radio spectrum regulation

The US telecoms regulator, the Federal Communications Commission authorised a new satellite service known as Supplemental Coverage (SCS) from Space. Its function will be to facilitate the integration of satellite and terrestrial wireless networks, to extend terrestrial mobile network operator coverage and capacity in remote or underserved areas. Thus, SCS enables direct-to-device connectivity from space, but only on a secondary, non-interference basis.

One-off fees for current mobile licences were mostly determined by auctions but to some extent also by administrative decisions on licence extension or renewal. All but four countries charge annual fees for mobile licences. Five countries have fees that specifically cover the costs of spectrum management.

The three Austrian mobile network operators acquired all licences on offer, paying €16.2m for 1.4 GHz in the 26 GHz band and €8.5m for seven regional licences in the 3.5 GHz band.

The Slovenian regulator, AKOS, awarded 57 local licences to nine entities for a total of €1,454,340.

The Mexican telecoms regulator, IFT, included the SMR and 2.6 GHz bands in the list of bands it may award in 2024. IFT has not yet published details on the planned award procedure or the geographic coverage of new licences.

Slovakia’s long-prepared auction in the 900 MHz and 2.1 GHz bands will not take place after all. Instead, the regulator will prepare a multi-band auction in 2025 to award two more bands from the licences expiring by 2028.