Poland’s P4, which operates as Play, has announced its intent to use frequencies that it holds in the 2100MHz band to offer 5G services without having to obtain spectrum at auction.
The 2100MHz holding was originally intended for 3G services. 5G-ready spectrum in the 3.6GHz band is slated for auction next year, while the country’s four main operators are planning a shared 5G network using 700MHz spectrum.
Play intends to use its spectrum to launch 5G services early next year covering three cities – Gdansk, Gdynia and Sopot – and their surrounding areas. It has applied to Poland’s regulator UKE (Urzad Komunikacji Elektronicznej, or Office of Electronic Communications) for permission to use the spectrum for this purpose.
