The development of 5G is swiftly moving into different parts of Europe. As of now, some European countries have completed their 5G spectrum auction. This is one of the first stages for carriers before they go into fullscale commercialization. Now, there are reports that the Netherlands has completed its first 5G auction. According to reports, Royal Dutch Telecom (KPN), T-Mobile Netherlands, and VodafoneZiggo spent over 1.2 billion euros to acquire a spectrum.
In their respective statements, KPN and VodafoneZiggo revealed that they spent 416 million euros each. However, both operators expressed satisfaction with the results. On the other hand, T-Mobile invested 400 million euros. Although it is satisfied with its allocation, it has issues with the starting price set by the government. Its complaint is that it is too high and can be cheaper.
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Three carriers spend 1.2 billion euros on 5G spectrum auction
Both KPN and VodafoneZiggo have been allocated 20MHz of 700MHz frequency spectrum, 15MHz of 1400MHz frequency spectrum, and 40MHz of 2100MHz frequency spectrum. VodafoneZiggo, which launched 5G using existing spectrum assets in April of this year, pointed out that this allocation will enhance its current services. KPN said that in addition to launching next-generation networks, it also plans to “immediately increase mobile data transmission rates” for 4G users. KPN chief executive, Joost Farwerck, added that it has acquired an “attractive spectrum license portfolio” at a “reasonable price” given the auction reserve price set by the government. As for KPN, its network is “coming soon.”
T-Mobile has won the 20MHz 700MHz frequency band spectrum and the 10MHz 1400MHz frequency band spectrum. Furthermore, it also retains the 40MHz 2100MHz frequency band spectrum it already holds. The operator stated that it paid “a considerable amount, but significantly less than its competitors”. The operator plans to launch 5G services immediately after obtaining the license
As part of the auction terms, operators are set with certain conditions. This includes coverage of 98% of each city and minimum speed requirements for businesses and consumers. All licenses are valid until 2041. The second 5G auction in the Netherlands is scheduled to be held in early 2022.
With this development, we now expect the preponderance of 5G devices in the northwestern European country. Also, 5G services will soon spread through the major cities in the country. Those that already have 5G devices will just have to wait for the network to be active.
