Poland Information Technology 5G auction preperations - opportunity to comment

On December 20, 2022, the Office of Electronic Communications (UKE), the Polish market regulator, opened consultations on the auction documentation for the C band, 3480-3800 MHz frequency. Interested parties are welcome to provide comments/opinions/suggestions by January 31, 2023.

This is second attempt by the Polish government to conduct the 5G auction. The first auction was opened on March 6, 2020, but the proceedings were cancelled on May 20, 2020, due to Covid and shortening the term of the then President of UKE. Since then, the government has delayed the 5G auction while awaiting the adoption of the National Cybersecurity System (KSC) which is still not finalized.

Considering the increased need for 5G services, particularly for the energy sector, as well as the availability of EU funds for this project, the regulator decided to launch the auction in the current regulatory framework.  Auction documents already take into consideration the approval of the NIST2 Directive. There is no provision on high-risk suppliers, which could change later if included in the KSC.

The government plans to auction four 80 MHz blocks in 3480-3800 MHz frequency. The auction starting price is set at $100 million, the same as in 2020, but the bidders will have to meet increased requirements concerning the infrastructure installations as well as increased quality requirements.  The licenses will be issued for 15 years.

For more information, please contact: office.warsaw@trade.gov