Belgian regulator BIPT has started a consultation on royal decrees covering mobile spectrum licences with the aim of holding an auction for new frequencies. The current licences for the 900, 1,800 and 2,100 MHz bands will expire in March 2021, and the plan is to also auction the 700 MHz band.
Part of the existing licensed frequencies will be allocated automatically to the current three operators to provide them with investment certainty and ensure service continuity. An auction of the remaining spectrum should lead to higher proceeds for the state as well as leave the door open for a possible new entrant on the market and increased competition.
The consultation also covers a proposed increase in coverage obligations in the licences. The minimum would increase from 98 percent to 99.5 percent of the population, and the minimum speed from 3 to 6 Mbps.
The estimated minimum proceeds from the spectrum auction are expected to be EUR 679 million.
Source: https://www.telecompaper.com/news/belgian-regulator-starts-consultation-on-spectrum-auction--1197253