DUBLIN, Ireland-The Irish telecom regulator outlined the license framework for third-generation licenses in the country, following a public consultation period. The regulator, which previously announced the licenses will be awarded by a “beauty contest,” said four licenses of equal spectrum amounts will be available and additional spectrum will be offered to new market entrants.
“We are offering two distinct 3G mobile license classes, one of which supports the potential for certain types of MVNOs (mobile virtual network operators), thus facilitating increased competition at the service level,” said Etain Doyle, Ireland’s telecom regulator.
Applicants will be prequalified on the basis of financial/technical strengths and management expertise. Applicants can bid for both types of license, but will be required to indicate a preference. Companies will be evaluated on a series of criteria, including coverage, rollout, performance guarantees, fees and promotion of competition.
One Class A license will require high coverage and rollout requirements, including a minimum 80-percent coverage requirement by year-end 2005. Bids will be evaluated in terms of willingness and terms for facilitating MVNOs. Three Class B licenses will have less stringent coverage requirements, with a minimum 53-percent coverage by year-end 2006.
A precondition for entry from incumbent GSM operators is an obligation to provide national roaming facilities to 3G carriers. Roaming will apply for five years from the date when an operator has 20 percent of its network constructed.
