Hungarian telecoms regulator the National Media and Communications Authority (NMHH) has confirmed that all four firms that submitted bid applications for the forthcoming multi-band spectrum auction of mobile broadband frequencies have been qualified to take part in the process. In its press release, the watchdog confirmed that the four – DIGI Telecommunications, Magyar Telekom, Telenor Hungary and Vodafone Hungary – had been registered with the NMHH, which will now begin a substantive examination of their applications. Details of the tender process were first announced on 22 May this year.
The successful bidders are fighting for rights to use unused parts of the 800MHz, 900MHz, 1800MHz and 2600MHz frequency bands – along with part of the higher, 26GHz band – which the watchdog hopes will raise at least HUF104 billion (USD468.7 million) for government coffers. The winners will be able to use the frequencies until 2034; the NMHH had previously indicated the concessions would only be valid (initially) for 15 years.