Czech telecom hopeful wants more spectrum available in 5G auction

Czech Republic-based Nordic Telecom, aiming to become the country’s fourth mobile operator, wants an upcoming auction of new-generation 5G frequencies to offer a greater proportion of spectrum for potential newcomers.

The Czech Telecommunication Office (CTU) is planning to hold an auction of frequencies in the 700 MHz and 3.5 GHz bands in January 2020, as it seeks to boost competition in a market where high prices have long been a gripe of customers and politicians.

The CTU has said it will reserve a block allocation of 2×10 MHz in the 700 MHz band for new operators, who could also have an option to bid for an additional 5 MHz in case incumbents show little interest. Newcomers will also have a higher limit than incumbents in the 3.5 GHz band.