Telenet obtains extra spectrum to accelerate 5G deployment in Belgium

Following the multi-band auction procedure organised by the Belgian Institute for Postal Services and Telecommunications (BIPT), Telenet Group NV, a 100 % direct subsidiary of Telenet Group Holding NV (hereafter ‘Telenet’) (Euronext Brussels: TNET), confirms it has obtained frequencies in the 700 MHz, 900 MHz, 1800 MHz, 2100 MHz, and 3500 MHz bands for a total amount of €264.3 million. Telenet will use this spectrum to ensure continuity of service for its existing networks, and to continue the expansion of its 5G network, whose commercial rollout began in December 2021 for the Telenet brand and in April 2022 for the BASE brand and for Telenet Business.

On March 28, 2022, BIPT has allocated the reserved spectrum in the 900 MHz (2×5 MHz), 1800 MHz (2×15 MHz) and 2100 MHz (2×10 MHz) frequency bands to Telenet for €73 million. The frequencies obtained through the auction procedure, which began on 1 June 2022 and ended on 20 June 2022, have now been added to these frequencies. In total Telenet obtained (including the reserved spectrum) 2×5 MHz in the 700 MHz band, 2×10 MHz in the 900 MHz band, 2×20 MHz in the 1800 MHz band, 2×15 MHz in the 2100 MHz band and 100 MHz in the 3500 MHz band, for a total amount of €264.3 million.Telenet will be able to use these frequencies for a period of 20 years, except for the frequencies in the 3500 MHz band, which will expire on 6 May 2040. ​ Operators have the choice to either opt for a single advance payment or annual deferred payments. Telenet is still assessing both options.

Thanks to this combination of frequencies, Telenet will be able to continue its mobile rollout plan. On the one hand, the renewal of the existing spectrum will enable it to secure the continuity of service of its existing networks. And on the other hand, with the spectrum obtained in the 700, 900 and 3500 MHz frequency bands, Telenet will be able to expand its 5G network and offer its residential and business customers an even better 5G experience.

CT Bureau