Russia’s communications ministry has launched a long-awaited LTE (4G) spectrum tender process and expects to announce which telecoms operators have won licences on 12 July, regulator Roskomnadzor has announced.
Roskomnadzor said in a statement the…
Russia’s communications ministry has launched a long-awaited LTE (4G) spectrum tender process and expects to announce which telecoms operators have won licences on 12 July, regulator Roskomnadzor has announced.
Roskomnadzor said in a statement the tender will consist of four lots of 2×7.5MHz nationwide spectrum in the 791-862 MHz bands.
Licences will take effect in 2013 and licensees must complete their network rollouts by 2019 and offer services in all towns and cities with populations of 50,000 or more.
MegaFon, VimpelCom and MTS are seen as most likely to win spectrum.
However, given that the terms of the tender make it unlikely for a single operator to win spectrum in more than one lot suggests there is room for a forth licensee, the Moscow Times pointed out, citing analysts.
Tele2 Russia is also expected to take part in the tender.
A Rostelecom spokesperson told TelecomFinance the company in interested in participating, but will examine all the details before making a final decision.
A VimpelCom spokesperson confirmed the company plans to participate.
Roskomnadzor said it took proposals from both government authorities and operators into account when drafting the tender’s terms and conditions.
Emphasising its intention to avoid monopolisation in the wireless market, Roskomnadzor said it would award extra points to bidders who are prepared to work with MVNOs.
