Belgian regulator BIPT announced plans to make the remaining free spectrum in the 2.6 GHz band available for auction. The regulator said the move follows a request for a licence in the band, and that the auction will help meet the increasing demand for spectrum.
While BIPT did not name the interested bidder, Citymesh CEO Mitch de Geest confirmed the company’s interest in the spectrum to De Tijd. The company is already setting up private corporate networks using spectrum on the 3.5 GHz frequency band, which it acquired in 2015. With the extra spectrum, the company wants to expand its business mobile connectivity services together with other parties.
BIPT allocates frequency bands to operators to make optimum use of the radio spectrum. Following plans to extend 2G/3G licenses and the announcement that BIPT will grant provisional 5G usage rights in the 3600-3800 MHz band, the regulator says it is taking a new initiative: offering additional spectrum in the 2.6 GHz frequency band to market parties.
The allocation of this spectrum is based on the Royal Decree of 22 December 2010 on radio access in the 2500-2690 MHz frequency band, as well as the current Article 30 of the Electronic Communications Act of 13 June 2005. Spectrum in this frequency band had in 2011 gone up for sale during the country's first 4G auction but one block remained unsold. In 2013. a second so-called '4G' auction followed for 800 MHz rights.
Interest in free 2.6 GHz spectrum
For the above-mentioned free block of 15 MHz duplex (2520-2535MHz/2640-2655 MHz), BIPT had not received any market demand, until present. A Belgian company has now expressed interest in obtaining the still available spectrum in the 2.6 GHz band.
Under the existing legal framework, BIPT would have to organise an auction. Before that auction, BIPT is inviting interested parties to register. No additional legislative action is required to make the still free spectrum available through a new auction.
The holder of the final license will be able to set up a national 2600 MHz network. The 2.6 GHz band is mainly used as a capacity band to provide coverage in densely populated areas. The band is mainly used for 4G services, but can also be used for 5G in the future. There are no coverage requirements for this spectrum band.
Proximus, Orange, Telenet excluded from auction
One license is available for the block, valid for 15 years from 2020 to 2035. The spectrum cap of 2x20 MHz means existing license holders in this band are excluded. Proximus and Orange already have 2x20 MHz in this band and Telenet more than twice 15 MHz.
The minimum price for the licence is EUR 15.01 million. The auction will be a multi-round one, as used for previous spectrum allocations.
