Belgian auction for allocation of 5G spectrum to take place in June 2022

On 14 January, the BIPT (Belgian Institute for Postal Services and Telecommunications) launched a call for applications for the future radio spectrum of 5G. The existing 2G and 3G spectrum will also be reallocated. Since last week, there is also more clarity on the conditions linked to the spectrum licence. Interested parties can apply for the auction until February 16. The auction for allocating the spectrum licences will then take place in June 2022 and will be conducted anonymously.

ALLOCATION OF NEW RADIO FREQUENCY BANDS

The Royal Decrees on the auction for future spectrum use were published in the Official Gazette in December 2021. With this, the preparations for the auction could officially start. Among other things, the existing radio frequency bands at 900 MHz, 1800 MHz and 2100 MHz will be allocated. These are currently already being used for 2G and 3G. However, the main focus is on the frequency bands at 700 MHz, 1400 MHz and 3600 MHz. These new bands can be used for the technology that will play the leading role in the auction: 5G.

SPECTRUM PACKAGE RESERVED FOR FOURTH TELECOM OPERATOR

The reserved spectrum promotes competition on the telecoms market, which benefits companies and consumers. It was also decided earlier that the 5G auction will have a modular approach, making it possible for a fourth telecom player to focus on a specific market segment. Citymesh already has a licence for the spectrum at 2600 MHz and 3500 MHz, but could use the auctioned radio frequency bands at 700 MHz, 1400 MHz and 3600 MHz to roll out a national network for B2B and B2C end users.