5G Frequency Spectrum in Austria

The following 5G frequency bands have been allocated in Austria.

The Regulatory Authority for Broadcasting & Telecoms (RTR) of Austria has auctioned the 700 MHz, 1500 MHz, 2100 MHz and 3.4 – 3.8 GHz (n78) bands for 5G deployment.

The auctions were held in two phases. The 3.4-3.8 GHz (n78) band was auctioned in 2019 which had seven national and regional winners: A1 Telekom, Hutchison Drei, T-Mobile, MASS Response, LIWEST, Salzburg AG and Holding Graz, with a total of €187.7 million ($211.5 million) raised overall.

The auction was divided into 12 regions with national operators A1 Telekom securing 100 – 140 MHz of spectrum, Hutchison Drei securing 100 MHz of spectrum and T-Mobile securing 100 MHz of spectrum in all 12 regions.

Regional bidder Liwest bought 80 MHz for both Linz and Upper Austria; Salzburg AG secured 80 MHz of spectrum in the regions of Salzburg city and Salzburg state, and 40 MHz in Styria; Holding Graz got a 50 MHz licence in Graz and a 40 MHz one in Styria; and MVNO Mass Response acquired 30 MHz spectrum for the Lower Austria and Burgenland.

The second auction was held in September 2020 for the 700 MHz, 1500 MHz and 2100 MHz bands which raised approximately €202 million ($240 million).

The three national operators are expected to build at least 300 base stations nationwide before the end of 2020. 

RTR is also considering the use of 2300 MHz and 24.25 - 27.5 GHz (n258) frequency bands for deploying 5G in the country.