Vodafone spectrum auctions to watch, 2021

Spectrum auctions may come thick and fast for Vodafone in 2021 after a year of postponements due to coronavirus. Auctions for airwaves in the 700MHz band are scheduled across a host of countries as European member states ready for commercial 5G networks. Though auction dates remain tentative given the ever‑evolving pandemic — with the UK the latest to concede it is keeping its date “under careful review” — the first half of the year is scheduled see spectrum allocated across several of Vodafone’s European markets.

Vodafone’s spend plans are also being affected by auctions outside of Europe, with Australia having two sales in the pipeline, with high‑band 26GHz frequencies coming first. TPG Telecom has joined its peers in calling for government funding to support 5G deployments in the country. Typical levels of industry wrangling have also arisen as India prepares another auction, with the extent of Vi’s participation yet to be defined, given its financial woes. And South Africa’s long-awaited 4G and 5G sale continues to inch towards reality.