Georgian wireless operator Mobitel, which operates under the Beeline brand, has secured a licence to operate a 3G network in the 2100MHz frequency band from the Georgian National Communications Commission (GNCC). The VimpelCom-owned operator paid a combined total of GEL14.49 million (USD5.4 million) for two concessions comprising 2×5MHz of spectrum in the 2100MHz band, after it was the sole bidder in the regulator’s auction. In a press release on its website, Mobitel said it expects to launch the new 3G network in major towns and cities in March 2017, followed by other locations across the country later in the year.
Mobitel already offers 4G LTE services, operating in the 800MHz band, which were launched in 30 towns and cities on 1 February 2015. Overall, the firm plans to invest GEL30 million in the deployment of its 3G network and the expansion of its existing 4G LTE network during 2017.