NHH requests more information from mobile licence applicants

Hungary’s telecoms regulator the National Communications Authority (NHH) has requested that bidders in a tender for new mobile frequencies submit further information on their rollout commitments, local daily Nepszabadsag reports. The watchdog has asked applicants to provide greater details on their proposed rollout timetables and exactly how and where they intend to deploy their networks in the country. Local industry watchers say the NHH’s request could be interpreted as a sign that there is strong competition for the frequencies on offer, or conversely, it could be the case that bidders have tendered unrealistically low bids for the networks they have promised to build. It is understood the two lead bidders have each offered between HUF44 billion and HUF48 billion (USD200 million and USD218 million) for the frequencies and promised 70%-76% coverage, the paper wrote. The NHH called the tender in October 2008 and later extended the deadline for bidding to 12 December. The results of the tender were originally expected to be announced in January.