3 telecom companies win bids for 5G networks

Three telecommunications companies – Elisa Corporation, Telia Finland Plc, and DNA Plc – have won bids for construction of 5G networks.

The auction on 26 GHz (25.1-27.5 GHz) spectrum arranged by the Transport and Communications Agency Traficom was concluded on Monday, said a government press release.

The auction generated EUR 21 million in revenue for the state.

There were three 800 MHz frequency bands in the auction. Elisa Corporation won the frequency band 25.1-25.9 GHz of EUR seven million, Telia Finland Plc won the frequency band 25.9-26.7 GHz also of EUR seven million, and DNA Plc won the frequency band 26.7-27.5 GHz of EUR seven million, too.

Finland’s position as the leading country in high-speed 5G networks will be further strengthened as more frequencies are allocated to the 5G networks.

The government granted the first licences for the construction of 5G networks in the 3.5 GHz spectrum in 2018. Since 2019, the 5G network has been made available in 30 cities and municipalities in Finland.

The government will grant the operating licences in accordance with the end results of the auction.

The 26 GHz (25.1-27.5 GHz) spectrum can be used for the construction of 5G networks as of 1 July 2020. The licences will remain valid until 31 December 2033 in mainland Finland.