More frequencies for 5G – consultation round on the terms of the spectrum auction launched
The Ministry of Transport and Communications requests comments on the terms of the 26 GHz spectrum auction. The introduction of the new spectrum will increase the speed and data transfer capacity of 5G mobile networks. The deadline for submitting comments is 6 March 2020.
In autumn 2018, Finland was among the first countries in the world to grant 5G frequencies to companies. In 2019, companies started to construct networks in the 3.5 GHz spectrum. In addition to Finland, there are seven European countries providing commercial 5G services.
Minister of Transport and Communications Timo Harakka says that Finland will continue to be at the forefront of 5G in the world.
"I look forward to new services provided by 5G that both create substantial business activities and improve people's everyday lives and wellbeing," he says.
The so-called 26 GHz spectrum covers the frequencies of 24.25-27.5 GHz. Within this spectrum, the frequencies of 25.1-27.5 GHz would be auctioned for national use as three 800 MHz frequency bands. The proposed starting price in the auction would be EUR 7 million per each 800 MHz frequency band.
The provisions on the spectrum-specific details, including the number and price of the frequencies to be granted, would be laid down in the so-called Auction Decree, while provisions concerning the spectrum to be auctioned would be included in the so-called Spectrum Decree.
The Ministry of Transport and Communications requests for opinions on the following draft documents:
1) Government Decree on Radio Spectrum Auctions in the 25.1-27.5 GHz Spectrum,
2) Government Decree amending the Government Decree on Radio Spectrum Usage and the Frequency Allocation Plan, and
3) licence application notification.
The lower part of the frequency spectrum, 24.25-25.1 GHz or 850 MHz, would be excluded from the auction. The spectrum would be reserved for the construction of local networks. In future, local networks could be constructed in ports and industrial facilities, for example, and companies could use them for remote control, robotisation and sensor data collection, among other things.
5G networks can be used to implement high-speed and wireless data transfer connections that in future will facilitate new transport and health care services and business, for example. The 26 GHz frequency band is suitable for providing high connection speeds, for example in cities, transport nodes and public events.
What next?
Comments must be submitted by 6 March 2020. A public consultation on the terms of the auction will be arranged in Helsinki on 12 February at 9-11. The event will be available as a live webcast.
The spectrum auction is scheduled for summer 2020. Licences would be granted for mainland Finland and they would be valid until 31 December 2033.
The Transport and Communications Agency (Traficom) has also launched a consultation round. It is requesting opinions on the draft regulation concerning the auction of the 25.1-27.5 GHz spectrum, on the memorandum containing the reasons and application of the regulation, and on the draft technical terms related to the radio licences to be granted in the frequencies.
Inquiries:
Ms Kaisa Laitinen, Senior Ministerial Adviser, tel. +358 295 34 2608, Twitter @kaisa_laitinen
