Polish regulator UKE has selected Specure EAS as the spectrum auction platform to support the award of frequencies in the band 3.6 GHz. With the selection of the electronic auction system supplier the Polish regulator is successfully proceeding towards meeting its objective to distribute the band by June 2020.
The 3.6 GHz band (3.4-3.8 GHz) is one of the pioneer bands to be used for 5G mobile networks. Its characteristics make it particularly suitable for mobile services. The large bandwidths per bidder support higher data rates and provide increased capacity to support large numbers of connected devices and enable higher speeds for concurrently connected devices.
After having received numerous enquiries from telecom operators the Polish regulator UKE published on 1 April 2019 a schedule, which includes all necessary steps preceding the award of the spectrum. UKE estimated June or July 2020 as a feasible deadline for the distribution of frequencies.
Subsequently, UKE consulted from 19 April to 14 May 2019 on the draft conditions for the distribution of the band. UKE proposed two options for the distribution:
- 4 national licences from the range 3600-3800 MHz, each containing 50 MHz of spectrum; or
- 4 licences from the range 3480-3800 MHz, each containing 80 MHz spectrum, in which case the range 3400-3480 MHz would remain reserved for local use.
Within the consultation, the mobile operator P4, operating under the brand Play, expressed its preference for the second option, while the other three MNOs (Orange Polska, T-Mobile Polska and Polkomtel) preferred the first option.
UKE is committed to distribute the spectrum by 30 June 2020 also by the regulation of the Minister of Digital Affairs on the schedule for the allocation of specific frequency resources of 8 July 2019.
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