Iceland’s telecoms watchdog the Post and Telecom Administration (PTA, or Post-og Fjarskiptastofnun [PFS]) has awarded 5G spectrum to three operators – Siminn, Nova and Vodafone Iceland (Syn) – with the concessions valid until 31 December 2021. The allocations in the 3.6GHz band are as follows:
• Siminn: block B3600 (3500MHz-3600MHz)
• Nova: block C3600 (3600MHz-3700MHz)
• Vodafone Iceland (Syn): block D3600 (3700MHz-3800MHz).
The regulator highlighted that the remaining 100MHz in the band would be distributed at a later stage, as the PTA will first monitor the development of 5G networks and the supply of 5G services in the near-term. The PTA said that the renewal of the three concessions will depend on whether the companies have used the assigned frequencies in accordance with the PTA’s criteria. According to PTA’s terms and conditions, 5G services should be available to 25% of the population (via at least 30 mobile sites) by the end of 2021. In particular, Siminn is required to provide 5G services with minimum downlink of 200Mbps to 90% of the population in Blonduos, Thorlakshofn and Egilsstadir; Nova (Hellu, Sandgerdi and Vestmannaeyjum); and Vodafone Iceland (Hvolsvelli, Siglufirdi and Grindavik).