By James Barton
All three bidders in Hungary’s 32GHz spectrum auction have procured licences.
The country’s National Media & Infocommunications Authority (Nemzeti Media- es Hirkozlesi Hatosag, NMHH) confirmed that CETIN Hungary, Magyar Telekom and Vodafone Hungary had spent a combined HUF970 million (US$2.79 million) to obtain their permits, which are valid for 15 years.
CETIN is the infrastructure unit of Yettel Hungary, the third main player in the market – although it predominantly competes with Vodafone for second place given Magyar Telekom’s substantial lead.
CommsUpdate reported that 24 lots were available for bidding, each 2x28MHz. Of these, 18 were sold, with Vodafone acquiring ten (2x280MHz, a total of 560MHz) Magyar Telekom winning six (2×168MHz, total 336MHz) and CETIN nabbing two (2×56MHz, total 112MHz).
The NMHH has stated that the sale of 32GHz frequencies is part of its strategy of clearing the 26GHz band so that it can be used for 5G services, in line with the 5G strategies of many global markets. At present, the band is predominantly used for carrier network services in Hungary.
