Four Romanian operators have boosted their networks with fresh chunks of 1800MHz spectrum, following the 2012 auction of new bandwidth.
Cosmore, Orange Romania, RCS&RDS and Vodafone Romania were among the operators that paid a total of €682.1 million for spectrum in the 800MHz, 900MHz, 1800MHz and 2600MHz bands two years ago – the first time the spectrum licences were granted following an auction.
Romanian regulator Ancom said the auction increased the amount of spectrum available to operators by 77 percent, which it hopes will lead to a more competitive market with greater coverage and data speeds. The auction licences come into force from 6 April and last until 5 April 2029.
The 800MHz and 2600MHz bands had not been previously used by operators and were awarded following the auction’s conclusion.
The rollout of new 1800Mhz spectrum took place on the night of 31 March, with the four operators putting safeguards in place to ensure minimal disruption. Additional 900MHz will be given to operators, but a date has yet to be confirmed.
Operators trading in the country have to ensure voice coverage of 98 percent of Romania’s population, with 2K Telecom, who bought spectrum in the 2600MHz band, obligated to cover 30 percent of the population.
Cosmore, Orange Romania, RCS&RDS and Vodafone Romania also have to ensure 676 rural localities have access mobile broadband with downlink speeds of 384kbps by 5 April 2016. The operators must ensure the network is limited to only 35 minutes of downtime during a six-month period.
Last month, it was announced that Swiss operators would refarm their 900MHz and 1800MHz spectrum in July, the latest step in the country’s recent spectrum auction. The Swiss regulator put the country’s entire mobile spectrum holding up for grabs, allowing operators to step up or dial back their activities. The auction, which was also held in 2012, raised €817 million.