The Netherlands will reserve more spectrum exclusively for new mobile network operators not yet present in the Netherlands in the upcoming spectrum auction, expected to be held in mid 2012. This is the outcome of a parliamentary committee meeting held on…
The Netherlands will reserve more spectrum exclusively for new mobile network operators not yet present in the Netherlands in the upcoming spectrum auction, expected to be held in mid 2012. This is the outcome of a parliamentary committee meeting held on Thursday in which the issue was debated.
MPs and government decided to reserve 2x5MHz out of the 70MHz in the 900MHz band that will be up for grabs next year, a spokesperson for economics minister Maxime Verhagen told TelecomFinance. The reserved spectrum in the 900MHz range comes on top of 2x10MHz in the 800MHz band already set aside for new entrants by an earlier decision.
The parliament decided that the reserved spectrum should be allocated to two new entrants, while the remainder – 60MHz in the 900MHz band and 40MHz in the 800MHz band – will be allocated to existing operators, T-Mobile, KPN, and Vodafone.
The decision to free up more spectrum for new entrants came after calls by members of a number of Dutch parties to reopen the debate on the issue. Members of the Dutch Independent Party, the Green Party, Labour, Freedom and Socialist Party had all criticised the original intention to reserve 2x10MHz for a new entrant only, arguing it was not sufficient to attract a newcomer.
The government spokesperson said the auction is expected to be held in June next year, but further details on the timing might be available later this month.
