On 30 September 2014, Ireland’s Commission for Communications Regulation (ComReg) launched its consultation process for a new spectrum award. The consultation document can be found here.
ComReg will award spectrum in the 2.6GHz band, with the possible inclusion of additional spectrum in the 700MHz, 1.4GHz, 2.3GHz and 3.6GHz bands. The preliminary view is that all bands should be included in the award. The consultation also sets out ComReg’s initial views on other aspects of the award, including the view that the combinatorial clock auction (CCA) is the most appropriate auction format for this award.
ComReg has engaged DotEcon to provide support in the design and implementation of the award process. A report by DotEcon was published by ComReg alongside the consultation. The report reviews each candidate bands for the award and considers potential allocation mechanisms, measures to safeguard downstream competition, licence conditions and approaches to setting licence fees. DotEcon’s report can be found here or downloaded from the publications section of our website.