Auction for Two New 3G Licences in Albania

Albanian telecoms regulator, the Electronic and Postal Communications Authority (AKEP), has launched an auction for two new 3G licences. The first concession permits the use of the following spectrum: 1950MHz-1965MHz paired with 2140MHz-2155MHz as well as a further 5MHz (1910MHz-1915MHz). The second consists of 1965MHz-1980MHz paired with 2155MHz-2170MHz and an additional 5MHz (1915MHz-1920MHz).

Bids for the frequencies are due by 10 October this year. The watchdog has set a minimum bid of EUR4 million (USD5.01 million). The winning cellcos are obliged to achieve coverage of 35% of the territory within six months, 65% of territory in twelve months and 85% in 18 months.

The regulator’s previous attempt to auction the frequencies ended in failure in February this year, when bids entered by the nation’s two remaining cellcos without 3G concessions – PLUS Communications and Eagle Mobile – fell far short of AKEP’s EUR12.5 million price tag. Eagle bid EUR3.55 million, whilst PLUS bid just EUR2.2 million.