Icelandic telecoms watchdog the Post and Telecom Administration (Post-og Fjarskiptastofnun, PTA) has revealed that it plans to hold an auction for frequencies in the 700MHz band by the end of 2016. The decision was prompted by an application for 2×20MHz of 700MHz spectrum submitted by Icelandic telecoms operator Siminn in February 2016, and a subsequent hearing involving Siminn, Vodafone Iceland (Fjarskipti), Nova, Gagnaveita Reykjavikur (GR) and Neydarlinan, which revealed that demand for spectrum in the aforementioned band was equal and/or greater than the supply. The PTA disclosed that it will offer three lots of 2×10MHz spectrum, with a 15-year validity each. The three blocks will also come with specific terms and obligations. In addition, the PTA will consider the auctioning of spectrum in the 2100MHz and 2600MHz bands, though the watchdog plans to consult with all relevant stakeholders before it makes a decision on the auction terms and conditions.
As previously reported by TeleGeography’s CommsUpdate, in February 2016 the PTA revoked legislation banning it from allocating 2100MHz spectrum on a technology-neutral basis. The regulator said at the time that it was planning to launch a tender for vacant frequencies in the 2100MHz band later this year, in addition to auctioning spectrum for high speed mobile broadband services in the 900MHz (2016), 2600MHz (2016) and 700MHz (2017/18) bands.