UK 5G spectrum bidding battle begins

According to reports, the UK's four largest operators (BT/EE, Three, Vodafone, and O2) will begin to apply to the government to purchase 5G spectrum rights.

 

However, operators participating in auctions will have a warning: Only companies that increase 4G coverage can bid. It is not yet clear which indicators will be used to determine which companies can participate in bidding.

 

It is reported that the currently provided spectrum is in two frequency bands: 40 MHz in the 2.3 GHz band and 150 MHz in the 3.4 GHz band. However, BT/EE has a market share of up to 42% in the 2.3 GHz band, so it is not allowed to bid for any new spectrum in this category. It can only bid up to 85 MHz in the 3.4 GHz spectrum.

 

Experts believe that bidding will not be as high as the original auctions of 4G and 3G spectrum. After the auction is completed, the British government will conduct another auction in the second half of 2019. This auction will involve the frequency spectrum of the 700 MHz band.

 

In the UK, visitors to O2 Arena and surrounding areas will be able to begin testing 5G speeds later this year.