The Czech units of Vodafone and T-Mobile have filed legal complaints against the country’s regulator over its planned 5G spectrum auction.
In August, the Czech Telecommunications Office (CTU) began the tender process for spectrum in the 700MHz and 3400MHz–3600MHz bands, with interested parties able to submit their applications to bid before 30th September 2020.
According to CommsUpdate, the auction is intended to increase competition by introducing a new player to the market, as well as reduce data rates in the country. The high cost of mobile services has long been a complaint of both politicians and subscribers.
However, the incumbent operators have hit back against the regulator’s plan, with Vodafone stating: “Given the mistakes and problems in the conditions, it can be expected that the auction will result in clashes at courts and also the European Commission.” T-Mobile has also expressed doubts over whether all aspects of the plan have been considered.
News agency CTK noted that in July, the country’s third operator O2 Czech Republic complained to the European Commission regarding the proposed terms of the auction. The operators have objected to details relating to national roaming, as well as the low holding allowance for 3400MHz–3600MHz spectrum as they argue that this will prevent them from offering gigabit speeds.
