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.
Valentina Daiber, Chief Officer for Legal & Corporate Affairs at Telefónica Germany: "We remain convinced that awarding frequencies via an auction was counterproductive for the expansion of mobile communications in Germany. The course of the auction has shown that the design and the insufficient amount of frequencies made available have driven up costs. From the consumer's point of view and for Germany as a business location, these investment funds would be much better spent on network expansion. We are therefore renewing our appeal to politicians and regulators for an extension of the spectrum that expires in 2025 and 2033 in order to promote a faster roll-out of mobile broadband across the country."