The Croatian Regulatory Authority for Network Industries (HAKOM) announced its decision on the assignment for use of radio frequency spectrum in 700 MHz, 3600 MHz, and 26 GHz radiofrequency bands, used for 5G mobile communications networks.
The regulator approved the bids placed by Italy-based EOLO and the three biggest telecom operators in Croatia - Hrvatski Telekom (HT), the Austrian-owned A1 Hrvatska (A1), and Telemach Hrvatska (Telemach) in a public auction for the allocation of national frequency licences for 5G mobile networks.
The licences will be issued for a period of 15 years and maybe extended by up to five years. The commission fees for the usage of these radio frequency spectrum total 360 million kuna ($56 million/48 million euro), as the full amount will go to the state budget, a press release from the regulator said.
The local mobile operators were awarded national licences in the 700 Mhz and 3600 MHz frequency bands. For the 26 GHz frequency band, alongside the three Croatian operators, the regulator granted a national licence to EOLO.
At a regional level, licences for the 3600 Mhz frequency band were awarded to BeeIN, Digicom, Eco Net, EOLO, Markoja, and Terrakom.
"With the conclusion of the auction Hrvatski Telekom ensured the biggest 5G spectrum share, a key precondition for the fastest and biggest 5G network in Croatia," claimed Kostas Nebis, Hrvatski Telekom CEO.
The public bidding procedure for allocation of these frequency bands started on July 12.