Madrid will initiate the procedure for allocating frequencies in the 700 Megahertz (MHz) band on Tuesday intended to allow the deployment of new 5G mobile technology, with its ultra-fast internet, the Ministry of the Economy announced on Friday.
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These frequencies are considered to be the
“golden frequencies”
because of their qualities in terms of territory coverage and the penetration of waves into buildings, thus making it possible to offer a very high-speed mobile internet of quality in various situations.
"Tuesday, July 20 will take place the first round of auction to obtain concessions of the 700 MHz frequency band, in which (telecom operators) Telefonica, Vodafone and Orange will participate,"
the statement said. These frequencies
"will allow them to deploy networks and offer 5G services
,
" he
adds.
The starting price for all the frequencies offered reaches 995.5 million euros, the auction being carried out via four blocks of 2x10 MHz and three 2x5 MHz, a formula which will favor one of the three operators over its competitors, offering the possibility for the government to obtain significantly more from these auctions.
The concessions
"will have a minimum term of 20 years and a maximum of 40 years,"
the statement said.
The Spanish group Telefonica said in a statement that it would work for these networks with Swedish equipment manufacturers Ericsson and Finnish Nokia, thus deciding
"to give continuity to already existing suppliers for 3G and 4G"
.
No controversy in Spain
These auctions will take place in a rather peaceful atmosphere in Spain, where the deployment of 5G networks arouses almost no controversy on the issue of environmental or health impact, unlike what is happening in other European countries including France, where 5G arouses the hostility of part of the opinion.
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Two other auctions of frequencies intended for 5G networks have already been carried out in Spain: in 2018 for the 3.6-3.8 GHz band and in December for the 20 MHz frequency, or the so-called millimeter band, which should allow the development of services. individuals requiring a very high capacity.