Switzerland has raised CHF996.3m (US$1.1bn) from its auction of GSM, UMTS and LTE spectrum, awarding frequencies to the nation’s three major operators: Swisscom, Sunrise and Orange Switzerland.
The Federal Communications Commission (ComCom) said in…
Switzerland has raised CHF996.3m (US$1.1bn) from its auction of GSM, UMTS and LTE spectrum, awarding frequencies to the nation’s three major operators: Swisscom, Sunrise and Orange Switzerland.
The Federal Communications Commission (ComCom) said in a statement the technology-neutral licences, which allow operators to use their choice of mobile radio technologies, provide for an extension of existing GSM and UMTS licences, the release of digital dividend spectrum and the launch of LTE services.
The licences run until the end of 2028, which ComCom said gives operators time to recoup the high investment costs associated with LTE technology.
Swisscom paid CHF359.9m (US$396.9m) for 255Mz spectrum, specifically 2x10MHz in the 800MHz band, 2x15MHz in the 900MHz band, 2x30MHZ in the 1.8 and 2.1GHz bands, 2×20 paired spectrum in the 2.6GHz band and an extra 45MHz TDD spectrum in the 2.6GHz band.
Sunrise paid CHF481.7m (US$531.3m) for 160MHz spectrum: 2x10MHz in the 800MHz band, 3x10MHz in the 900MHz band, 4x10MHz in the 1800MHz band, 2x10MHz in the 2.1GHz band and 5x10MHz in the 2.6GHz band.
Meanwhile, Orange Switzerland paid CHF154.7m (US$176.7m) for 160MHz spectrum: 2x10MHz in the 800MHz band, 10MHz in the 900MHz band, 5x10MHz in the 1800MHz band and 4x10MHz in the 2.1 and 2.6GHz bands.
ComCom said InPhone was not allowed to participate in the auction as it did not satisfy the admission criteria.
