TBILISI, Georgia-The Georgian National Communications Commission began a tender process for a new nationwide mobile license in the 800 MHz band, further opening the door to CDMA in Europe outside the 450 MHz band. The starting price for the license is about $3.2 million.
Interested parties must submit tender documentation before April 14. The license winner-the eligible company offering the highest bid-will be named May 25.
Most mobile licenses in Europe are in the 450 MHz, 900 MHz and 1800 MHz bands. Russia has some highly contested wireless local loop licenses at 800 MHz. Generally, 800 MHz mobile networks are found in North and South America.
Several Eastern European carriers operate CDMA 450 MHz systems, and a CDMA 450 MHz licenses was just awarded this week in Sweden.