Poland Awards E-GSM Spectrum - Lowers Rural Spectrum Fees

Poland's telecoms regulator, the Office of Electronic Communications has announced that it is awarding nationwide E-GSM radio spectrum to two network operators, P4 and Aero 2. Both companies have undertaken the commitment to launch the provision of services based on granted frequency resources not later than within 24 months of the issuance of this decision. What is more, the companies are obliged to meet population coverage criteria, at least 30% of coverage till the end of 2009, 55% till the end of 2010 and 80% till the end of 2012.

P4 and Aero 2 are also required to offer wholesale telecommunications services to other telecom entities (e.g. MVNO) on the basis of equal, transparent conditions and a uniform offer.

In the submitted offer, these companies have committed themselves to make a one time payment for frequency reservation done through a tender procedure. P4 declared an amount of PLN 217 million (US$75.4 million) and Aero 2 - PLN 223 million (US$77.5 million).

In a separate announcement, the regulator also lowered the radio spectrum fees paid by rural wireless internet providers. As of 1 January 2009 the fee for the right to operate 1 MHz of spectrum in the area of 1 commune will drop from current PLN 125 (US$43.40) to PLN 10 in rural communes and PLN 25 in rural-municipal communes.

In the area of municipal communes and municipal counties, the fee will remain at its present level of 125 PLN.

Posted to the site on 18th December 2008