All three Dutch telcos have secured additional 5G spectrum during the country's latest auction this week.
KPN, Odido, and VodafoneZiggo all secured 100 MHz of spectrum in the 3.5GHz band, the Netherland's telecoms regulator confirmed.
In total, the auction raised €174.4 million ($188.4m), while the licenses are valid until 2040.
The auction was initially due to take place in 2021, but has faced significant delays because of a legal battle with satellite operator Inmarsat, which was already using the spectrum to provide emergency maritime communications.
That particular dispute was resolved last year.
“Companies and consumers have been waiting for this moment for a long time. Meanwhile, the demand for data is growing rapidly and countries around us have already taken steps. In order to be able to handle all those digital business processes, services and products, the completion of the auction by the National Inspectorate for Digital Infrastructure is a milestone," said Minister of Economic Affairs and Climate, Micky Adriaansens.
“With 5G, data can be sent faster and more reliably. This helps with innovation in healthcare, but also, for example, with the digitalization of processes in the manufacturing industry or logistics. With the outcome of the auction, we will also ensure that there is sufficient competition on the telecom market until 2040. This is important for prices, supply and innovation."
The conclusion of the auction has also been welcomed by the country's telcos.
“The newly acquired 3.5 GHz licenses will increase network capacity and enable higher throughput for our customers to enter the next phase of 5G," said Joost Farwerck, CEO of KPN.
