Bundesnetzagentur assigns 5G spectrum from auction
Jochen Homann: "The spectrum acquired at auction can now be used for 5G across the country"
Date of issue 2019.09.05
The Bundesnetzagentur has today assigned spectrum acquired at auction in the 3.6 GHz band in response to an application by Telekom Deutschland GmbH. The spectrum acquired by the other successful bidders can also be assigned upon application. Applications for assignment have been received from Drillisch Netz AG and Vodafone GmbH and are to be decided on shortly.
"Once it has been assigned, the acquired spectrum can be used for 5G across the country. It is then up to the companies to provide fast broadband coverage. Network operators can finalise their network plans and roll out their networks rapidly,"
explained Jochen Homann, Bundesnetzagentur President.
Abstract auction of spectrum
The spectrum auction, held in Mainz, contained 41 frequency blocks from the 2 GHz and 3.6 GHz bands. The frequency blocks were mostly auctioned in an abstract manner with regard to their position in the spectrum. Only the top and bottom blocks in the 3.6 GHz band were auctioned off at a specific position.
Following the conclusion of the auction, the abstract blocks acquired were allotted specifically in accordance with the allotment procedure laid down in the auction rules.
Allotment and assignment
After the auction, the four bidders first had the opportunity to come to an agreement on the position of the abstract frequency blocks they had acquired in the bands. As they did not reach complete agreement, the Bundesnetzagentur decided on the allotment on 2 August 2019.
The spectrum can now be assigned upon application by the companies. The Bundesnetzagentur is able to assign the spectrum quickly, enabling it to be used for the intended business models.
Coverage obligations
The assignment also requires the companies to implement their coverage obligations. One of these is that by the end of 2022, assignment holders must each provide coverage of at least 100 Mbit/s for 98% of households in each federal state and for all motorways as well as the most important federal roads and rail routes. By the end of 2024, all other federal roads must have coverage of at least 100 Mbit/s, while state roads, seaports and major waterways, and all other railway lines are to have coverage of at least 50 MBit/s.
Further information is available at https://www.bundesnetzagentur.de/mobilesbreitband.