The Swiss Competition Commission (ComCom) has reaffirmed plans to sell all spectrum that will become available in the next few years in one auction in Q1 2012.
“After detailed scrutiny, ComCom has come to the conclusion that awarding of all mobile…
The Swiss Competition Commission (ComCom) has reaffirmed plans to sell all spectrum that will become available in the next few years in one auction in Q1 2012.
“After detailed scrutiny, ComCom has come to the conclusion that awarding of all mobile frequencies in a single auction is the most advantageous solution,” the regulator said in a statement.
“This gives all interested parties an opportunity to purchase a future-proof, full frequency portfolio and will bring long-term planning security.”
According to ComCom, a phased allocation of frequencies, as suggested by certain undisclosed operators, would increase complexity, and risk delaying the introduction of LTE.
“In addition, a phased auction would a priori reduce the probability that any newcomers would acquire frequencies and enter the market,” it added.
However, Comcom stated that it did take some requests made by potential bidders into account, meaning it now envisages a deadline of the end of 2014 for conversion work in the 900 and 1800 MHz spectrum bands. For the Swiss cities of Basel and Geneva, this deadline is the end of 2015.
“Furthermore, additional bidding restrictions (spectrum caps) will prevent one operator from acquiring more than half of all duplex frequencies important for network-construction. The combined spectrum cap for the very attractive 800 MHz and 900 MHz frequency bands will be reduced slightly to take into account the operators’ continuity risk.”
Spectrum incumbents Swisscom, Orange, Sunrise and In&Phone – and potential new entrants – have until 30 September to submit a candidature dossier to the regulator.