The Hague, 21 July 2020 – T-Mobile Netherlands is very satisfied with the results it achieved in the 5G Multiband Auction. The provider has obtained the desired frequencies for the rollout of its 5G network, so it can further expand her leading position as the best network. With the positive outcome of the auction, nothing stands in the way of T-Mobile to soon launch its state-of-the-art 5G network.

T-Mobile is eager to offer its customers access to 5G and to use the acquired frequencies for the best service to its customers. Søren Abildgaard, CEO of T-Mobile Netherlands: “This is an important milestone for the telecom sector, but especially for the Netherlands and its citizens. Completing this auction is the beginning of a new era, with all kinds of new opportunities for unlimited connectivity and communication between people, systems and devices. This ranges from unprecedented speeds for mobile internet and an even better networking experience to digital business transformation. We are very proud that, after intensive preparation, we can activate our 5G network as soon as the official licenses are in place. This is what we promised at the time of the merger with Tele2”.

5G auction outcome
In the auction T-Mobile acquired 2×10 MHz in the 700 MHz band, 10MHz in the 1400 MHz band and kept its existing 2x20MHz in the 2100 MHz band. With this T-Mobile has secured its current excellent spectrum position for the future. On the important low frequency bands T-Mobile has been able to maintain its lead over its competitors. T-Mobile is also very happy with its position in these bands. This allows T-Mobile to use the low frequency spectrum much more efficiently than its competitors. As low frequencies provide better coverage in homes and offices, this advantage enables T-Mobile to continue to offer its customers the optimal indoor user experience.

The starting prices for the auction were too high in T-Mobile’s opinion. Since data traffic is still growing strongly and therefore the need for spectrum remains high, the auction was very competitive, in line with T-Mobile’s expectations. This resulted in a revenue for the government that is more than a third above the minimum set by the government. For the total frequency package, T-Mobile pays an amount of €400 million, still a considerable amount, but considerably less than the competition. T-Mobile uses the 700 MHz band directly for its 5G network. The 1400 MHz band offers extra capacity and coverage, which also benefits the customer experience indoors. Even before the auction, T-Mobile already had the same amount of spectrum in the 2100 MHz band. All auctioned licenses run until 2041.

Ready to get started
T-Mobile has been working on the preparations for the 5G network for a number of years. Abildgaard: “We have the best tested mobile network in the Netherlands, which even has the best score in all parts of the world. For our 5G network, we set the bar just as high, if not even higher. The outcome of the auction enables us to launch a state-of-the-art 5G network based on the 700MHz frequency. In this way, we will be able to offer our 5G customers a superior network experience, just as they expect from us. We are ready for it, the network is ready for it and most importantly: our customers are 5G-ready”!

Digitisation of society
The positive outcome of the auction enables T-Mobile to contribute even more actively to the innovation and digitisation of society with its 5G network. With applications that now and in the near future offer smart 5G solutions in health care, education, business, security and mobility, among others. Local and national. The provider has already carried out various test projects, in collaboration with various local initiatives in The Hague. Abildgaard: “The possibilities that 5G will soon have to offer are endless”.

In the coming years, 5G frequencies in the 3.5GHz and 26GHz bands will also be made available. This will further increase the capabilities and speeds of the 5G network.

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