each assigned 800 MHz of spectrum at the starting price of 7 million EUR. Licenses are national for 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.

Following a public consultation closed in February 2018, the French NRA announced mid-2017 its intention to upgrade wireless local loops with a portion of the 3.5 GHz band and to dedicate the rest of the 3.4-3.8 GHz spectrum to MNOs for 5G trials and rollouts.

A public consultation on award procedures and sequencing was held between October 26^th and December 19^th, 2018. to collect ideas and needs from operators, local authorities, vertical market players, economic stakeholders and all interested parties. ARCEP held a second consultation on the call or calls to tender. The auction process is expected late in 2019 or in 2020.

1.5 GHz

A public consultation on the 1.5 GHz band took place during summer 2018 (July 30^th-September 30^th, 2018.

3.4-3.8 GHz

A public consultation on award procedures and sequencing was held between October 26^th and December 19^th, 2018. to collect ideas and needs from operators, local authorities, vertical market players, economic stakeholders and all interested parties. ARCEP held a second consultation on the call or calls to tender. In July 2019, ARCEP launched another public consultation on terms and conditions for allocation of 3490-3800 MHz frequencies, including coverage obligations

Late in November 2019, reserve prices were disclosed for the mid-band frequency assignment procedure. Up to four 50 MHz lots will be assigned on demand at 350 MEUR each and up to eleven 10 MHz lots will be auctioned with a 70 MEUR reserve price.

The auction process was opened on December 31^st, 2019. The auction should not take place before April 2020 at the soonest.

A consultation for auctioning 3.4-3.8 GHz spectrum in overseas territories was issued in December 2019.

Late in February 2020, the four bidders for the 3.5 GHz auction in metropolitan France were revealed: Bouygues Telecom, Free Mobile, Orange and Altice requested the allocation of one of the four 50MHz blocks awarded in exchange for optional commitments.  The auction initially scheduled to begin in April 2020 was postponed to September (20-30) due to the coronavirus pandemic.

The auction for eleven 10 MHz blocks started on September 29, 2020. The first round (bidding) was completed on October 1st, 2020. The four MNOs paid a total of 2.786 billion EUR for 310 MHz of spectrum, in addition to the previous 50 MHz block awarded earlier in 2020 to each player at 350 million EUR per block. Orange won 90 MHz of spectrum, SFR obtained 80 MHz and both Bouygues and Free got 70 MHz of spectrum. A spectrum cap had been set at 100 MHz of spectrum per MNO. The second round will see players bid for “positioning” that spectrum in the band. Spectrum at the center of the band is the most coveted as it ensures less interference with other services.

26 GHz

In May 2018, ARCEP launched a public consultation on opening up the 26 GHz pioneer band to 5G.

In January 2018, the Bundesnetzagentur unveiled its intention to make 3.6 GHz spectrum available for 5G as from 1^st January 2022 (as from 2019 at an earlier stage).

Germany updated the national mobile strategy in September 2019. Five topics were raised. The central topic raised deals with coverage issues (extending coverage) and especially with ways and means to reduce white spots in 4G and consequently in 5G.

3.4-3.8 GHz

Final conditions for the auction were released in November 2018. Auction of 3400-3700 MHz frequencies begun in March 2019 and ended in June 2019 after 497 rounds. The auction raised 6.55 billion EUR. Licenses include coverage obligations.

• Auction of 3400-3700 MHz frequencies begun in March 2019 and ended in June 2019 after 497 rounds. The auction raised 6.55 billion EUR. Spectrum is available on a nationwide basis.
• Up to 100 MHz in the 3.7-3.8 GHz frequencies are reserved for regional/local assignments. Applications opened on November 21^st, 2019.

26 GHz

An application procedure for using 26 GHz frequencies for local and regional 5G services and improve mobile coverage has been defined. 26 GHz spectrum has been awarded upon application since year-end 2019.

700 MHz/3.5 GHz/26 GHz spectrum

In January 2020, EETT issued another consultation on the multi-band spectrum auction (700 MHz, 2.1 GHz, 3.5GHz and 26 GHz spectrum).

The multi-band auction incl. 700 MHz, 3.4-3.8 GHz and 26 GHz spectrum ended in December 2020 and raised 372.3 million EUR.

Other frequencies

1500 MHz SDL (1427-1517 MHz)

In January 2019, Greece issued a public consultation on 1500 MHz frequencies.

2100 MHz (1920-1980/2110-2170 MHz)

A consultation is planned for unused spectrum in this band.

2300 MHz (2300-2400 MHz)

A public consultation was planned before YE2019.

700 MHz/2.1 GHz/2.6 GHz/3.6 GHz

The multi-band auction was held at the end of March 2020 despite covid-19. 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). DIGI did not take part in the auction. Its licence bidding application was rejected earlier in September 2019 by the Hungarian regulator NMHH. The player continues to protest against its exclusion from the 5G auction.

26 GHz

The Authority also considers 26 GHz spectrum for 5G. However, due to lack of demand on that specific band (Public consultation held on that topic during summer 2019), plans are on hold.

3.4-3.8 GHz

ComReg auctioned 350 MHz of spectrum in 3.4-3.8 GHz frequencies in May 2017 (#42&43, 25 MHz A block:3410-3455 MHz and 65 B blocks of 5 MHz each: 3475-3800 MHz) on a regional basis. 78 MEUR were raised. All five licenses are valid 15 years, from 1^st August 2017 to 31^st July 2032. Vodafone got 85 MHz in rural regions, 105 MHz in the cities for 22.73 million EUR. Three obtained 100 MHz nationally for 20.37 MEUR. Meteor Mobile paid 15.66 MEUR for 80 MHz in rural areas and 85 MHz in urban areas. Imagine Communications paid 9.77 MEUR for 60 MHz in each of the rural regions where it operates as a fixed wireless provider. Airspan obtained 25 MHz in the rural regions and 60 MHz in the cities for 9.63 MEUR.

700 MHz & 2.1/2.3/2.6 GHz

In June 2019, ComReg issued a public consultation (closed on July 30) on 700 MHz (2×30 MHz), 2.1 GHz (2×45 MHz and 2×60 MHz in 2100 MHz frequencies), 2.3 GHz (100 MHz) and 2.6 GHz (190 MHz including 2×70 MHz FDD and 50 MHz TDD) bands.

It proposed to attach “precautionary” coverage obligations to the 700 MHz band. A combinatorial clock auction design could be used.

Due to covid-19, ComReg issued on-demand temporary licenses to MNOs in April 2020. Meteor Mobile, Three Ireland and Vodafone Ireland received temporary licenses valid from April to July 2020 in 700 and 2100 MHz spectrum.

On 13 May 2020, ComReg published a Draft Information Memorandum and Draft Regulations on the multi-band auction.

The 700 MHz band should be auctioned in 2021.

26 GHz (24.745 – 25.277 GHz paired with 25.753 GHz – 26.285 GHz)

The 26 GHz auction took place from April to June 2018.

840 MHz or 15 of 19 Lots of 2 × 28 MHz in the range 24.745 – 25.277 GHz paired with 25.753 GHz – 26.285 GHz was auctioned to the three mobile players in place. Each mobile player got 280 MHz. Vodafone paid 550,000 EUR while Three and Meteor Mobile paid 350,000 EUR.

It consisted of a “sealed bid combinatorial auction” using a second price rule and applying processes and rules as set out in the Information Memorandum. Winning Bidders will pay approximately 5 million EUR for spectrum rights of use, comprising 1.25 million EUR in upfront fees an3.75 million EUR in spectrum usage fees which will be paid over the 10 year duration of the licences.

Spectrum in the 700 MHz (694MHz-790MHz), 3.6GHz-3.8GHz and 26.5GHz-27.5GHz bands was auctioned in September and October 2018. The whole auction ended after 14 days of intense bidding, far above expectations, reaching 6.55 billion EUR of which 4 billion EUR for the highly-coveted mid-frequencies.

3.6-3.8 GHz

Mid-2017, the Italian NRA made spectrum in 3.4-3.8 GHz band available for 5G trials.

The mi-band auction ended on October 2^nd, 2018, 14 days after start and 171 rounds. Telecom Italia and Vodafone won the largest blocks of spectrum (80 MHz each) for approx.1.7 billion EUR each. Respectively they paid 1.694 billion EUR and 1.685 billion EUR. Wind and Iliad paid 483.9 million EUR each for 20 MHz of spectrum each (483.92 million EUR for Wind and 483.9 million EUR for Illiad). Overall, the 3.7 GHz auction hit over 4 billion EUR reaching 4.3 billion EUR. The average price of spectrum closed at 18 cEUR/MHz/PoP/10 years significantly higher than in the UK or in Spain.

Licences start as of December 1^st, 2018.

700 MHz

The 700 MHz auction process ended mid-September 2018. 700 MHz frequencies raised globally 2.04 billion EUR. Telecom Italia announced it had paid 680.2 million EUR for 2×10 MHz. Illiad paid 676.5 million EUR for 2×10 MHz. Vodafone spent 683.2 million EUR for 2×10 MHz. Licenses are valid 15 years, starting on July 1^st, 2022.

26 GHz

1,000 MHz of the 26.5GHz-27.5GHz spectrum (split into five lots of 200 MHz) was auctioned in September 2018. The process ended on October 2^nd, 2018, 14 days after start. The auction for 26 GHz frequencies have not shown a huge interest by players. The five lots were allocated, raising a total of 167.3  million EUR. Telecom Italia paid its slot 33 million EUR, Illiad received another lot for a little less at 32.9 million EUR, while Fastweb, Wind and Vodafone paid 32.6 million EUR each.

Licenses will be valid until 2037 with the right of use to start as of December 1^st, 2018.

700 MHz

The Latvian regulator issued a consultation on 700 MHz spectrum assignment for 5G in March 2020. Three lots of 2×10 MHz +1×15 MHz of spectrum are expected to be assigned. The reserve price is set at 1 MEUR for each lot. Licences would be valid for 20 years from the beginning of 2022. The consultation was opened till May 25, 2020.  Due to unsolved cross-border issues, the auction could be rescheduled to 2022.

1500 MHz

At the beginning of 2019, SRPK cancelled Lattetelecom’s rights of fixed use of 1427-1452 and 1492-1517 MHz frequencies as of 2021. SRPK intends to provide mobile 5G services in 1427-1517 MHz frequencies. The auction should take place in 2021.

3.4-3.8 GHz

SRPK auctioned off spectrum in the 3.4-3.8 GHz frequencies in November 2017. LMT was the sole bidder. It got the two blocks of 50 MHz for sale at 3400-3450 MHz & 3650-3700 MHz for the reserve price of 250,000 EUR each. The licenses are valid for ten years, from 1^st January 2019 to 31^st December 2028. Unsold spectrum (3550-3600 MHz) was auctioned to Tele2 Latvia in September 2018.

In June 2020, Lithuania has approved the guidelines for the Development of 5G in the Republic of Lithuania in 2020–2025

700 MHz

700 MHz frequencies are expected to be awarded in the first quarter 2021.

3.4-3.8 GHz & 3.8-4.2 GHz

RRT opened a public consultation on the use of 3.4-3.8 GHz and 3.8-4.2 GHz frequencies from April to May 2018.

A second public consultation on the use of 3.4-3.8 GHz frequencies was issued between October and November 2018. Another consultation closed in April 2019.

3.4-3.8 GHz frequencies are expected to be awarded by year-end 2020 (depending on talks with Russia on interference issues in border areas) with coverage obligations. .  Drafted guidelines indicate that at least one 5G network should cover at least one of the nations largest cities (Vilnius, Kaunas, Klaipeda, Siauliai or Panevezys) by 2022 and that at least one 5G network should be available in all 5 cities by 2023. Guidelines also introduced coverage obligations of all urban areas and main transport routes and hubs (motorways, rail routes, airports) by 2025.

100 MHz is put aside for PPDR services and communications. The auction is expected in the first quarter 2021. In the meantime, 3.5 GHz band spectrum has been allocated on a temporary and non-commercial basis to Telia Lietuva.

ILR launched a public consultation on the “Allotment and Allocation Plan for Radio Frequencies” from June 2018 to July 2018. The proposed new plan takes into consideration three new EC decisions, including decision UE 2018/661 on 1.5 GHz frequencies (1427-1452 & 1492-1517 MHz), decision UE 2018/637 on 900 and 180 MHz frequencies, decision UE 2017/899 on 700 MHz frequencies (470-790 MHz).

700 MHz/3.4-3.7 GHz

ILR launched a public consultation on the use of 700 MHz and 3.4-3.8 GHz frequencies for 5G from August to September 2017 and from May to July 2019.

Assignment of the 700 MHz and 3.4-3.7 GHz bands was initially scheduled for the second half of 2019 and rescheduled to the first half 2020 in October 2019. 700 MHz licenses will include coverage obligations (50% national coverage at YE2022 and 90% at YE2024).

Spectrum from 3.7-3.8 GHz will be considered separately. It is intended to be used by local applications.

Assignment rules were released in March 2020.

• In 700 MHz frequencies, players cannot get more than 2×10 MHz. In 3400-3800 MHz frequencies, players cannot bid for more than 130 MHz. Licenses will be valid 15 +5 years.
• A reserve price has been set at 562 KEUR for 2×1 MHz in 700 MHz frequencies and at 30KEUR for 1 MHz of spectrum in 3400-3800 MHz frequencies.
• Licenses will include coverage obligations in both bands. In 700 MHz frequencies, players are expected to reach 50% geographical coverage by year-end 2022 and 90% geographical coverage by year-end 2024. They will have to light up 10 5G sites by year-end 2020, 20 5G sites by year-end 2021, 40 5G sites by year-end 2022 and 80 5G sites by year-end 2024 in 3400-3800 MHz frequencies.

The 5G auction for spectrum assignment took place in July 2020. Four out of the five bidders acquired 5G frequencies in the 700MHz FDD and 3600MHz TDD band, paying a total of 41.3 million EUR (Players’ bids are not available).

Orange, Post and Proximus were each awarded one of the three available lots of 2×10MHz in the 700MHz band.

In the 3600MHz band, Orange and Post each acquired 110MHz of frequencies, Proximus bought 100MHz and Luxembourg Online 10MHz. Eltrona participated in the auction but failed to secure spectrum rights.

The 26 GHz frequencies are expected to become available in the second half of 2020.

In February 2021, the Malta Communications Authority (MCA) conducted a consultation on the assignment framework of radio spectrum in the 700 MHz, 3.6 GHz and 26 GHz bands [MCA/C/21-4132]. In April 2021, the MCA adopted a decision (MCA/D/21-4177) which established the assignment process for these bands and the conditions that will be attached to the resulting rights of use.

To be awarded this spectrum, there must be a formal expression of interest from interested stakeholders.

700 MHz band

On the basis of the National Roadmap for the UHF band published in June 2018 [MCA/O/18-3256], and Decision no. MCA/D/21-4177, the MCA made available six blocks of paired radio spectrum in the 700 MHz band for wireless broadband electronic communications services.  The annual radio spectrum licence fee per block was set to €224,000.

The market has so far not expressed interest for the provision of wireless broadband services in the 700 MHz band.  Nonetheless, radio spectrum in this band has been licensed to one of the mobile operators for the purpose of carrying out 5G trials until end October 2022.

3.4-3.8 GHz band

Subsequent to the publication of Decision no. MCA/D/21-4177, the market expressed interest for the use of radio spectrum in this band.  Following an open call for applications, it was determined that supply did not exceed demand and the rights of use of radio spectrum were granted through a direct assignment process based on individual interest. The following table lists the assignments that took place:

The annual spectrum licence fee per 5 MHz unpaired spectrum was set to €9,000.  The 3.4-3.5 GHz band remains unassigned due to a lack of market interest.

26 GHz band

In line with Decision no. MCA/D/21-4177, the entire 26 GHz band was designated for mobile applications but only 1.2 GHz of which was made available for wireless broadband electronic communications services.  The remaining spectrum within this band will be reserved for future use.

Radio spectrum in the 26 GHz band remains unassigned due to a lack of market interest.

In an announcement dated June 2018, the national multi-band auction of spectrum (700/1400/2100 MHz) was initially expected late 2019 or early 2020.

In June 2019, ACM released an updated spectrum plan for 5G. The telecom regulator intends to auction 700, 1400, 2100 and 3500 MHz. The 700/1400 MHz spectrum is expected to become available from 2020, the 2100 MHz spectrum from 2021, the 3500 MHz (3400-3450 MHz) from September 2022 (3400-3450 and 3750-3800 MHz from 2026.

In December 2019, a public consultation was opened potential spectrum caps for 700/1500/2100 MHz spectrum and a reserve price that would raise at least 0.9 billion EUR. Licenses will include coverage obligations of 98% geographic coverage of all domestic municipalities. The auction itself is scheduled for June 2020. Applications are due before 6 April 2020.

The multi-band auction started on 29 June 2020. It raised 1.23 billion EUR. Each operator won 2×10MHz in the 700MHz band and 2×20MHz in the 2100MHz band. In the 1400MHz band, KPN and VodafoneZiggo bought 1×15MHz each and T-Mobile acquired 1×10MHz. Spectrum in the 700MHz and 1400MHz will become available immediately, the 2100MHz licences will be available from early 2021. Licences include coverage obligations of 98% geographic coverage of all domestic municipalities. Licenses which will be issued in summer 2020 will run until 2040. The auction was cleared by the Court of The Hague one day before the announcement by the regulator. A lawsuit had been launched by Stop5GNL to block 5G auctions and rollout blaming negative health effects.

The use of 26 GHz spectrum for 5G is currently considered.

Between July and August 2018, UKE launched a consultation regarding 5G spectrum management covering 700 MHz, 3.4-3.6 GHz and 3.6-3.8 GHz frequencies.

700 MHz

UKE plans to released 700 MHz (703-733/758-788 MHz) frequencies until 2022; it asks for a delay in December 2018. 2×30 MHz spectrum should be dedicated to Poland-wider licenses by blocks of 5 MHz in FDD mode. The auction is expected to take place in 2022.

3.4-3.6 GHz/3.6-3.8 GHz

For the 3.4-3.6 GHz band, the objectives are to re-organise the band and release at least 150 MHz for 5G (until 2025) by blocks of 5 MHz in TDD mode. For the 3.6-3.8 GHz band, UKE plans to allocate 200 MHz of spectrum to Poland-wide licenses by blocks of 5 MHz in TDD mode (until 2023 at the latest).

In April 2019, the UKE announced that 3.6-3.8 GHz spectrum could be awarded by June or July 2020.

The regulator opened a consultation on the 3.4-3.8 GHz planned auction for 5G in December 2019. It proposed a starting price of 450 MPLN (105 MEUR) for each of the 80 MHz concessions (each 80 MHz block is divided into 16 sub-blocks of 5 MHz). There will be four concessions: A: 3480-3560 MHz, B: 3560-3640 MHz, C: 3640-3720 MHz and D: 3720-3800 MHz. Concessions A and B will have nationwide coverage while licenses C and D will have some geographic restrictions.

The auction kicked off in March 2020 but was stopped due to covid-19.  It is then expected to be completed by March 2021. The licenses will include obligations to launch services over 10 base stations in one city within six months of the award date, over 250 base stations by YE 2023 and over 500 base stations by YE 2025. They will be valid until the end of May 2035.

The licenses will be valid until the end of June 2035. The proposed starting price for each block is PLN 450 million (103.4 million EUR).

26 GHz

The band re-organization is envisioned. The auction is expected before 2022.

ANACOM released a public consultation on 5G spectrum between March and April 2018. Frequencies studied included 450/700/900/1500/1800/2100/2600/3600 MHz and 26 GHz frequencies.

In July 2018, the Portuguese regulatory authority ANACOM approved the 700 MHz band plan for 5G services. The 700 MHz band will be freed up by June 2020. The release of the band will start in Q4 2019.

At the end of 2018, Portugal indicated that it was establishing a working group to work on the development of the Portuguese national 5G action plan. On the first half 2019, it worked on a public consultation on a proposed multiband spectrum auction (450/700/900/1500/1800 MHz, 2.1/2.6/3.6).

In October 2019, ANACOM sped up its preparations for the 5G multi-band auction and decided to reconfigure and relocate 3.4-3.8 GHz spectrum currently held by Dense Air Portugal. The spectrum owned by Dense Air Portugal will be reduced from 168 MHz to 100 MHz and relocated to the lower end of the band to allow for increased access for other companies.

The multi-band auction which was scheduled to begin in April 2020 and to end in June 2020 was suspended in March 2020 due to the coronavirus pandemic. It should start in the first quarter 2021.

ANCOM launched a public consultation on the “National Strategy for the Implementation of 5G in Romania” between November 20^th and December 21^st, 2018.

700 MHz/1500 MHz/2600 MHz/3400-3800 MHz

In June 2019, ANCOM published plans to auction spectrum in 700 (703-733/758-788 MHz and 738-753 MHz SDL), 800 (2×5 MHz FDD), 1500 (40 MHz SDL), 2600 (2×40 MHz FDD), and 3400-3800 MHz (90 MHz TDD valid in the 2020-2025 period, and 400 MHz TDD valid form 2026) frequencies by the end of October 2019. In July 2019, a consultation was issued to discuss technical details of the auction process. In March 2020, the process was postponed to year-end 2020. It could be rescheduled again in 2021.

26.5-27.5 GHz

At least 1 GHz will be made available in the upper parts of the 26 GHz frequencies.

26 GHz spectrum auction is expected before 2022.

In June 2019, Slovakia launched a consultation on spectrum auctions methods for 700/800/900/1500 and 1800 MHz frequencies. 700 and 1500 MHz spectrum is primarily reserved for 5G services.

700 MHz (primarily for 5G)

A consultation was issued at the end of December 2019 on the 700, 900 and 1800 MHz auction process. In April 2020, Regulacny Urad (RU) invited applications for the multi-band 700/900/1800 MHz auction.

In the 700 MHz band, spectrum 2×30 MHz is available broken down into 15 2×5 MHz blocks at a reserve price of 16 MEUR each. RU set a spectrum cap of 2×15 MHz by player in 700 MHz frequencies. No spectrum is finally not reserved for the fourth player in the market, SWAN Mobile.  700 MHz licenses will be valid for 20 years. 700 MHz licenses will be granted with coverage obligations of 95% of the population of every county town by year-end 2025 and 90% of the population outside county towns by 2027, with 70% of the country inhabitants covered by 5G by year-end 2027.

The auction took place in November 2020.

1500 MHz (primarily for 5G)

1427-1517 MHz frequencies are reserved primarily for 5G services.

3.4-3.6 GHz (licences for 4G BWA)

In August 2015 national 3.4-3.6 GHz licences were granted to O2 (2×20 MHz) and SWAN (2×10 MHz) in the 3.4-3.6 GHz band.

3.6-3.8 GHz (licences for 4G BWA)

In October 2017, RU held a regional auction of 40 MHz blocks in 3.6-3.8 GHz frequencies. Licenses were acquired by 16 bidders including Amtel Slovensko (61 districts), Slovanet (47), Towercom (eight), DSI DATA (six), O2 Slovakia (six), HMZRadiokomunikacie (three) and ORANET (two), while Alternet, E-MAX INTERNET & IT, Fibris, OravaNet, PEGOSlovakia, Prva internetova, RUPKKI, Slovak Telekom and Wircom all took up concessions in one district. The spectrum is valid until year-end 2024.

Multi-band auction (700/1500/2100/2300/3600 MHz and 26 GHz)

Slovenia launched a public consultation for the assignment of spectrum in the 700 MHz band and in the 26 GHz for 4G and 5G services in 2017. Two blocks (56 MHz and 112 MHz) in the 26 GHz frequencies were awarded in January 2018. However, they cannot be used for 5G services.

In May 2019, AKOS issued a consultation on its spectrum management strategy for the next few years. It wants to make a decision by June 2020 with respect to awarding the 700 MHz, 1400 MHz, 2.1 GHz, 2.3 GHz, 3.4-3.8 GHz, and 26 GHz bands. The document also discusses the potentially making spectrum available for local wireless broadband networks in a portion of the 3.4-3.8 GHz band, and critical M2M services in a 2 x 3 MHz block of spectrum within the 700 MHz band.

In December 2019, AKOS delayed the launch of the multi-band auction to the second half of 2020.  In May 2020, AKOS begun preparations for the auction: it plans an imminent open consultation for spectrum in the 700/1500/2100/2300/3600 MHz and 26 GHz bands (by March 2021). Early 2021, AKOS published a call announcing the auction should take place in March or April 2021.

The auction, which finally ended in April 2021, raised 164.2 million EUR for the sale of 75 MHz of 700 MHz spectrum, 80 MHz of 1500 MHz spectrum, 120 MHz in the 2100 MHz band, 70 MHz in the 2.3 GHz band, 380 MHz in the 3.5 GHz band and 1,000 MHz in the 26 GHz band. Telekom Slovenia bid 52.1 million EUR for licences in five of the six available bands (The operator did not bid for the 2.3 GHz licence). Telemach offered 51.6 million EUR for frequencies in all bands.  A1 Slovenia paid 42.4 million EUR for spectrum in the 700 MHz, 1500 MHz, 2100 MHz, 3.5 GHz and 26 GHz ranges and did not bid for 2300 MHz frequencies. T-2 bid 18.2 million EUR for 2100 MHz and 2.3 GHz licences. Licences are valid for 15 years (extendable to 20 years).

700 MHz licence holders have to cover 60% of all train lines and main roads by December 31, 2025). In the 26 GHz band, Akos is encouraging dynamic spectrum sharing alongside with network sharing

700 MHz

Discussions are ongoing on the 700 MHz band. The 700 MHz auction initially scheduled for Spring 2019 was postponed late November 2018 to the first months of 2020. It was further postponed to a later date due to the Covid-19 pandemic.  It is expected by the end of March 2021.

3.4-3.6 GHz

The 3.4-3.6 GHz spectrum has already been awarded for 5G services (2016, licenses are valid until 2030). Four licenses have 2×20 MHz of spectrum. The remaining 2×20 MHz are used for radiolocation and guard bands.

3.6-3.8 GHz

The 3.6-3.8 GHz spectrum auction was held in July 2018. The spectrum was divided into forty 5 MHz blocks (total of 200 MHz), The auction raised 438 MEUR.

26 GHz

Use of the 26 GHz spectrum during the pilot projects will be eased to analyse its potential. The band might be rearranged in order to call a future tender.

700 MHz

In July 2018, PTS invited applications for the 700 MHz frequencies auction.  Applications can be made until November 5^th. The auction began on December 4^th, 2018. 60 MHz of spectrum is on sale, split into two lots of 2×5 MHz (713MHz-718MHz/768MHz-773MHz and 718MHz-723MHz/773MHz-778MHz) and one lot of 2×10 MHz (723MHz-733MHz/778MHz-788MHz, with coverage obligations), plus four 5 MHz blocks for SDL (738MHz-743MHz, 743MHz-748MHz, 748MHz-753MHz and 753MHz-758MHz). The reserve price is 50 MSEK (4.9 MEUR) per 5 MHz. A cap per player has been defined at 40 MHz maximum to ensure at least two players to get frequencies. The awarded licenses came into effect on 1st January 2019 and will be valid until 31 December 2040.

The 700 MHz auction took place in December 2018.

3.4-3.8 GHz

200 MHz of spectrum in 3.4-3.6 GHz frequencies were made available for 5G trials in April 2017.

PTS plans to auction off 3.4-3.8 GHz frequencies in 2019. 300 MHz (3.4-3.7 GHz) will be on sale on a nationwide basis (with a selection procedure) and the remaining 100 MHz (3.7-3.8 GHz) will be reserved for regional licenses (without a selection procedure).

The 3.5 GHz auction initially scheduled for March 2020 was postponed in November 2020 with applications invited until 30 June 2020. The auction was again postponed to an unspecified date. 15 national blocks of at least 20 MHz (one 40 MHz license) in the 3400-3720 MHz are on offer. 80 MHz (3720-3800 MHz) should be reserved for local and regional licenses.

• 80 MHz will be for sale in the 2300 MHz frequencies with 8 blocks of 10 MHz sold at a 20 MSEK (1.9 MEUR) reserve price.

24.25-27.5 GHz

1000 MHz of spectrum in 24.5-27.5 GHz frequencies were made available for 5G trials in April 2017.

PTS considers auctioning 24.25-27.5 GHz frequencies.

Other frequencies

• 5 GHz and 2.3 GHz bands. The licence award is planned for 2021.
• 6 GHz band. The licence award is planned for 2021 or later.

In June 2019, OfCom issued a public consultation on defragmentation of 3.4-3.8 GHz frequencies. As a result, it plans to introduce spectrum sharing and open up spectrum (3800-4200/1800/2300 MHz) to private network operators and vertical industry players on a first-come first-serve basis. Spectrum sharing will also be introduced in the 26 GHz frequencies, but only for indoor services.

In November 2019, OFCOM has issued a consultation until December 3, 2019, on draft statutory instruments that would support its local spectrum access and spectrum sharing policies.

700 MHz (694-790 MHz)

The UK Government has invested up to 600 MGBP in making the band available. The related public consultation ended in March 2019. The auction was postponed in early 2021.

In March 2020, OfCom published the rules of the 700 MHz auction. 80 MHz will be sold in six 2x5MHz lots with a reserve price of 100 million GBP (110 million EUR) per lot and four 5 lots of 5 MHz SDL with a reserve price of 1 million GBP (1.10 million EUR) per lot.  Licenses will not include coverage obligations. There will be two stages (bidding, assignment to determine the specific frequencies needed by players).

A global spectrum cap has been set at 416 MHz of spectrum acquired in the auction (including the 3.6-3.8 GHz auction) by player.

3.4-3.8 GHz

A consultation on defragmenting the 3.4-3.8 GHz band was issued in June 2019. The idea is to reorganise the band so operators can have contiguous blocks of spectrum. A negotiation phase could begin before the 3600-3800 MHz auction where players could swap blocks.

3.4-3.6 GHz

150 MHz of 3.4-3.6 GHz (3410-3480/3500-3580 MHz) spectrum was auctioned in April 2018 to all MNOs at an average price per MHz of 9 cEUR per PoP for 10 years; 3 got 20 MHz (3460-3480 MHz), EE 40 MHz (3540-3580 MHz), Vodafone 50 MHz (3410-3460 MHz) and O2 Telefonica 40 MHz (3500-3540 MHz). With the two slots of 20 MHz used by UK Broadband (3480-3500 MHz & 3580-3600 MHz) for a number of years, the band has been fully allocated.

3.6-3.8 GHz

Ofcom plans to auction 120 MHz of spectrum in the 3.6-3.8 GHz frequencies in 2020.

In December 2018, Ofcom issued a consultation on the annual license fees charged to UK Broadband for its spectrum licenses in the 3.4 GHz and 3.6 GHz bands.

Parts of the band is expected to be awarded in 2020.

In December 2019, Ofcom asked for comments on its revised proposals for the auction design without coverage obligations.

The auction was postponed to sometimes in 2020 or early 2021, facing challenges from MNOs

In March 2020, OfCom published the rules of the 3.6-3.8 GHz auction: 24 lots of 5 MHz of 3.6-3.8 GHz spectrum will be auctioned using a simultaneous multiple round ascending format. The reserve price is set at 20 million GBP (22 million EUR) per lot.

Licenses will not include coverage obligations. A global spectrum cap has been set at 416 MHz of spectrum acquired in the auction (including the 700 MHz auction) by player.

The auction is expected to take place early 2021.

26 GHz (24.25-27.5 GHz)

OFCOM called for inputs on 26 GHz spectrum in July 2017. 26 GHz spectrum is assigned on an on-demand basis.

57-91 GHz

In July 2018, OFCOM opened up a consultation on 57-71 GHz frequencies. OfCom decided to change the authorization approach for fixed wireless systems in the 64-66 GHz band to license exempt and to implement common technical conditions across the 57-71 GHz band for short-range wideband data transmission systems and fixed wireless systems

In June 2019, the Norwegian regulator published a revised spectrum roadmap for 5G, including preliminary award schedules by bands:

• 450 MHz (2019 for 2020 activation)
• 700 MHz (2019)
• 700 MHz SDL (2022)
• 1500 MHz (2020)
• 2100 MHz (2019)
• 2300 MHz (2021 for 2023 activation)
• 2600 MHz (2021 for 2023 activation)
• 3400–3800 MHz (2021 for 2023 activation)
• 26 GHz (2020 for 2023 activation).

700 MHz/2100 MHz

In March 2019, it further announced it was preparing a joint spectrum auction of 700 MHz (2×30 MHz, spectrum to be used as from November 2019) and 2100 MHz (2×15 MHz, to be used immediately) frequencies.

In April 2019, Nkom completed an auction of frequency in the 700 MHz and 900 MHz bands for offshore private use only. Winners were Telenor Maritime, Tampnet, and Equinor Energy.

On June 5, 2019, the 700 and 2.1 GHz GGHZz auction ended. Ice won 2×10 MHz of 700 MHz spectrum and 2×15 MHz of 2100 MHz spectrum. Telia and Telenor won 2×10 MHz each of 700 MHz spectrum.

The licensees were able to use 700 MHz frequencies for 5G as from November 1^st, 2019.

450 MHz

In May 2019, ICE received 2×5 MHz of 450 MHz spectrum (452.5-457.5/462.5-467.5 MHz). The spectrum can be used by mobile broadband services from 2020.

Other bands

Nkom launched a consultation from June to September 2020 on the award of 2500-2690 MHz and 3.4-3.8 GHz frequencies. They are expected to be auctioned in the first half 2021, alongside the 2.3 GHz frequencies.

A total of 120MHz is to be offered in 2.6 MHz frequencies, broken down in fourteen 5MHz paired blocks (FDD) and a single block of 50MHz (TDD). The starting price is set at 25 million NOK per block with a cap of 80 MHz. In the 3.6GHz band, the regulator proposes 400MHz for sale, broken down into forty blocks of 10MHz, with a frequency cap of 120MHz. The starting price is set at 25 million NOK per block.

In May 2020, Nkom auctioned 4,759 MHz of 5G spectrum in very high frequencies (low 10 GHz, high 10 GHz, 13 GHz, 18 GHz, 23 GHz, 28 GHz, 32 GHz and 38 GHz). Spectrum was awarded to the current 3 mobile operators Telenor, Telia and Ice, as well as 2 newcomers which are GlobalConnect/Broadnet and Funn, for more than 34 million NOK (3.1 million EUR).

BAKOM auctioned off 700/1400/2600 MHz and 3.5-3.6 GHz frequencies in January 2019. The auction raised 379 million CHF (338 million EUR). Salt, Sunrise and Swisscom each received 700 MHz FDD spectrum; Sunrise received 700 MHz SDL spectrum; all three were awarded 1400 MHz SDL spectrum and spectrum in the 3500-3800 MHz. Some blocks of spectrum across the spectrum bands remained unsold; none of the TDD spectrum at 2600 MHz was sold.

Swisscom paid 195.6 million CHF for 2×15 MHz spectrum in 700 MHz frequencies, 120 MHz of unpaired spectrum in 3500 MHz frequencies and 50 MHz of 1400 MHz SDL frequencies. Salt paid 94.5 million CHF for 2x10MHz in 700 MHz frequencies, 80 MHz in 3500 MHz frequencies and 10 MHz of 1400 MHz SDL frequencies. Sunrise received 2×5 MHz of paired spectrum and 10 MHz of 700 MHz SDL frequencies, 100 MHz of 3500 MHz frequencies and 15 MHz of 1400 MHz SDL frequencies. It globally paid 89.2 million CHF for its allocation.

Licences are granted with coverage obligations. By 2024, licenses have to cover 50% of the Swiss population with 700 MHz spectrum and 25% with other frequencies.