Irish regulator ComReg has published preliminary rules for its upcoming 4G auction of frequencies in the 800 MHz, 900 MHz and 1800 MHz spectrum bands.
A total 28 blocks of spectrum will be auctioned under the plans, each comprising 2×5 MHz of…
Irish regulator ComReg has published preliminary rules for its upcoming 4G auction of frequencies in the 800 MHz, 900 MHz and 1800 MHz spectrum bands.
A total 28 blocks of spectrum will be auctioned under the plans, each comprising 2×5 MHz of frequencies.
The process will be run in two auctions. The first will determine the amount of frequencies a bidder has won rights to in what bands, subject to a ten block competition cap, which also limits bids to a maximum of four blocks below 1000 MHz. The second phase determines the specific frequency within a spectrum band.
ComReg plans to publish its final decision on these rules in December, following a consultation that has a 30 September deadline.
The regulator expects to start the first phase of its spectrum auction within the next 4-6 months.
It stated: “This auction would assign spectrum rights across these three [800 MHz, 900 MHz and 1800 MHz] bands for the period 2013 to 2030 and as a result it should enable telecoms operators to make the necessary investment to usher in a new era of advanced wireless services including fast, high capacity mobile broadband.”
Comreg is proposing a reserve price of E3.34m for each 2×5 MHz in the 800 MHz and 900 MHz bands, and E1.67m for each 2 × 5 MHz in the 1800 MHz band.
Reports back in January suggested at least E250m could be raised from Ireland’s 4G auction.
It has also been reported that more than ten telcos, including fixed-line incumbent Eircom, have expressed interest in the auction.
