Slovenia’s multi-band 5G spectrum auctions have generated a total of EUR164.2 million (US$195.7 million).
As reported by TeleGeography, the country’s four established operators all obtained spectrum, with airwaves available across six bands: 700MHz, 1500MHz, 2100MHz, 2.3GHz, 3.5GHz and 26GHz.
The biggest spender was Telekom Slovenia, which bid EUR52.1 million to acquire licences in each of the six available bands. Telemach was close behind, spending EUR51.6 million and also procuring holdings in all bands. A1 Slovenia bid EUR42.4 million to obtain licences in all but the 2.3GHz band, while T-2 bagged permits in the 2100MHz and 2.3GHz bands for EUR18.2 million.
Operators will be granted immediate use of spectrum in the 700MHz, 1500MHz, 3.5GHz and 26GHz bands, with 2100MHz spectrum set to be released on the 22nd September this year, and 2.3GHz airwaves set to follow on 1st January 2022.
Within one year, winning bidders must begin offering services in at least one city via each frequency band for which they hold a licence. After five years their services must cover all of Slovenia’s major cities, and those with 700MHz licences are obliged to provide coverage on major national transport routes.
Currently the validity period of the licences stands at 15 years, but this could increase to 20 years if an amendment to Slovenia’s Electronic Communications Act is approved.
