(Telecompaper) Ukraine has completed the tender of 3G licences in the 2,100 MHz band. The three largest operators, Life:), MTS Ukraine and Kyivstar each acquired 15-year licences for 30 MHz, the regulator NKRZI announced. Life:) made the highest bid of UAH 3.36 billion, MTS will pay UAH 2.72 billion, and Kyivstar offered UAH 2.7 billion. This brings the total proceeds for the state to UAH 8.77 billion. Once the regulator's board confirms the validity of the bids, the operators will have 30 days to pay for the licences. All three have said they are ready to launch 3G services as soon as they obtain the frequencies. They are required under the terms of the licences to launch services in all regions of the country within 18 months. To date, only one operator has offered 3G in the country, Trimob, the subsidiary of national operator Ukrtelecom.