The Danish Energy Agency (DEA, or Energistyrelsen) has revealed the winners of the 700MHz/900MHz/2300MHz spectrum auction, which commenced on 19 February 2019, as TDC, Hi3G and TT-Netvaerket (jointly-owned by Telia Denmark and Telenor). The tender generated a total of DKK2.12 billion (USD319 million), with the government imposing conditions on the winners of 700MHz/900MHz spectrum to provide a minimum down/uplink of 30Mbps/3Mbps in 212 underserved areas by April 2022. The frequencies were awarded as follows:
• Hi3G: 2×10MHz in 700MHz band and 2×10MHz (900MHz) for DKK485.233 million, with an obligation to cover 67 areas
• TDC: 2×15MHz (700MHz), 2×10MHz (900MHz), 60MHz (2300MHz) and 20MHz (supplemental downlink [SDL] 700MHz) for DKK1.620 billion, 79 areas
• TT-Netvaerket: 2×5MHz (700MHz) and 2×10MHz (900MHz) for DKK107.6 million, 66 areas
As previously reported by TeleGeography’s CommsUpdate, the trio qualified to participate in the auction, which was initially scheduled to be held in September 2018, but was cancelled due to ‘unforeseen circumstances.’ The spectrum in the 700MHz band will be available for use from 4 April 2020, with the 900MHz spectrum useable from 1 January 2020 (to be freed up after the GSM concessions of Telenor, Telia and TDC expire in December 2019) and 2300MHz frequencies useable from 1 January 2019. Hi3G’s 2×5MHz block in the 900MHz band (valid until 31 December 2034) is to be migrated to ensure continuous spectrum.