Norway’s National Communications Authority (Nasjonal kommunikasjonsmyndighet ,Nkom) has confirmed plans for an auction of 5G-suitable spectrum this September, and is now consulting on the proposed rules for the sale process.
In a press release, the Nkom confirmed its intention to offer a total of 590MHz across the 2.6GHz and 3.6GHz bands. In the former band, the Nkom intends to offer 2×70MHz of FDD spectrum, divided into 14 2×5MHz lots, alongside a 1×50MHz TDD block. Meanwhile, in the 3.6GHz band (3400MHz-3800MHz) a total of 400MHz will be allocated, divided into four 40MHz blocks and 24 10MHz blocks.
In terms of proposed pricing, the Nkom has put forward plans for a minimum charge of NOK25 million (USD3 million) for each 2×5MHz FDD block in the 2.6GHz band, with a NOK50 million minimum to be set for the 1×50MHz TDD block in that same band. Meanwhile, the Nkom has proposed a minimum charge of NOK25 million for each 1×10MHz block in the 3.6GHz spectrum, with each 1×40MHz block to carry a reserve price of NOK100 million. Frequency caps have also been suggested, with the Nkom indicating it will cap 2.6GHz allocations at 80MHz to ensure there are at least three winners of frequencies in that band, while 3.6GHz allocations will be capped at 120MHz, to ensure four winning bidders.
A deadline of 9 April 2021 has been set for interested parties to submit their feedback on the plans to the Nkom.