LONDON-Vodafone Group plc has accepted the third-generation license it was offered in Ireland, after conducting a review. The operator made its initial $43.5 million payment for the $112 million “B” license.
Last month, U.K.-based MmO2 also accepted a B license, and Hutchison Whampoa Ltd. accepted an “A” license, which has more spectrum and more aggressive rollout deadlines than the B licenses. A third B license has not been awarded.
Vodafone requested a one-month extension to pay for the license in August, furthering negative sentiment about the market for 3G services in Europe. However, the company said that following its review, it is satisfied there is a solid business case for 3G services in Ireland.
