US adopts regulatory framework for supplemental wireless coverage from space
09 April 24
Jose Jehuda Garcia
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.
Spectrum fees for mobile bands in Europe
05 April 24
Dieter Kronegger
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.
Austrian auction awards the 26 GHz band and seven regional 3.5 GHz licences
27 March 24
Dieter Kronegger
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.
Slovenia awards local licences in 2.3 and 3.5 GHz bands
26 March 24
Matej Podbevsek
The Slovenian regulator, AKOS, awarded 57 local licences to nine entities for a total of €1,454,340.
Mexico may award SMR and 2.6 GHz spectrum for commercial wireless use in 2024
22 March 24
Jose Jehuda Garcia
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.
Slovak regulator halts 900 MHz, 2.1 GHz auction
19 March 24
Monika Kačeriaková
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.