Bulgarian Government Planning To Auction 5G Airwaves In 2Q20

The Bulgarian government is planning to offer 5G-suitable frequencies in the 700MHz and 3600MHz bands in the second quarter of 2020, according to Ivan Dimitrov, the head of the Communication Regulation Commission (CRC). Local news agency Capital writes that the spectrum price is yet to be unveiled, though the regulator, backed by the transport ministry, has proposed that the government approve a 30% to 50% reduction in frequency fees as of next year to help the 5G rollout. Dimitrov was quoted as saying: ‘The idea is to find the proper balance – to pay enough for the frequencies but also have enough funds left to invest in the necessary infrastructure for 5G.’ Leading telecoms operators Vivacom, A1 Bulgaria (part of Austria’s A1 Group) and Telenor Bulgaria (owned by Czech investment group PPF) have all started 5G trials. The telcos have also stated that they would seek eventual cooperation to share the costly investment, estimated at around BGN800 million (USD453 million) over the next three to four years.―Telegeography