Italy raises EUR462m selling L-Band spectrum

Italy’s Ministry of Economic Development has raised EUR462 million (USD518 million) from the sale of L-Band spectrum in the 1452MHz-1492MHz range. TIM (formerly Telecom Italia) paid EUR230.3 million for its 20MHz allocation (1452MHz-1472MHz), while Vodafone paid EUR231.9 million for frequencies between 1472MHz and 1492MHz. The spectrum is currently designated for digital radio broadcasts in Italy but is largely unused. The European Union is pushing for the L-Band to be harmonised for mobile broadband use.