ONE did not bid for more GSM frequencies today due to 3G
September 24, 2002
The focus of ONE (Connect Austria) is clearly placed on further
developing the third mobile generation. The company did not participate
in the bid for Austria GSM 900 frequencies ending today. ONE has
the most GSM frequencies in Austria, population coverage and capacities
are excellently developed.
ONE spokesperson Michael Sprinzl said, ”We are very well equipped
with GSM frequencies, the future lies in the further rollout of
3G. For this reason, our primary interest consists in increasing
the number of UMTS-enabled frequencies.” With 29 MHz for the high
quality GSM 1800 network, ONE tops the ranking of Austrian mobile
network operators even today. Additional GSM 900 frequencies could
only be used sensibly in few areas, the effort for the bids is not
worthwhile. Sprinzl: „We had asked for a free allocation of frequencies
from the very beginning, moreover these should also be fit for UMTS.“
Create the conditions for an UMTS operation
In the long run the efficient operation of UMTS networks will require
further frequencies. This is a challenge for both legislature and
regulatory authorities to create the conditions for a well-functioning
UMTS operation in Austria:
- The formulations in the draft of the telecommunications act to
permit trading frequencies is basically viewed positively by ONE,
they do, however, have to be considered further and still lack the
finishing touch.
- A clear regulation as to the allocation of available frequencies
is necessary. The Austrian situation and numerous international
examples indicate that not all UMTS licenses are used.
- The rededication of GSM frequencies already awarded has to be
re-considered in the medium term.
Clear mechanisms for awarding frequencies
Regulatory authorities have to create clear mechanisms for awarding
existing frequencies anew which fall vacant because the licences
are returned or no longer used. The completely exaggerated auctions
of the year 2000 and their consequences show that several possibilities
beyond merely auctioning off licences have to be considered. The
discussion in other European countries already signals the necessity
of establishing a harmonized procedure for all of Europe. This is,
for instance, an issue for the newly established European Regulatory
Authority, which will assemble starting from 2003 under the chairmanship
of Austria.
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3G Motorola A920
