The state expects to collect at least EUR700 million if it sells all licenses, but the amount could easily reach EUR1 billion. The winners will have to pay the full amount by the end of next year.
The largest-ever auction organized in Romania will make available both the operating licenses of giants Orange, Vodafone and Cosmote – who have to fight to win them back, and another segment of radio spectrum, released by the Romania’s military, which will allow the launch of 4G networks.
Another bidder will be the largest telecom group controlled by a Romanian – RCS&RDS, but the auction will also be open to new operators, who don’t have operations in Romania, and to other local companies.
Preparations for the auction started in March, but proceedings were delayed by the government change in early May.
(English version by Daniela Stoican)