5G mobile communications standardAuction ends - bitter aftertaste remains
In the 497th auction round, the auction of mobile radio frequencies in the 2 GHz and 3.6 GHz ranges came to an end on June 12 after 52 days. Four providers secured these for 6.5 billion euros. Associations are now calling for local 5G frequencies to be allocated quickly.
Dirk Wössner, CEO of Telekom Deutschland: "Network expansion in Germany has suffered a significant setback. The result could have been much more favorable. Once again, spectrum in Germany is much more expensive than in other countries. The network operators now lack the money for network expansion. The proceeds from the auction could have been used to build around 50,000 new mobile network sites and close a lot of gaps. In order to get started now, it is important to define the framework conditions that were not fully clarified before the auction. Our offer to tackle network expansion in rural areas together with our competitors remains valid. We will enter into talks on this."