Croatian telecommunications company Hrvatski Telekom (HT) is expanding its 5G network to 15 new cities and towns.
The new additions are Pula, Crikvenica, Selce, Krk, Sisak, Petrinja, Pag, Vodice, Kastela, Imotski, Metkovic, Ploce, Baška, Malinska, and Podstrana.
"The 5G signal thus covers 45 cities and towns and 1.7 million inhabitants throughout Croatia," said a press release from the telecommunication services provider.
"For everyone to take advantage of the opportunities that 5G provides, Hrvatski Telekom increases its 5G coverage throughout Croatia through continuous investments. In the four months of 2021, we almost tripled the number of cities, towns, and communities covered by 5G compared to the end of 2020,” said Boris Drilo, Member of the Management Board and Chief Technical and Chief Information Officer of Hrvatski Telekom.
Hrvatski Telekom offers all its customers specific tariffs until June 30, 2021, without additional costs, the possibility of using the 5G network. For this, they need to be in the area covered by the 5G network and have a 5G compatible device.
Hrvatski Telekom’s 5G network currently operates on Dynamic Spectrum Sharing (DSS) technology, which allows the use of existing frequencies for 5G and rapid implementation of the 5G network and reduces the need for new base stations and locations on specific 5G frequencies. In March this year, Hrvatski Telekom was the first to start involving commercial users in tests on the 3.5 GHz frequency band.
In a separate press note, the Croatia operator said that in Q1 2021, it achieved solid growth with total consolidated net revenue, increasing by HRK 56 million or 3.2% in Q1 2021 compared to Q1 2020. The revenue increase was mainly driven by stronger mobile revenue (HRK 46 million or 6.0%) and fixed revenue returning to growth (HRK 12 million or 1.5%), with partial offset coming from the timing of System solutions deals (HRK 3 million or -1.6%).
Meanwhile, the Croatian Regulatory Authority for Network Industries (HAKOM) announced that the public auction of the spectrum in 700 MHz, 3,6 GHz, and 26 GHz frequency bands will be held in the period between May and July 2021. Public consultation on the Information memorandum on the public auction framework was launched on 2 April 2021.
Spectrum award in 800 MHz, 900 MHz, 1800 MHz, 2100 MHz, and 2600 MHz frequency bands has been announced for 2022. Currently, valid licences in these frequency bands expire in Q4 2024.
