Romanian telecoms watchdog the National Authority for Management & Regulation in Communications (ANCOM) has launched the 5G licence auction in the 700MHz, 1500MHz, 2600MHz and 3400MHz-3800MHz frequency bands, which is expected to raise a minimum of EUR693 million (USD693 million). Operators have until 27 October to submit their applications. The regulator will then analyse the submissions and announce, by 31 October, which of the candidates qualifies for the next stage. Depending on the initial applications made by the qualified candidates, ANCOM will reveal on 4 November whether an auction stage is required, with this scheduled to begin on 8 November.

A total of 555MHz will be available in the four frequency bands, with the winning bidders required to provide broadband services to at least 70% of the country’s population, most urban areas, highways, international airports and modernised railways, as well as a number of the 480 localities identified as having no or poor mobile coverage. Usage rights in the 700MHz, 1500MHz and 3400MHz-3800MHz bands will have a validity of 25 years (1 January 2023 until 31 December 2047), while 2600MHz licence expiry will be aligned with existing rights in that band, which expire in April 2029.