BEREC Report on practices on spectrum authorization and award procedures and on coverage obligations with a view to considering their suitability to 5G

As 5G technologies are being developed, European countries are considering the granting, amendment or renewal of frequency licences which could accommodate these technologies. It is also possible that 5G might be deployed using unlicensed spectrum.

The design of the selection procedures for spectrum licences and the conditions attached to these licences may have consequences on the structure of national mobile markets (either by enhancing competition or by limiting it).

The Radio Spectrum Policy Group (RSPG) has already produced report RSPG16-004 on Efficient Awards and Efficient Use of Spectrum, which provides a comprehensive analysis of different types of awards, discussed the trends and best practices, as well as how to address them in view of the objectives set and of the market context. This report was, however, concluded in the beginning of 2016 and based on information gathered in 2015.

In order to pave the way to 5G, the present report provides National Regulatory Authorities (NRAs) with an updated compilation of practices with regards to the market-shaping aspects of spectrum licence granting, amendment or renewal in the following bands harmonized for electronic communication services by the European Conference of Postal And Telecommunications Administrations (CEPT) and the European Union (EU): 700 MHz, 800 MHz, 900 MHz, 1500 MHz, 1800 MHz, 2100 MHz, 2300 MHz[1], 2600 MHz FDD, 2600 MHz TDD and 3400-3800 MHz .

This report focuses first on the features of past spectrum awards that have been conducted by the competent authority in each country (being the NRA or another entity) and on the rationales that drove competent authorities to make decisions regarding spectrum awards and licences.