Italian bids for 4G frequencies total EUR 2.3 billion

The initial bids for the use of 4G frequencies (800, 1800, 2000, 2600 bands) in Italy amounted to EUR 2.3 billion. The bids from the four major mobile operators – Telecom Italia, Vodafone Italia, Wind and 3 Italia - were opened on 30 August at the Ministry of Economic Development. They will form the starting point for the auction on 31 August. The auction will allow participants to increase their bids, as well as bid on spectrum lots not covered in their initial offers.