Hungary Extends Deadline for Mobile License Tenders

Hungary's telecoms regulator, the NHH has decided to extend the deadline for companies tendering bids for two new mobile licenses by two weeks - until 12th December. The amendment of the submission deadline took place with the approval of Minister of Transport, Telecommunication and Energy Pál Szabó.

According to the amendment of the decree, those companies may also bid on frequency bundle "A" which enables the market entry of the GSM/UMTS mobile service provider, that possess the frequency utilisation rights to the 3.5GHz bandwidth.

The amendment of the submission deadline, in addition to bundle "A", affects the 26GHz bundles that are inseparable from the above, that is the "C", "F" and "G" bundles.

The A license is a generic GSM900/UMTS2100 radio spectrum license, while the B license covers the 450Mhz band - typically for CDMA services. The remaining licenses are in non-mobile bands.

In the event that the tenders are effective, up to two new mobile telephone service providers may appear in the Hungarian market, having acquired frequency utilisation rights for up to 15 years. The winner of the "A" bundle may acquire a similar frequency inventory at the tender as the three mobile service providers currently on the market. In turn, the winner of the "B" bundle will primarily be able to improve the wireless broadband internet coverage of sparely settled areas and communities.

Thus far 14 companies have purchased the invitation to tender.

On the web: The National Communications Authority (NHH)

Posted to the site on 30th November 2008