Spain’s auction of 5G-suitable spectrum in the 26GHz band concluded on 21 December, generating a total of EUR36.2 million (USD38.7 million) for government coffers. The Ministry of Economic Affairs and Digital Transformation (Ministerio de Asuntos Economicos y Transformacion Digital) announced that Movistar, Vodafone and Orange collectively bid for 1,800MHz of the available 2,400MHz spectrum that was tendered at a nationwide level, while regional player Globe Operator acquired a 200MHz regional concession covering Castilla and Leon.
Movistar was the leading bidder, securing five 1×200MHz blocks of 26GHz spectrum for a total outlay of EUR20 million. By contrast, Vodafone and Orange each paid EUR8 million for a pair of 1×200MHz concessions. All licences have a duration of 20 years, extendable for an additional 20-year period.