Regulatory issues have prevented Belgian cable operator Telenet from taking part in a 3G licence auction that is reportedly being planned for this year.
“Under the given circumstances, in which an extreme regulatory framework (unique in the world) is…
Regulatory issues have prevented Belgian cable operator Telenet from taking part in a 3G licence auction that is reportedly being planned for this year.
“Under the given circumstances, in which an extreme regulatory framework (unique in the world) is being proposed – and the uncertainties triggered by this situation, Telenet is no longer able to stand for the 3G licence,” a spokesperson for the group said in an emailed statement.
Telenet was reportedly seen as a frontrunner in the auction for Belgium’s fourth 3G licence, which was originally planned for late 2010. The process has been placed on the backburner to allow Belgium’s political parties to negotiate the terms of a coalition following the country’s inconclusive June 2009 elections.
Current 3G licence holders operating in the country comprise incumbent Belgacom’s unit Proximus, France Telecom’s Mobistar and Dutch KPN’s Base.
On 21 December, Telenet announced intentions to submit formal objections to draft regulatory proposals that would open its network to competitors.
In a statement published on Telenet’s website, the group said it planned to argue the case against further regulation of the cable sector by local regulator IBPT’s 8 February deadline.
Meanwhile, mobile operators have until 4 February to submit 4G applications for licences in the 3410MHz-3500MHz and 3510MHz-3600MHz bands.
