- Croatian NatCo can now start 5G network rollout in earnest.
Hrvatski Telekom (HT) finally got its hands on 5G spectrum licences after regulator Hrvatska regulatorna agencija za mrežne djelatnosti (HAKOM) confirmed frequency awards in the 700MHz, 3.6GHz, and 26GHz bands.
The NatCo won the most spectrum in the auction, at a total cost of HRK 130m (£14.8m/€17.3m) for the 15‑year licences, and claims it is now in a position to build the “largest and fastest 5G network in Croatia”.
HT gained a 2×10 MHz block in the 700MHz frequency band; twelve 10MHz blocks at 3.6GHz (120MHz in total); and two blocks of 200MHz in the 2.6GHz range (400MHz in total).
Rival operators A1 Hrvatska and Telemach Hrvatska (formerly Tele2 Croatia, which was acquired by United Group in May 2019) picked up licences in the same three bands. They each gained 2×10MHz at 700MHz; 100MHz at 3.6GHz; and 200MHz at 26GHz. Telemach Hrvatska said it spent €14.4m on the auction.
Italy‑based EOLO also won 200MHz in the 26GHz range, while BeeIN, Digicom, Eco Net, EOLO, Markoja, and Terrakom won regional licences in the 3.6GHz band. HAKOM said it raised a total of almost HRK 359m.
The regulator announced the auction process on 27 May 2021 after some delay caused by the coronavirus pandemic (Deutsche Telekomwatch, #93 and #104). The auction finally began on 12 July 2021 after the nine applicants were approved for participation.
HT has already pressed ahead with a commercial launch of its 5G network using dynamic spectrum sharing technology, which enables use of existing frequencies. Ericsson Nikola Tesla, HT’s exclusive 5G radio equipment provider and longstanding strategic partner, supported the launch (Deutsche Telekomwatch, #95 and #100). HT said it has now deployed 5G on 600 base stations and covers two million inhabitants in 76 towns and cities. The network was first launched in six cities during October 2020.
| Market | Expected start | Expected end | Frequency ranges | Award process | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Source: Deutsche Telekom. | |||||
|
Poland |
Q4 2021 |
Q1 2022 |
3.4GHz–3.8GHz |
Auction |
New start delayed due to political discussions on national security guidelines. |
|
Q3 2022 |
Q4 2022 |
700MHz / 2.1GHz / 26GHz |
Auction |
Plans for all bands uncertain due to discussion on award models. |
|
|
Romania |
Q4 2021 |
Q1 2022 |
700MHz / 800MHz / 1500MHz / 2.6GHz / 3.4GHz–3.8GHz |
Auction |
Further delay. Additional 2.1GHz possible. |
|
Slovakia |
Q4 2021 |
Q1 2022 |
3.4GHz–3.8GHz / 2.6GHz (TDD) |
Auction |
Public consultation underway. |
|
Czech Republic |
Q3 2023 |
Q1 2024 |
900MHz / 1.8GHz / 2.1GHz |
Extension expected |
T-Mobile CZ 800MHz/1800MHz licence and 2.1GHz licence will expire in 2024. |
|
United States |
Q4 2021 |
Q4 2021 / Q1 2022 |
3.450GHz–3.550GHz |
Auction |
Start: 5 October 2021. |
|
H1 2022 |
H1 2022 |
2.5GHz–2.7GHz |
Auction |
Public consultation in progress. |
|
Anne Morris is a freelance journalist, editor and translator. She has been working as a reporter and news analyst for TelcoTitans since 2016.
