The NPT allocated the spectrum in just two days.
Background: Norway’s telecoms regulator NKOM had called the first 5G auction on 4 April 2019, announcing it would begin on 3 June 2019. 2x30MHz in the 700MHz band and 2x15MHz in the 2.1GHz band were on offer, with some innovative incentives to achieve coverage targets. Operators committing to cover national roads would be given a discount on the spectrum price of up to NOK40m (USD4.63m). Also, for the first time, winners of licences would be allowed to postpone payment of parts of their auction prices, if they commit to invest NOK250m (USD28.97m) in new and better coverage over the next two years.
Two days later, it was already over: The auction process turned out to be incredibly fast, as it was concluded in a record two days. On 5 June 2019, NKOM announced its end after 19 rounds: Ice won 2x10MHz in the 700MHz band, and 2x15MHz in the 2.1GHz band, for a total NOK337.18m (USD39.07m). Telia and Telenor won 2x10 each in the 700MHz band, spending respectively NOK217.88m (USD25.25m) and NOK180m (USD20.86m). Telia acquired the lot in the 700MHz band with coverage obligations for some railway sections. Telenor acquired the lot with coverage obligations for highways. No bidder committed to cover main roads.
The NKOM is keen to ensure coverage: The NKOM confirmed winners are allowed to postpone payment of parts of their auction price for up to two years, in return for at least NOK250m of investment in coverage. The 700MHz band will be available from November 2019 for 20 years (until the end of 2039). The 2.1GHz lots will expire, together with other lots in that band, in 13 years (31 December 2032).
