Belgium plans to allocate four licences for use of the 700 MHz and 800 MHz bands in the North Sea. The applicants are Citymesh, eBO Enterprises, Isea and Tampnet. They will get technology-neutral permits, allowing the use of LTE or 5G.
The regulator BIPT has issued multiple permits for the 2,100 MHz and 3.5 GHz band already since 2010, supporting private networks and wind parks in the North Sea. These cover Belgium's commercial zone, beyond the 12-mile coastal area.
Citymesh applied in June for a new licence, for spectrum below 1 GHz, and the other three companies followed. There is enough space in the 700 MHz and 800 MHz bands to issue four licences of 2x10 MHz.
Tampnet will receive the range 703-713 MHz paired with 758-768 MHz, with Isea and Citymesh in the adjacent slots. eBo Enterprises receives the duplex 811-821 MHz and 852-862 MHz.
The licences will become final following a public consultation open until 08 October.
