Polish regulator publishes draft decision for future allocation of 420 MHz spectrum

Polish regulator (UKE) published this week a draft decision for future allocation of the 420 MHz spectrum. Polish mobile network operator Plus (registered as Polkomtel) is offered to pay PLN21.6 million (USD5.7 million) to renew its license in the 420 MHz band for the coming 15 years. The license, which includes 2×2.5 MHz of frequencies (412.5 MHz-415.0 MHz paired with 422.5 MHz-425.0 MHz), has been previously awarded to Nordisk Polska (subsidiary of Plus), which back then paid PLN16.1 million for a 14-year license. Nordisk was acquired by Plus in 2009 and was merged with its parent company last year. The spectrum is currently used for CDMA-based mobile dispatch and telemetry services, on top of wireless internet access in rural areas with poorer cellular coverage. Nordisk has been piloting LTE in the 420 MHz band to introduce it to its portfolio pending the license prolongation and further business evaluation. The Plus/Nordisk Polska network incorporates nowadays 576 locations to achieve nationwide coverage.

The draft of the decision foresees that the license holder should cover at least 95% of Poland’s area with its services and should offer voice communication, incl. dispatcher services, closed user groups, dynamic group set-up, call prioritization, data transmission, caller ID and alarm services among others.