Telecoms regulator the Belgian Institute for Postal Services and Telecommunications (BIPT) has published the call for participation in the long-anticipated auction of new 5G spectrum and existing 2G and 3G frequencies, which is scheduled for June this year. Candidates have until 16 February 2022 to submit their actual candidacy with the BIPT. The regulator will then decide on the admissibility of each candidacy submitted, and those operators deemed admissible will take part in the auction, anonymously.
The BIPT will organise three autonomous procedures to grant user rights. The first concerns the allocation of existing 2G and 3G spectrum, namely: 35MHz duplex in the 900MHz band, 75MHz duplex in the 1800MHz band and 60MHz duplex in the 2100MHz band, for a period of 20 years starting from the end of the validity period of the existing 2G and 3G licences; and 30MHz duplex in the 700MHz band for a period of 20 years. The second procedure concerns the allocation of 390MHz in the 3600MHz band for the period until 6 May 2040, and the third procedure organises the allocation of 90MHz in the 1400MHz band for a period of 20 years.
The BIPT has published a memorandum summarising the applicable regulation concerning the allocation procedures and the licence terms and conditions, including coverage obligations and annual fees, as well as details of 700MHz, 900MHz and 2100MHz spectrum that has been reserved for a possible new mobile network operator (MNO) wishing to enter the market.
Source: https://www.commsupdate.com/articles/2022/01/17/belgium-opens-applications-for-5g-auction/
