Sweden Announces Two Radio Spectrum Auctions

Sweden's telecoms regulator, the PTS has announced plans for two spectrum auctions: one Internet auction to assign licenses in the 2.6 GHz band and one auction in the 1900-1905 MHz band. The last date to apply for both these auctions is 10 March 2008.

During the first half of 2008, PTS (The National Post and Telecom Agency) intends to assign licenses for wireless services in the 2500-2690 MHz band (2.6 GHz) and the 1900-1905 MHz band. The licenses are service neutral and within certain limitations technology neutral. The licenses may e.g. be used for mobile telephony or wireless broadband services.

The auction in the 2.6 GHz band is scheduled to start on 14 April 2008. The auction will be conducted over the Internet and comprises 15 frequency blocks, 14 FDD blocks and one TDD block. Each license covers the whole of Sweden. The 2.6 GHz band has been attractive internationally, for instance, in Norway this frequency band was sold for approximately 228 million Norwegian kronor (NOK) in November 2007.

The auction in the 1900-1905 MHz is scheduled for 18 March 2008. It comprises one national license and interested parties may submit only one bid in a sealed envelope.

Parties who wish to participate in the auctions must no later than 10 March 2008 submit a written application and a bank guarantee to PTS.

Posted to the site on 18th January 2008