Four mobile networks buy 5G spectrum for $665.13m

The assignment of the spectrum will take effect in December.

Four mobile network operators have collectively purchased 100MHz of spectrum in the 3.3GHz band for total utilisation fees of $665.13m, the Office of the Communications Authority (OFCA) announced.

Hutchinson Telephone Company and Hong Kong Telecommunications each paid $199.53m for frequency ranges 3300-3330 MHz and 3330-3360 MHz, respectively. SmarTone Mobile Communications and China Mobile Hong Kong Company both paid $133.03m each for the frequency ranges 3360-3380 MHz and 3380-3400 MHz, respectively.

Successful bidders are required to pay the spectrum utilisation fees and to submit performance bonds to guarantee compliance with the network and service rollout requirement by 11 December 2019, an OFCA spokesman said.

The assignment of the spectrum will take effect in December 2019 and has a validity period of 15 years.