The Dutch government will start auctioning the 3.5 GHz frequencies by early 2022 at the latest. These make it possible to set up 5G networks in the country. If providers start rolling out 5G before then, they will have to do without that frequency band, although it is very important for the new communication standard.
That is what State Secretary Mona Keijzer of Economic Affairs wrote in a letter to the Lower House. Certain frequency bands required for 5G will be available by the end of 2021, or at the latest by the beginning of 2022. This decision makes it necessary to move an AIVD and MIVD listening station.
The auction
A lot of frequencies will be auctioned in the coming years. As of September 2022, providers can use the 3500 to 3700MHz frequency. Four years later, in 2026, the space between 3400 and 3500MHz is also available. The last remaining MHz, between 3700 and 3800, will remain available for other purposes.
The auction of these frequencies will take place at the end of 2021 or the beginning of 2022. From that moment on, providers will be able to bid for the rights to broadcast on those frequencies. This will enable them to set up and roll out their 5G networks. The 3.5GHz band offers the necessary bandwidth and speed.
The government is organising another frequency auction for 5G in the next eighteen months. Providers will be able to bid on the 700MHz band, which will allow them to set up their networks in the first place. However, this frequency is not the most suitable for 5G networks, as the high speeds to be achieved are not within range.
For the roll-out of 5G networks, it is also very important that the AIVD and MIVD eavesdropping station in Burum be relocated. It eavesdrops on certain frequencies, but for that there must be no interference. The Dutch government will appoint an envoy for this purpose, who will look for another friendly country where the station can be placed.
This news article was automatically translated from Dutch to give Techzine.eu a head start. All news articles after September 1, 2019 are written in native English and NOT translated. All our background stories are written in native English as well. For more information read our launch article.
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