In 2018 the government of the Netherlands will evaluate the potential for opening up the 3.5GHz frequency range to mobile services, reports Dutch-based Telecompaper, quoting a brief to parliament from the State Secretary at the Ministry of Economic Affairs & Climate Policy, Mona Keijzer, concerning the upcoming EU telecom council in December.
The 3.5GHz band in the north of the country is restricted to military usage, and Keijzer’s ministry will consult with the defence ministry over alternatives for the military satellite ground station located in Burum, Friesland, currently using the frequencies. However, as a further obstacle to freeing up 3.5GHz spectrum – one of the key bands earmarked for 5G New Radio (NR) mobile services – regional licences covering southern areas have been distributed to small companies, valid until September 2026.