The Croatian arm of Austrian operator Vipnet has procured 20MHz of spectrum in the 800MHz frequency band, which can be used to provide LTE services. The paired frequency block of LTE-FDD spectrum sold for a total of HRK150m (US$26m).
Any operators which own this type of spectrum are obliged by the Croatian regulator HAKOM to extend their coverage across 50% of the country over the next five years.
Hannes Ametsreiter, CEO of Telekom Austria Group, said: “With these frequency blocks, Vipnet will be able to offer broadband services based on LTE, meeting ever-rising customer demands in terms of speed and volume.”
HAKOM oversaw the spectrum auction, which had just two bidders – Vipnet and rival T-Hrvatski Telekom. Three blocks were available for bids, while the licences are valid for 12 years.
