Hrvatski Telekom d d : New radio frequency spectrum for 5G assigned

Croatian Telecom (Reuters: HT.ZA; Bloomberg: HT CZ), Croatia's leading telecommunications provider, notifies that the Croatian Regulatory Authority for Network Industries (HAKOM) on 12 August 2021 announced its decision on the assignment for use of radio frequency spectrum in 700 MHz, 3600 MHz and 26 GHz radiofrequency bands, used for 5G mobile communications networks.

Following the conducted bidding procedure which commenced on 12 July 2021, it is now disclosed to whom all the frequency bands that were offered on national level have been assigned.

Croatian Telecom Inc. participated in the bidding procedure for 700 MHz, 3600 MHz and 26 GHz frequency bands on national level and ended up being the winning bidder for 2x10 MHz block in 700 MHz frequency band, for 12 blocks of 10 MHz in 3600 MHz frequency band (a total of 120 MHz) and for 2 blocks of 200 MHz in 26 GHz frequency band (a total of 400 MHz).

Total amount achieved in the bidding procedure for the said frequency blocks amounts to HRK 130.660.749,00. In addition to the fee achieved in the public auction, for using the assigned radio frequency spectrum, a fee determined by the By-law on the payment of fees for performing of the tasks of the Croatian Regulatory Authority for Network Industries is also applied.

Licences for using radio frequency spectrum are being assigned for the period of 15 years.

'With the conclusion of the auction Hrvatski Telekom ensured the biggest 5G spectrum share, a key precondition for the fastest and biggest 5G network in Croatia. We also delivered on our commitment to progressively enable 5G across the country, making again a strong contribution to the country's economic and social development. Last year, with the introduction of the first commercial 5G network on 2.1 GHz, we opened the door for Croatia to the 5G age, putting it in company of digitally advanced countries. Now by allocation of radio frequency spectrum on all three key 5G frequency bands the preconditions for a significant and exciting technological breakthrough have been met, and a new digital era in Croatia begins. A 5G era that will mark the next 10 years and in which HT will yet again be the digitalization driver', stated Kostas Nebis, Hrvatski Telekom CEO.

Through 600 operational 5G base stations, Hrvatski Telekom at the moment covers a population of 2 million, with as many as 149, or quarter of all 5G base stations operating on 3.6 GHz enabling higher speeds in 12 cities, and for half a million inhabitants.