Slovakia’s 5G sale raises EUR100m

Slovakia has completed its auction of 5G-capable 700MHz spectrum as well as spare frequencies in the 900MHz and 1800MHz bands. The sale raised a total of EUR100.23 million (USD119 million), with each of the three available 700MHz licences selling for EUR32 million or above. Orange paid EUR33.63 million for 2×10MHz in the 700MHz range, while O2 bid a total of EUR33.39 million for 2×10MHz at 700MHz, 2×4.2MHz at 900MHz and 2×3MHz in the 1800MHz range. Slovak Telekom spent EUR32.66 million for a 2×10MHz licence in the 700MHz band and 2×3MHz of frequencies at 1800MHz. 4ka (SWAN Mobile) did not participate in the bidding for 700MHz spectrum, saying it was too expensive for a smaller operator, and instead paid EUR550,000 for 2×3MHz in the 1800MHz range. 700MHz concessions are valid until the end of 2040, while the lower band spectrum can be used until end-2025.