Swiss mull over course of action

date: 28 November 2000, source: UMTS

The Swiss Office of Federal Communications (OFCOM) are thought to considering various options to award four licenses, following the failure to come to a successful conclusion for the 3G auction last week. Sonntags Zeitung reported that OFCOM is considering awarding the four licenses to the four bidders (Orange, Swisscom, Telefonica and the new diAx/Sunrise) on an annual fee basis over the 15 year life period of the licenses.

A re-start to the auction has also been considered by the government, said Marc Furrer, OFCOM president. He also suggested that would involve an entirely new bidding process. Other speculation includes adopting a beauty contest. The final decision as to what happens next will be made in early December.

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