Magyar Telekom Nyrt. (Gábor Németh)

Magyar Telekom supports the idea of using the band for LTE purposes from 2018 on as proposed in the presentations by ZTE and Huawei.

In Mr. Németh’s opinion, the 3400–3800 MHz frequency band is best to sell as one unit. Magyar Telekom proposes to use TDD mode for the full 400 MHz frequency band.

They would welcome either a temporary extension of the current licencees’ licenses to December 2018 or 2017, or would appreciate if the Authority provided short-term access to them in some form.

The manufacturers have more information on the equipment offering than Magyar Telekom but Mr. Németh pointed out that they believe there are currently no assets and equipment, nor market demand. Magyar Telekom has recently won frequencies in a number of frequency bands; consequently, it has free capacities also in the 2600 MHz range, and the 800 MHz networks are currently under construction. Considering the above, Magyar Telekom is not expected to have a serious need to use the 3400–3800 MHz frequency band in the two-year period after July 2016.

With regards to the frequency fee, Mr. Németh explained that the Authority increased the band multiplier from 0.04 to 0.067 in 2011. He noted that the earlier multiplier was more favourable and would make band utilisation more realistic.

Invitel Távközlési Zrt. (Róbert Ruzsa)

The representative of Invitel Távközlési Zrt. noted that they had already sent their comments in writing.

The company’s position is that it is too early to decide on future utilisation at this phase. It may be discussed but it is far too early to make decisions. The coming months may help clarify the current situation somewhat both in terms of suppliers and business models. Invitel Távközlési Zrt. is also considering the option to operate assets required for some broadband service intended not specifically as a mobile service but basically as a replacement of the current fixed wireless connections.

Mr. Ruzsa explained that this is not the best time for them to make a decision on the bands subject to the public hearing. Having studied the rules of procedure, Invitel believes the deadline to be tight because the Authority basically will have had a complete plan by May 2015, which they believe to be very close. They understand that there is an expiration date in July 2016, yet they still consider this deadline being extremely tight.

Antenna Hungária Zrt. (János Dömsödi)

As a preliminary point, the representative of Antenna Hungária Zrt. noted that those present probably knew that Antenna Hungary had been operating as a state-owned company again since early this year and that they would like to play an important part in Hungary’s digital transition programme.

Mr. Dömsödi (pictured above) pointed out that Antenna Hungária is seriously interested in the band if it goes on sale as planned. He agreed with the Invitel representative in that it would be probably too early to get into the details right now and he only wanted to indicate Antenna Hungária’s affinity in the issue.

Mr. Dömsödi welcomed the manufacturers’ presentations on the developments in and preparations for using the frequency band. He noted that Antenna Hungária would contact those manufacturers to discuss cooperation opportunities with them in the utilisation of the band.