Slovenia’s Agency for Communications Networks and Services (Akos) announced the completion of the multiband auction, which raised 164.2 million EUR.
Slovenia’s Agency for Communications Networks and Services (Akos) announced the completion of the multiband auction, which raised 164.2 million EUR. The sale included 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 was the highest bidder. It 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.
All the licences are technology neutral and valid immediately for 15 years (extendable to 20 years), except the 2100 and 2300 MHz spectrum. The 2100 MHz spectrum will be released in September 2021 and the 2300 MHz spectrum will be made available from January 1, 2022. The operators are obliged to use spectrum from each frequency band in at least one city within one year and all major cities within five years. The 700MHz 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.
Telekom Slovenia launched the first commercial 5G network in Slovenia in July 2020. The mobile operator upgraded 150 4G base stations to support 5G and announced that it provided coverage to approximately 25% of the population. By the end of 2020, Telekom Slovenia was expected to surpass 33% coverage.
