Norway’s National Communications Authority ((Nasjonal kommunikasjonsmyndighet, Nkom) has announced that, following a consultation on possible future spectrum allocations, it will now begin preparing the release of frequencies in the 1500MHz and 26GHz bands. 

In a press release regarding the matter, Nkom said that the decision to allocate the bands was based on inputs to its consultation regarding spectrum suitable for 5G use. Specifically, the regulator said it had seen sufficient interest and demand from ‘several players’ for spectrum in the 1500MHz and 26GHz range, while suggesting that use of these frequencies could ‘further strengthen the introduction of 5G and make a valuable contribution to the goal of mobile coverage and fast broadband for everyone’. In terms of a timeline for allocation, Nkom said it envisages making frequencies in the two bands available in 2023, although it said a final timeline would depend on a number of factors, including whether a decision is made to include coverage obligations; a detailed timetable for the awards will be published in the autumn.

Meanwhile, Nkom said it will employ a ‘waiting strategy’ with regards to the 700MHz and 42GHz bands, claiming it had seen ‘little interest and demand’ in this spectrum, while it said it felt there was a need for further assessment related to what use of the 2.3GHz band would provide the greatest socio-economic benefit.