A special advisory committee to the Dutch government has said that 5G mobile frequencies in the 3.5GHz band will become available after an auction on 1 December 2023. The committee recommends that satellite operator Inmarsat relocates its specific services in this band ‘to a location they provide in Greece’. The auction should make 1×300MHz frequencies available for nationwide mobile usage, whilst ‘as long as the foreign location is not yet operational (the aim is 2 January 2024), the satellite company will still have limited space (80MHz) to continue its activities.’
Minister of Economic Affairs Micky Adriaansens has received the external and independent advice and will present a government response before this summer. On the basis of the advice, the Ministry of Economic Affairs will draw up a new decision to amend the National Frequency Plan (NFP) and in the meantime will continue to consult with Inmarsat about facilitating its intended move to Greece. Also in the 3.5GHz band, as planned, 100MHz (of a total possible 400MHz) will remain available for ‘local wireless applications’.