Polish telecoms regulator the Office of Electronic Communications (UKE) has announced the results of its auction of 4G-suitable 1800MHz spectrum. Six operators vied for the five 2×5MHz blocks of spectrum on offer, each of which was allowed to enter up to three bids: wireless operators P4, which operates under the ‘Play’ brand (three bids), Polska Telefonia Cyfrowa (PTC, 3 bids), Polkomtel (two bids), PTK Centertel (three bids), fixed wireless provider Sferia (two bids) and Emitel (three bids). However, only nine offers – three each from P4, PTC and PTK Centertel plus one from Polkomtel – passed to the second phase of the auction. The second phase evaluated offers based on creditworthiness, effect on competition and the amount declared, awarding each offer a point score. P4 was deemed to have a positive effect on competition, PTC and PTK Centertel a neutral impact whilst Polkomtel was seen to pose a threat to competition.
Largely as a result of its expected positive impact on competition, P4 was awarded three of the five blocks available, with one offer of PLN214 million (USD69.2 million) and two of PLN142 million. Bids of PLN242.89 million and PLN210.64 million secured the remaining two blocks for PTC. The winners have committed to rolling out 3,200 base stations within 24 months. Each 2×5MHz block will consist of 5MHz from the 1729.9MHz-1754.9MHz range paired with 5MHz from the 1824.9MHz-1849.9MHz band.