5G spectrum auction concluded
The auction on 26 GHz (25.1-27.5 GHz) spectrum arranged by the Transport and Communications Agency Traficom was concluded on 8 June 2020. The participants in the auction were Elisa Corporation, Telia Finland Plc and DNA Plc that submitted the winning bids for the construction of the 5G networks. The auction generated EUR 21 million in revenue to the state.
There were three 800 MHz frequency bands in the auction. The winning bids are:
Frequency band 25.1-25.9 GHz
Elisa Corporation
EUR 7 million
Frequency band 25.9-26.7 GHz
Telia Finland Plc
EUR 7 million
Frequency band 26.7-27.5 GHz
DNA Plc
EUR 7 million
Finland's position as the leading country in high-speed 5G networks will be further strengthened as more frequencies are allocated to the 5G networks. The Government granted the first licences for the construction of 5G networks in the 3.5 GHz spectrum in 2018. Since 2019, the 5G network has been made available in 30 cities and municipalities in Finland.
What are the next steps?
The Government will grant the operating licences in accordance with the end results of the auction. The 26 GHz (25.1-27.5 GHz) spectrum can be used for the construction of 5G networks as of 1 July 2020. The licences will remain valid until 31 December 2033 in mainland Finland.
Inquiries
Kaisa Laitinen, Senior Ministerial Adviser, Ministry of Transport and Communications, tel. +358 295 34 2608, kaisa.laitinen(at)lvm.fi, Twitter @kaisa_laitinen
Jan Engelberg, Senior Specialist, Finnish Transport and Communications Agency Traficom, tel. +358 295 390 438, jan.engelberg(at)traficom.fi, Twitter @EnkkuJenkku
Press release 21 April 2020: Registration for auction of 5G frequencies is now open
Press release of 9 April 2020: Government decides on the terms of the 5G auction
Press release of 7 February 2020: More frequencies for 5G – consultation round on the terms of the spectrum auction launched
Website of the Finnish Transport and Communications Agency: More information about the auction
Gateway to Information on Government Projects: Further information on the operating licences and application procedure