29 November 2023
Latvia’s Public Services Regulatory Commission (SPRK) has approved the outcomes of the auction for the radio frequency band 3750MHz - 3800MHz.
The auction, held in two rounds, saw Latvijas Mobilais Telefons (LMT) and Tele2 securing the right to use frequencies for 20 years. The auction proceeds of 550,000 euros will contribute to the state budget within six months, according to SPRK.
According to SPRK, Latvijas Mobilais Telefons (LMT) secured the right to use spectrum in the 3750MHz - 3775MHz frequency range (25 MHz), and Tele2 secured the right to use spectrum in the 3775MHz - 3800MHz range (25 MHz), each with a bid of 275,000 euros, respectively. The right of use for commercial activity in the territory of the
Republic of Latvia has been granted from 1 January 2024, to 31 December 2043, for both telcos.
Both operators plan to use the spectrum for network modernisation. Following the announcement of the auction results, both companies unveiled their respective network development plans.
“It’s no secret that 5G technology opens up new opportunities for both citizens and companies, so LMT is purposefully developing it. The work so far on the development of the 5G network infrastructure has been successful, but it should definitely not stop there. The additional purchased frequencies will increase the capacity of the 5G network, allowing the widest possible range of people in Latvia to benefit from the advantages provided by 5G within the operating area of one base station,” said LMT in a statement.
LMT reported that the number of LMT 5G base stations currently stands at 400, providing extensive 5G data transmission coverage across 180 populated areas throughout Latvia. In the first nine months of the year, it has invested 20 million euros in the development of the network and infrastructure.
Tele2 Latvia has noted a 30% increase in the capacity of its 4G network over the last two years through the implementation of ambitious network development projects. Ongoing network development continues actively, with the installation of a new 5G base station occurring daily in various locations across Latvia, alongside the modernization of one 4G base station. Tele2 has outlined upcoming network modernisation projects to increase capacity in Riga (in the vicinity of Braslas Street and Aleksandra Caka Street), Dobele district (near Krimunu parish), Saulkrasti parish (near Zvejniekciema), Rezekne district (near Gaigalava parish), and Balvu district (near Brivibas Street). The company has allocated 20 million euros for the development of its mobile communication network this year, with investments directed toward network modernisation, 5G deployment, maintenance of network capacity, and the construction of new data core network infrastructure.
