Lithuania’s Communications Regulatory Authority (Rysiu Reguliavimo Tarnyba, RRT) has confirmed that local cellular operators Tele2, Telia and Bite are preparing to exchange certain frequencies in the 900MHz and 1800MHz bands at midnight on 27 September (900MHz) and 28 October (1800MHz), prior to taking receipt of the new spectrum they won at auction in early 2016.
According to TeleGeography’s GlobalComms Database, in February 2016 the trio secured the rights to spectrum in the aforementioned band, paying combined fees of EUR38.1 million (USD42.5 million). The new licences are valid from 1 November 2017 to 31 October 2032. All three players are required to ensure territorial coverage of at least 98% within three years from the date of authorisation, as well as ensuring high speed (at least 30Mbps) wireless broadband population coverage of at least 85% of the country from 1 January 2020.
