[SatNews] “Superfast mobile Internet is the engine of economic growth, an enabler for access to better health care and education."
Telenor takes the fastest broadband to everyone in Hungary. Telenor Hungary has won a 10 MHz block in the 800 MHz spectrum, a 2 MHz block in the 900 MHz spectrum and a 20 MHz block in the 2600 MHz at the tender run by the NMHH, the Hungarian National Media and Infocommunications Authority.
Telenor brings mobile Web browsing to more people in more places.
Telenor Hungary has committed to pay HUF 31.725 billion (NOK 832 66 million) for the block upfront and pay a spectrum fee of HUF 2.5 bn (NOKmillion) p.a. In the document submitted to the tender, Telenor Hungary has entered into an obligation to extend 4G coverage to 96 percent of the population within five years. Telenor plans to invest HUF 15-20bn (NOK 390 – 525 million) in the next three years into 4G network rollout.
“Superfast mobile Internet is the engine of economic growth, an enabler for access to better health care and education. Telenor is to extend the benefits of Hipernet to everyone in Hungary and will use the spectrum won at the current tender to create better opportunities for everyone in the countryside and improve the quality of life through faster Internet access,” commented Christopher Laska, CEO of Telenor Hungary.
Telenor will complete coverage in Budapest with its superfast Hipernet 4G network within months and focus on further coverage extensions at Balaton and the major cities afterwards. The company made an official commitment to develop 4G coverage intensively in small settlements in three years. From now on, Telenor will double the speed of its network rollout so that more customers can enjoy Hipernet in Hungary allowing for download speeds up to 86 and 150 Mbps.
Telenor Hungary wants to thank NMHH and the Government for making available the spectrum necessary for the further development of mobile broadband services through this tender. Nevertheless, Telenor wishes to emphasize that this is the beginning of the journey in many respects as the current frequency fee and telecommunications tax rate still pose a major challenge for the industry. Focusing on the country’s long-term infocommunications and economic needs, Telenor proposes developing a framework for promoting and recognizing investment and expresses its readiness to cooperate with the competent decision-makers in this field.
Telenor Hungary’s spectrum licenses for cell phone and mobile Internet services:
800 MHz
• 2×10 MHz acquired in 2014, expiring in 2029 (it can be extended for five years)
900 MHz (2×11.8 MHz block):
• 2×8 MHz acquired in 1993, most recent extension in 2013, expiring in 2022
• 2×1.8 MHz acquired in 2012, expiring in 2022
• 2×2.0 Mhz acquired in 2014, expiring in 2029 (it can be extended for five years)
1800 MHz (2×29.8 MHz block):
• 2×15 MHz acquired in 1999, extended in 2013, expiring in 2022
• 2×14.8 MHz acquired in 2004, extended in 2013, expiring in 2022
2100 MHz (15 MHz FDD + 5 MHz TDD block):
• 15 MHz FDD acquired in 2004, expiring in 2019
• 5 MHz TDD acquired in 2004 (not used yet), expiring in 2019
2600 MHz
• 2×20 MHz acquired in 2014, expiring in2029 (it can be extended for five years)
