The Office of the Communications Authority (OFCA) in Hong Kong will auction new spectrum in the 850/900 MHz, 2.3 GHz, and 6/7 GHz bands to boost 5G network capacity, speed, and coverage. This strategic allocation is vital for enhancing public mobile communications, offering long-term licenses to successful bidders.
Spanish telecom giant Telefonica and Digi have signed a 16-year mobile network agreement effective January 1, 2025. This deal enhances their collaboration, covering National Roaming and RAN sharing services. By leveraging Telefonica’s superior infrastructure, Digi can transition from an MVNO to a full-fledged MNO, ensuring high-quality VoIP services.
Dutch operators KPN, Odido, and Ziggo have secured new 5G frequencies in a recent auction. The 174.4 million euro investment ensures cutting-edge capabilities for VoIP communications, benefiting sectors like healthcare and logistics.
Verizon strongly opposes the Public Safety Spectrum Alliance’s proposal to allocate the 4.9 GHz band to FirstNet, operated by AT&T. Verizon argues this would disrupt competitive balance and unfairly benefit AT&T. This debate within the FCC could significantly affect public safety communications and commercial wireless use, making it a critical issue for the voip industry.
The Netherlands’ telecommunications regulator has announced that KPN, Odido, and VodafoneZiggo each secured 100 MHz of spectrum in the 3.5GHz band, marking a significant step for 5G development in the country. This auction, raising €174.4 million, ensures advanced 5G services with enhanced network capacity and higher throughput, promising innovations for businesses and consumers alike.
Stage X, poised to become South Korea’s fourth mobile network operator, is now facing the revocation of its license due to financial discrepancies. The government is reportedly on the verge of pulling the plug on the firm’s spectrum rights, according to Yonhap news agency, which cited a statement from the Ministry of Science and ICT (MSIT).
In a groundbreaking move, Hong Kong has allocated mmWave frequencies to its four mobile network operators without charging for the spectrum. The Office of the Communications Authority (OFCA) announced on Tuesday that it will distribute 1.2 GHz of spectrum in the 26 GHz and 28 GHz bands in the third quarter of this year, following applications from the telcos earlier this year.
Spain’s top three mobile operators have struck a deal to share spectrum in the 700 MHz band, aiming to improve rural coverage and secure government funding. This agreement involves Telefonica’s Movistar, the newly formed MasOrange, and Vodafone’s Spanish division.
The German Federal Network Agency (Bundesnetzagentur) has launched fresh consultations on proposals to prolong spectrum usage rights for major telecom operators, potentially deferring a competitive auction process until the next decade. This move has reignited tensions with market entrant 1&1, which has previously contested similar initiatives.
Reports this week indicate that the Indian government is expected to postpone spectrum allocations for satellite broadband providers by four to six months, awaiting clarity following the ongoing general elections. The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) is reportedly holding off on final decisions until after the election results are announced on June 4.
