A1 Bulgaria (Mobiltel) has commenced trials of 5G technology, following the activation of one base station at the National Palace of Culture in Sofia. The trial, utilising spectrum in the 3.6GHz band and equipment provided by Nokia, will run for six months. The operator is aiming to commence commercial operations over its 5G network in 2020.
Telecoms regulator the Communications Regulation Commission (CRC) allocated 100MHz of spectrum in the 3440MHz-3540MHz band to the country’s three main cellcos –Vivacom, Telenor Bulgaria and A1 Bulgaria –in late June. Telenor is aiming to start 5G trials in Q3 2019.