radio spectrum regulation

BNetzA appeared biased when it adopted the auction rules in 2018. The regulator welcomed the court decision, saying that it strengthens BNetzA’s role as independent regulatory authority.

Net4Mobility and Telia Sweden paid SEK 652.19m (€58.65m) for new licences, which will be valid from 2028 to 2054.

Poland changed licences in the 1800 MHz band. All four mobile operators will hold contiguous spectrum from 15 February 2026. The amount of spectrum held before and after the reshuffling will remain unchanged.

Three UK operators acquired the same amount of spectrum in the 26 GHz and 40 GHz bands. The final price for the spectrum was the same as the reserve price.

Three UK mobile network operators were qualified to participate in the auction of the 26 GHz and 40 GHz bands. All lots were sold during the principal stage of the auction. The assignment stage that will define specific frequencies per operator is yet to come.

The Turkish 5G spectrum auction ended with 700 MHz and 3.5 GHz bands awarded for $2.9bn. Each of the three Turkish mobile network operators acquired one block in the 700 MHz band and one large block in the 3.5 GHz band, paying slightly above the reserve price. Intense bidding followed for the five smaller 3.5 GHz blocks, which ultimately sold for around four times the reserve price.