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BIPT gets green light to redistribute 900, 1800 MHz spectrum
2014-06-10 14:58:00| Telecompaper Headlines
(Telecompaper) Belgian regulator BIPT has been given permission to redistribute frequencies in the 900 MHz and 1800 MHz band. Two Royal Decrees have been accordingly adjusted, one from 1995 covering GSM networks in the 900 MHz band and the other from 1997 covering 3G networks in the 1800 MHz frequency band. The adjustments will involve a total of 75 MHz of spectrum: 24 channels in the 900 MHz band and 15 MHz of spectrum in the 1800 MHz band. Most of the spectrum was assigned to Bidco (Telenet, Voo) in 2011, with the idea of creating a fourth operator alongside Proximus, Mobistar and Base. However, despite many reminders from BIPT, Telenet and Voo have shown no hurry to use the spectrum. The distribution procedure will begin as soon as BIPT gets the official confirmation that BidCo accepts to say goodbye to the frequencies. The confirmation is expected no later than 27 November 2015. If there are no more than three candidates (the big three), then each candidate will get the opportunity to acquire some spectrum. BIPT said it will organise an auction if there are more than three candidates but added that the chance of that was very small, given the necessary network investments. The new Royal Decree also gave BIPT the green light to allocate the entire 1800 MHz band before 27 November 2015, including 24 channels for each existing operator (Belgacom, Mobistar and Base).
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Category:Telecommunications