Serbia’s SBB, part of Dutch-based telecommunications and media operator United Group, said on Wednesday it has filed a request with Serbia’s Regulatory Agency for Electronic Communications and Postal Services to launch a public bidding process for 5G ranges, reported SeeNews.
“SBB believes that the conditions in the country have matured sufficiently to start the auction. The time is right for Serbia to follow its EU neighbours and ensure its 5G future,” SBB CEO Milija Zeković said in a statement.
While the Serbian government had earlier stated that the 5G frequencies auction would be held by March 2021, now it says that bidding will be delayed until the end of the year because of the economic impact of the coronavirus pandemic, SBB noted.
The company added that together with the request, it also submitted a study carried out with international experts which indicated that awarding a 5G spectrum would provide significant benefits to consumers by stimulating competition and innovation.
SBB is the leading digital and analogue cable television, Internet and landline telephony operator in Serbia.
“SBB believes quickly initiating a public bidding process for 5G ranges would prove that government bodies and regulators are committed to accelerating Serbia’s EU integration,” the company said.
Telecommunications minister Tatjana Matic said in December that Serbia hopes to launch an auction for frequencies in the 5G spectrum at the end of 2021, adding that the government needs to assess the global economic situation before launching the auction.
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