The Belgian government has approved draft legislation to move ahead with a 5G mobile spectrum auction. Regulator BIPT will start on planning the auction, which will include 5G frequencies as well as a renewal of existing licences.
The cabinet approved five royal decrees proposed by telecoms minister Petra De Sutter as well as draft amendments to the electronic communications law needed to proceed with the auction. The proposals may still be amended based on the results of a public consultation.
De Sutter previously said she expects the auction to take place by early 2022. The process has been delayed by the long formation of a new Belgian government last year as well as disagreement among the regions over the division of proceeds from the sale. After missing several EU deadlines for allocating frequencies, the country issued temporary 5G licences for the 3.5 GHz band last year.
The decrees cover:
- the allocation of the 2.6 GHz band, including the right for BIPT to withdraw unused licences in the band.
- Use of the existing 2G and 3G licences (900, 1,800 and 2,000 MHz) which expire on 15 March. These will be extended until the auction is completed.
- Allocation of the 700 MHz band for 5G services.
- Allocation of the 1427-1517 MHz range, standardised for SDL by the 3GPP.
- Allocation of the 3400-3800 MHz range for 5G services.
The legislation covers the related fees for use of the spectrum. The cabinet also called on the minister to establish an expertise platform on 5G.
The next step is to present the proposal to the inter-ministerial committee on telecom and broadcasting and the Coordination committee of the federal government and regions. After that parliament must approve the legislation and BIPT can then work on the technical details of the auction.
