Hungary's telecom regulator NMHH opened a tender for 15-year frequency licences in the 900MHz band. The tender reserves a 5MHz block for a newcomer on the market, opening the way for a fourth competitor to T-Mobile, Telenor and Vodafone. The 5MHz A block is offered at a starting price of HUF 4 billion and comes with an option to also purchase spectrum in the 1800MHz and 2100MHz bands. The 900MHz band auction will also include 1MHz B frequency blocks starting at HUF 700 million apiece and 0.8MHz C frequency blocks from HUF 560 million. The licences are technology-neutral. Registration to participate in the tender must be submitted by 20 October, and the participation fee is HUF 40 million plus VAT. Bidding will take place in a first round, while blocks will be assigned in a second round. Winners of the tender will be announced on 22 November. Participants may win no more than a combined 7.8MHz in the band. The almost 11 MHz of capacity on offer in the tender will ensure access to high-speed broadband mobile service for everybody across the country and boost competition on the market, the regulator said.
