Four companies admitted to the 5G spectrum auction

Jochen Homann: "There is nothing standing in the way of the auction in principle"

Year of issue 2019
Date of issue 2019.02.25

The Bundesnetzagentur today admitted the following companies to the spectrum auction:

  • Drillisch Netz AG
  • Telefónica Germany GmbH & Co. OHG
  • Telekom Deutschland GmbH
  • Vodafone GmbH

"Frequencies for mobile spectrum are limited and therefore should be used efficiently in the interests of consumers," Jochen Homann, Bundesnetzagentur President, said and added, "The Bundesnetzagentur has carried out a qualification procedure to check whether the applicants have the necessary competencies and means to roll out the network across the country. The admission of Drillisch Netz AG to the auction gives a further company the opportunity to acquire frequencies and strengthens competition."

The auction is set to begin on 19 March

The auction for mobile broadband spectrum can commence on 19 March in Mainz. On account of the expedited proceedings filed, the start of the auction is dependent upon whether a judicial decision makes it necessary to postpone the commencement date.

Frequency auction secures fast network rollout

Overall, 420 MHz from the 2 GHz and 3.6 GHz bands will be auctioned. The award of frequency resources will create planning and investment certainty, and ensure early use of the frequencies to facilitate fast, flexible 5G rollout in Germany to meet demand.

The Bundesnetzagentur expects the network to be rolled out quickly in line with requirements.

The aim is to ensure that consumers and industry can benefit to the greatest possible extent from the potential of the spectrum provided. In addition to enabling the use of frequencies for mobile broadband, new-generation 5G technology will encourage the development of innovative services and applications, such as automated driving, Industry 4.0 and telemedicine.

Plans for daily information on the auction

The auction is to take place on 19 March 2019 at 10.00 a.m. at the Bundesnetzagentur premises in Canisiusstrasse 21, 55122 Mainz, and will start with an opening event. Information on the auction's progress will be provided daily throughout the auction on the Bundesnetzagentur's website.

Additional information can be found at www.bundesnetzagentur.de/mobilesbreitband.

Press release (pdf / 33 KB)

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