Georgia is set to commence 5G auctions next month after the country’s Communications Commission approved the sale of airwaves in the 700MHz, 800MHz, 1800MHz, 2600MHz and 3.5GHz bands.
The regulator confirmed that 24 lots will be made available across four auctions, to be conducted between 16th and 23rd August 2023. The holdings will be combined into four abstract lots, with varying prices and coverage obligations, with the first having a reserve price of GEL6.23 million (US$2.37 million), the second GEL2.53 million, the third GEL2.59 million and the fourth GEL2.65 million.
For three of the combined lots, winning bidders will be obliged to provide fair and non-discriminatory network access to MVNOs – one lot is exempt from this requirement. The build-out requirements focus on the most populous areas of the country as well as key infrastructure such as ports, airports, railways and highways, although companies can expand coverage gradually over the next three to seven years.
Applications for the auctions open on 12th July and run until 28th July.