Belgian operator Citymesh is expanding its ambition to become the country's fourth mobile operator, saying it plans to compete also in the consumer market. The company previously targeted only the business market with its wireless network services. Under the new plan, it will bid for a full package of spectrum rights in the upcoming auction and if successful, build a national mobile network.
Citymesh already holds licences for the 2.6 and 3.5 GHz bands and last year merged with IT services provider Cegeka to better target the B2B market. The company also has a MVNO agreement with Proximus to offer services on its mobile network.
With the company building its current 5G network under the latest standards, it's no longer a big step to becoming a national operator, Citymesh said. To support this, it will bid in the auction for the rights to 700MHz, 900MHz, 1400MHz, 1800MHz and 2000MHz bands in order to build out its network further. An investment around EUR 100 million is planned.
Citymesh CEO Mitch De Geest told newspaper De Tijd that the company would be able to provide a competitive consumer offer, possibly in cooperation with a partner. It is already planning a wholesale division to help other companies or brands offer their own mobile services.
According to the paper, the Belgian government is expected to consider in the coming week its plans for the auction, after earlier commissioning a study on the possible impact of a fourth operator. The previous government supported the idea and planned to reserve spectrum rights for a new player, but never completed the auction plans.
