A number of questions and comments were posed during the professional consultation held on 3 July, which were subsequently also submitted in writing. After having processed all the received feedback, the authority has made a number of modifications to the document regulating the sale of the 700 MHz, 2100 MHz, a 2600 MHz and 3600 frequency bands. The document was published on 18 July, marking the official start of the auction procedure. The modifications did not represent any substantial change in process or the regulations for the sale; most changes served to more precisely specify various stipulations in the draft documents, including the use of fee discounts and the process of roll-out inspections. In addition, the authority has also increased the number and length of breaks that may be requested during the auction, to allow participants to more carefully consider their decisions. The National Media and Infocommunications Authority will also publish the text of the documentation in English on its website within a few days. One significant change is allowing the operators to submit their applications by 8 August, one day after the deadline originally specified in the draft documentation, in the NMHH’s registered offices in Ostrom Street.

The applications will be opened in the presence of a notary. An evaluation of the formal and content-based conformance of the submitted documents will then take place. If necessary, the authority will require rectification of any non-conforming documentation. The NMHH plans to publish the list of participants whose applications passed the formal evaluation in early September, on the day they are entered into the auction records. Applicants will be given the opportunity to bid for the frequency bands on four different calendar days between 23 September and 11 October. The order of bidding will be as follows: the 2600 MHz frequency band will be first, followed by 3600 MHz, then 700 MHz and finally bidding will conclude with the 2100 MHz frequency band blocks. First, however, the National Media and Infocommunications Authority will hold a trial auction for the participants. The authority will publish the decision finalizing the results of the auction procedure in mid-October.

By selling the 700 MHz, the 2100 MHz, the 2600 MHz and the 3600 MHz frequency band blocks for a duration of 15 years, which may be extended a single time by 5 more years, the NMHH’s primary objective is to help Hungarian mobile networks and their users take advantage of technological progress, thereby contributing to the further development of Hungary’s economic potential.

What is 5G?

5G, also known as Fifth Generation technological solutions help support the spread of new applications requiring enhanced networking capabilities that are not achievable with current technology. This includes providing service to large numbers of devices with extremely low latency, and with much higher data transfer speeds than is currently possible, all in a far more reliable and secure environment. These features will make numerous advances possible in the future, including self-driving cars, remote surgery, or using large numbers of sensors.