Swedish regulator PTS has been planning to assign the 700 MHz to mobile operators for some time but suffered a setback in late 2016 when the award was delayed due to "security concerns". However, it now seems to be back on track and the authority is also planning to assign… Read more...

The French telecoms carrier is focused on 5G, with its immediate priorities to ensure effective, coordinated rollout of 700 MHz and 3.6 GHz spectrum. For its expanding 4G networks, Orange is lobbying on refarming and license renewal issues. Read more...

(2016 entry) The European leader in releasing 700 Mhz and L-band, Germany recently saw its number of operators reduce from four to three with the acquisition of E-Plus by Telefónica. Read more...

Austria went from four to three operators in 2013 when Hutchison (Three) acquired Orange. Prices for consumers have increased since then. The country held a very expensive multiband auction in 2013 and hopes to make the 700 MHz band available for LTE by 2020. Read more...

As the European Commission blocked Three's attempt to acquire O2, the UK remains a four-operator market for now. Everything Everywhere (EE) holds the most spectrum, but the 2.3 and 3.4 GHz bands are due to be auctioned soon. The 700 MHz band is due to follow by 2020. Read more...

Poland has a competitive mobile market but has found it difficult to assign new spectrum in recent years. Auctions have been dogged by delays, disagreements and litigation. Read more...

The global Spanish operator calls for better licensing conditions and more consistency in assignment procedures. It is engaged in 5G development activities but is less vocal on the subject than some other operators. Read more...

The French telecoms carrier wants more harmonised, affordable spectrum and advocates the need for sub-6GHz spectrum for 5G. Read more...

Like the UK, France currently has four main mobile network operators - Orange, SFR, Bouygues Telecom and Free - and their attempts to consolidate have come to nothing so far. Orange, formerly the monopoly operator France Telecom, has the most spectrum and the most subscribers. Read more...

(2016 entry) Italy's mobile market is set to change following the European Commission's approval of the €20 billion merger between Three and Wind. Several spectrum auctions have been held in recent years, and the next one will probably involve the 700 MHz band - although this may not be for… Read more...