Dutch govt to evaluate use of 3.5 GHz band in 2018

Nieuws Mobiel Nederland 24 NOV 2017
Dutch govt to evaluate use of 3.5 GHz band in 2018

The Dutch government will evaluate in 2018 whether it can open up the 3.5 GHz band to mobile services, according to a brief from state secretary Mona Keijzer to parliament over the upcoming EU telecom council in December. The ministry of economic affairs will consult with the defence ministry over alternatives for the satellite ground station using the frequencies in Burum, in the north of the country. 

The ministry also plans to set a new policy for other existing users in the band. In the south of the country, the spectrum is used for closed broadband networks. It's divided into lots of 35-40 MHz for outdoor use and indoor permits of 10 MHz for picocells. These licences run until September 2022 or September 2026.

The evaluation next year should make clear the future options both for current users and mobile operators seeking to use the 3.5 GHz band for 5G services. The aim is to reach a conclusion before the spectrum auction planned for the second half of 2019. 

Categories:

Mobiel

Countries:

Nederland

Tags:

Government telecommunications licensing, Wireless, Internet Access

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