NERA Advises the Belgium Institute for Postal Services and Telecommunications in Upcoming 4G Auction for 800 MHz Licenses

New York -- NERA Economic Consulting, a leading global provider of economic advice and analysis in business, legal, and regulatory matters, has been appointed to support the Belgium Institute for Postal Services and Telecommunications (BIPT) with its forthcoming award of spectrum licences in the 800 MHz band. These licences will be used to deliver next-generation (4G) mobile broadband services. NERA is supporting the BIPT in preparing materials for publication and providing electronic auction software to run the auction.

The 800 MHz spectrum band is being made available across Europe for roll-out of next-generation wireless broadband services. On 1 July, the BIPT published the Information Memorandum which details the terms associated with the licences, including incentives available to new mobile operators, and the auction format. A total of three licences are available, each consisting of 2x10 MHz of spectrum, available for a 20-year term. Each applicant may acquire at most one licence, at a minimum price of €120 million. The auction features relaxed coverage conditions for new operators, guaranteed national roaming for new operators, and an option to obtain additional spectrum in the 2.6 GHz band. The auction will use the simultaneous multiple-round ascending bid (“SMRA”) format, similar to that used for previous awards of spectrum in Belgium and throughout Europe.

The BIPT invites all interested parties to apply to participate in the auction. The auction is open to any organization that fulfills the application requirements. Application information, key documents, and further information on the auction is available on the auction website, www.auction2013.be.

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