5G Spectrum awards January 2020

Below result of 5G spectrum awards related to bands 700Mhz, 3.4-3.8Ghz and 26Ghz in some european countries:

1) Belgium

– 700Mhz: H2 2020

– 3.4-3.8Ghz: H2 2020

– 26Ghz: H2 2020

Comment:

There is a risk of 60 MHz reserved spectrum, in 3,4-3,8 GHz band, for local licences has Flemish Government, under antwerpen harbour pressure. Current three MNO would be down with less than 100 MHz each.
Main issues are lack of Federal government and EMF current regulation that would not permit deploying 5G antennas

2) France

– 700Mhz: Done

– 3.4-3.8Ghz: Q2 2020

– 26Ghz: From 2021

Comment:

Operators can acquire 50 MHz in 3,4-3,8 GHz band at reserve price (350 m€). The remaiing 110 MHz will be auctioned. Auction should start end of March 2020

3) Luxembourg

– 700Mhz: Q2 2020

– 3.4-3.8Ghz: Q2 2020 280 MHz  available (3420-3700 MHz)

– 26Ghz: No plan

Comment:

Public consultation on 700 MHz/3.4-3.8 GHz completed: 5 candidates for 700 MHz band and 9 candidates for 3,4-3,7 GHz band. The 3.7-3.8 GHz reserved for local licences subject to further consultation. For the first time ILR will have to go through an auction.

4) Spain

– 700Mhz: Q2 2020

– 3.4-3.8Ghz: Done

– 26Ghz: > eoy 2021

Comment:

Vodafone launched 5G as they are the only one with contiguous 90 MHz of spectrum in 3.4-3.8 GHz band.
The 3.4-3.8 GHz band reshuffling is still ongoing. Final spectrum assignment in the band is key to source the right radio equipment.

5) Romania

– 700Mhz: Q2 2020

– 3.4-3.8Ghz: Q2 2020

– 26Ghz: Q2 2020

Comment:

Orange Romania has now 115 MHz contiguous spectrum in 3,4-3,8 GHz spectrum (till 2025) . Orange, Vodafone and RCS&RDS already launched 5G.

6) Slovakia

– 700Mhz: H1 2020

– 3.4-3.8Ghz: Licensed until Dec. 2024 then auction. Auction expected 6-12 months before

– 26Ghz: Q4 2021

Comment:

3,4-3,8 GHz: Acquisition of 40 MHz in 3.4-3.8 GHz band by buyback from Slovanet, licence available till 2025. Acquisition from Swan of additional 20 MHz. The whole band needs to be reshuffled.
Auction of in november, 700 MHz spectrum available in June 2020.
26 GHz: Band under clearance process, spectrum available from August 2021