A growing number of countries are delaying 5G spectrum auctions, as restrictions related to the Covid-19 pandemic make it difficult to maintain planning. The EU's deadline of June for the release of the 700 MHz band for 5G will be missed by several states as a result, including Spain and Austria. The Netherlands and Poland said they still aim to go ahead with auctions in the coming months.
The Dutch ministry of economic affairs said it was not considering any delay due to the coronavirus crisis. Applications to participate in the auction of frequencies in the 700, 1,400 and 2,100 MHz bands opened earlier in March, and at least one operator has confirmed participation already.
Austria was set to hold an auction of the 700, 1,500 and 2,100 MHz bands in April, but has delayed the tender due to the Covid-19 crisis and is yet to set a new date. Spain has also confirmed its release of the 700 MHz band cannot happen by the June deadline.
While France has already awarded the 700 MHz band, its planned auction of the 3.5 GHz band in the first half of this year has also been suspended due to the crisis. Poland meanwhile said it will go ahead with its planned auction of the 3.4-3.8 GHz band in May.
Portugal planned perhaps the biggest auction this year, allocating frequencies in the frequencies in the 700 MHz, 900 MHz, 1,800 MHz, 2.1 GHz, 2.6 GHz and 3.6 GHz bands. Earlier this month, regulator Anacom said it was suspending the consultation process on the tender at the request of operators, due to the exceptional circumstances of the coronavirus outbreak.
Other auctions that could face delays include Czechia, where the 700 MHz and 3.5 GHz bands are planned to go on sale in June, and the UK, which is preparing to release the 700 MHz band by May and 3.6-3.8 GHz band by June. Finland also was expected to be one of the first to auction the 26 GHz band for 5G, in the first half of 2020.
In other countries, regulators are opting for temporary assignments of spectrum rights. Belgium is issuing temporary licences for the 3.6-3.8 GHz band, as the lack of government coalition there has made organising an auction impossible. Ireland's ComReg is planning temporary licences for the 700 MHz and 2.6 GHz bands to help meet capacity needs during the crisis and while it works on finalising plans for an auction.
In addition to the release of the 700 MHz band by June, the EU wants all countries to offer mid-band spectrum in the 3.4-3.8 GHz range for 5G and mmWave frequencies in the 24.25-27.5 GHz range by the end of 2020.
