If auction terms ensure a right distribution of the radio spectrum and predictability for investments, if they guarantee the continuity of services and prices are not high, then Vodafone might launch 4G services this year, Berroeta highlighted.
If these requirements are met, Vodafone Romania will operate a 4G network in Romanian cities by the end of the year, he added.
ANCOM announced Wednesday that the tender book for the 56 mobile communication licenses, in frequency bands 800, 900, 1,800 and 2,600 MHz, will be published around May 1. The starting price of all 56 licenses is EUR726.8 million and individual prices range from EUR800,000 to EUR40 million, depending on the length of their validity, 15 months or 15 years.
Each frequency block awarded for 15 years in the 800 MHz band will have a minimum price of EUR35 million and those in the 900 MHz band will have a starting price of EUR40 million. In the 1,800 MHz band, the minimum price is EUR10 million per frequency block, and EUR4 million and EUR3 million in the 2,600 MHz band.
For frequency blocks awarded for 15 months, the starting prices are as follows: EUR3.4 million in the 900 MHz band and EUR800,000 in the 1,800 MHz band.
Berroeta said Tuesday the telecom industry has significantly influenced the dynamics of Romania’s economic development over the past 15 years.
Vodafone has invested some EUR2.8 billion in developing its Romanian operations since it entered the local market, he added.
He also highlighted that Romania’s economic situation, especially in the telecom field, is extremely difficult and operators must make significant investments to keep pace with client demands.