The effective management of radio spectrum by telecoms regulators involves careful consideration of when, and how, spectrum is made available to operators. The Irish telecommunications regulator, ComReg, asked DotEcon to set out the key factors affecting the potential award of spectrum in the 2.6 GHz band, with the possible inclusion of the 700 MHz, 1.4 GHz, 2.3 GHz and 3.6 GHz bands.

Our report considers the suitability of awarding the bands simultaneously, alternative options for the award and the design of an auction process, competition safeguards, licence conditions, and methodologies for structuring licence fees.

ComReg subsequently awarded the 3.6 GHz band in a separate process, with the 700 MHz, 2.3 GHz and 2.6 GHz included (alongside new 2.1 GHz licences) in a later multi-band award (the ‘MBSA2‘). We supported ComReg in both awards with design and implementation services.