The Netherlands government has fetched € 174.4 million during 5G spectrum auction by selling frequency in the 3.5 GHz band.
Prices of the spectrum acquired by telecom operators such as KPN, Odido and VodafoneZiggo were just over the reserve rates set by the Netherlands government.
KPN
KPN, which is following the Connect, Activate & Grow strategy, has purchased spectrum package of 100 MHz of 3.5 GHz frequency licenses in the Dutch spectrum auction for € 58.4 million. The licenses have a duration up to 2040. KPN will use the 5G spectrum to take the next step in 5G business and to meet the growing demand of mobile data in the coming years.
Joost Farwerck, CEO of KPN, said: “After the multi-band auction in 2020 we have made a great start with 5G via the 700 MHz band, with worldwide recognition for network quality and coverage. The 3.5 GHz licenses will increase network capacity and enable higher throughput for customers to enter the next phase of 5G.”
VodafoneZiggo
VodafoneZiggo has acquired 100MHz of 3.5GHz spectrum for € 57.5 million. This will strengthen its existing mobile network position and support future innovation opportunities. The spectrum license runs until 2040.
Thomas Helbo, Chief Technology Officer (CTO) at VodafoneZiggo, said: “Securing spectrum will further strengthen our mobile services and 5G-activities.”
VodafoneZiggo was the first to introduce a nationwide 5G network in the Netherlands four years ago. Obtaining spectrum in the 3.5GHz band will enable the benefits of low-latency, high speed 5G to be fully realised, supporting both the current and future needs of our customers.
VodafoneZiggo is, through its mobile brand Vodafone, part of the largest 5G network in Europe and IoT market leader with more than 175 million IoT connections. In addition to this, VodafoneZiggo offers access to 5G in more countries (66) than any other operator.
Odido
Odido, which purchased 5G spectrum for € 58.5 million, said it will further expand the capacity of its 5G network, which will further enhance the network experience and speeds. Odido also aims at completing network upgrades by the end of this year.
“This 3.5 GHz band for 5G not only provides extra capacity, but also more (data) speed on the network. This will lead to an even better network experience for our customers. Companies and consumers can soon count on higher data speeds, more capacity and a wide variety of innovative applications,” says Johan van den Branden, Chief Network and Operations Officer at Odido.
Baburajan Kizhakedath
