Lithuania’s Communications Regulatory Authority (RRT) has concluded the 700MHz spectrum auction that commenced in May.
Three lots of 5G-ready spectrum were available for bidding – one 2×10MHz block and two 2×5MHz blocks – with reserve prices set at EUR5 million (USD4.9 million) and EUR3 million respectively. Licences are valid for 20 years, with an option to extend.
CommsUpdate reported that Telia Lietuva acquired the 2×10MHz block with a bid of EUR23 million, while its rivals Tele2 and Bite respectively bid EUR3.9 million and EUR3 million for the remaining holdings.
Licence holders will be required to meet various coverage obligations, including a commercial 5G launch in one of Lithunia’s five largest cities (Vilnius, Kaunas, Klaipeda, Siauliai and Panevezys) within six months of acquiring their licence. This must extend to all five cities by December 2023.
Last month, the RRT wrapped up an additional auction of 3.5GHz spectrum.
