The Malta Communications Authority (MCA) has published more details relating to its auction of 5G-capable spectrum, which is expected later this year. It will offer six lots of 2×5MHz in the 700MHz band (2×30MHz in total), four blocks of 80MHz plus 16 lots of 5MHz in the 3.4GHz-3.8GHz range (400MHz in total) and six blocks of 200MHz in the 26GHz band. Each bidder will be limited to 2×10MHz at 700MHz, 100MHz at 3.5GHz and 400MHz at 26GHz, though these caps will be raised if all available spectrum is not assigned.
Licensees will be required to make use of all the spectrum allocated to them within 24 months of the date of assignment, with services to be made available nationwide. Malta is currently home to three mobile network operators: Epic (formerly Vodafone), GO and Melita.