The Danish Energy Authority has announced the conclusion of the auction of 5G frequencies that began on 11 March. Total revenue from the auction will be DKK 2.076 billion. The winners must ensure a population coverage of 60 percent by the end of 2023 and 75 percent by the end of 2025 using the 3.5 GHz frequency band.
Hi3G has obtained 40 MHz in the 2,100 MHz band, 120 MHz in the 3.5 GHz band and 1,000 MHz in the 26 GHz band for DKK 540.53 million.
TDC Net has won 45 MHz in the 1,500 MHz band, 40 MHz in the 2,100 MHz band, 40 MHz in the 2,300 MHz band, 130 MHz in the 3.5 GHz band and 1,250 MHz in the 26 GHz band for DKK 794.69 million.
The Telia-Telenor joint venture TT-Network is getting 45 MHz in the 1,500 MHz band, 40 MHz in the 2,100 MHz band, 140 MHz in the 3.5 GHz band including 60 MHz with a leasing obligation, and 600 MHz in the 26 GHz band for DKK 740.98 million.
The letting obligation imposed on TT-Network for some of its 3.5 GHz spectrum allows providers other than mobile companies, such as businesses, public institutions and universities, to lease frequencies in order to establish private 5G networks. This rental obligation applies for the first four years of the permit period.
The Energy Authority said 9,000 premises in 122 currently under-served places can look forward to internet service at a minimum of 30 Mbps/3 Mbps as well as voice coverage. It said reception will be better with faster and broader service than on commercial terms thanks to coverage requirements in the 5G permits that must be fulfilled by 01 February 2024.
3 Denmark said the new 3.5 GHz and 26 GHz licences will enable it to offer even faster 5G while the larger amount of 2,100 MHz spectrum will improve capacity on its existing 4G and 5G networks. Its licences are valid until 2042. It will obtain access to the new 5G blocks in June. CEO of 3 Denmark Morten Christiansen said it won the largest amount of 5G spectrum per customer. He said the operator will pay dearly for this but in return, customers will appreciate the capacity. 3 Denmark will be able to use the 26 GHz frequencies to offer mmWave technology in future for fast 5G.
TDC said the 1500 MHz band will primarily be used for 5G. It said its 2,100 MHz permit has coverage obligations attached and will mainly provide extra capacity for 4G as well as for 3G until that is phased out by the end of 2022.
It already has some 2,300 MHz frequencies that it uses for LTE and TDC said this band can also be used for extra 5G capacity, adding that it is particularly suitable for high-speed 5G coverage in areas where buildings are further apart.
TDC said the 3500 MHz frequencies will expand its 5G network, already up and running in central Copenhagen, Aarhus, Odense and Elsinore, to new areas in Denmark.
The operator said it will use the 26 GHz spectrum for applications such as fixed wireless in remote areas where line of sight can be created, and 5G networks at very high speed in heavily populated or trafficked areas
