Deutsche Telekom announced that it has bought 5G frequencies worth 2.17 billion euros in a recent spectrum auction by the Federal Network Regulator (BNetzA).
The Operator has secured 4 frequency blocks in the 2 gigahertz band and 9 frequency packages in the 3.6 gigahertz band. After the auction has ended, Telekom will now apply to the Federal Network Agency to use the frequencies. Vodafone, Telefonica Germany (O2) and 1&1 Drillisch, an MVNO owned by German firm United Internet, are the other spectrum winners.
The first antennas for 5G are already installed in test areas in Berlin, Darmstadt and the Port of Hamburg. Telekom already has 150 5G antennas in operation throughout Europe. In Germany, more than 80 percent of existing antennas are already prepared for 5G.
Dirk Wossner, Member of the Board of Management, Telekom Deutschland
The network rollout in Germany has suffered a significant setback. The price could have been much lower. Once again, the spectrum in Germany is much more expensive than in other countries. Network operators now lack the money to expand their networks. With the auction proceeds one could have built approximately 50,000 new mobile sites and close many white spots.