ComReg has today published the results of its 3.6 GHz spectrum award. The 3.6 GHz band has been identified by the Radio Spectrum Policy Group (RSPG) as a primary band suitable for the introduction of 5G in Europe
The Award, which was conducted by auction, resulted in the successful assignment of all 350 MHz of spectrum. The spectrum was offered in 594 lots spread over nine regions (four rural and five urban), assigned on a contiguous basis.
The Auction resulted in five Winning Bidders:
- Imagine Communications Ireland Ltd, currently the largest Wireless Internet Service Provider (WISP) obtained spectrum rights of use for 60 MHz in each of the rural regions;
- Airspan Spectrum Holdings Ltd, a new entrant and the UK arm of a US global provider of 4G broadband wireless systems and solutions. Airspan’s products serve operators and markets such as smart utilities, transportation and public safety in both licensed and licence exempt frequency bands. Airspan obtained 25 MHz in the rural regions and 60 MHz in the cities;
- Vodafone Ireland Ltd, a mobile network operator with circa 2.3 million mobile subscribers (38.5% market share) and circa 268,00 fixed broadband subscribers (19.7% market share) obtained 85 MHz in rural regions and 105 MHz in the cities;
- Three Ireland Hutchison Ltd, a mobile network operator with circa 2.08 million mobile subscribers (35% market share) obtained 100 MHz nationally; and
- Meteor Mobile Communications Ltd, a mobile network operator and a wholly owned subsidiary of Eircom Group which has circa 1.08 million mobile subscribers (18 % market share). Eircom Group has circa 444,000 fixed broadband subscribers (32.6% market share). Meteor obtained 80 MHz in the rural regions and 85 MHz in the cities.
All spectrum rights of use licences will run for 15 years, expiring on 31 July 2032. Winning bidders will pay in excess of €78m, comprising €60.5m in upfront fees and circa €17.7m in spectrum usage fees to be paid over the 15 year duration of the licences
The release of the 3.6 GHz band has increased the amount of harmonised spectrum for mobile, nomadic and fixed wireless broadband services by 86% and places ComReg at the vanguard of Europe, having awarded 350 MHz of the band in full accordance with the Europe’s harmonisation Decision, fully ready for any future 5G deployment.
For further details see the Corresponding Media Release and Information Notice.
