Swedish communications regulator PTS has published its invitation to the 700 MHz frequency band auction, which has an application deadline of 05 November and is expected to begin on 04 December. It will award seven permits in the auction of 60 MHz spectrum. PTS is capping the amount any one player may win to 40 MHz, thereby ensuring there will be at least two licence holders in the 700 MHz band.
There will be two permits for 10 MHz each (2 x 5 MHz) and one permit for 20 MHz (2 x 10 MHz) in the FDD portion of the band, as well as four permits of 5 MHz in the Supplemental Down Link (SDL) portion. The minimum bid is SEK 50 million per 5 MHz, or SEK 600 million altogether.
PTS is setting a coverage obligation in order to improve voice and data coverage (10 Mbps). The government has a goal for stable, universal coverage at permanent locations by 2023. The auction aims to steer development towards the counties with the most coverage gaps.
One of the permits comes with a coverage and expansion obligation. This permit is for two contiguous blocks of 2 x 5 MHz.
