Ireland has raised €855 million at an auction of 4G mobile phone licences, providing a welcome boost to the country’s struggling finances.

“The proceeds of the auction are greater than many people expected and are a statement of confidence in the economy,” Minister for Communications Pat Rabbitte said.

The winners – which include Vodafone, O2 and 3 – will pay €482 million upfront and the balance over the life of licences, which are valid until 2030.

“We can now look forward to the rollout of much needed faster, fourth-generation 4G mobile internet services which will maintain and boost this country’s competitiveness,” Rabbitte added.

Ofcom expects mobile operators to be able to provide 4G services from June.

Other posts by :

1. Crossroads backs AST SpaceMobile
2. FCC examines SpaceX’s 15,000 sat-constellation plan
3. EchoStar: “Severe uncertainty” led to spectrum sales
4. Netflix gets downgrade on Warner Bros move
5. UK trims Orbex investment
6. Euro-bank sets up €500m space fund
7. Revenue jump forecast for Eutelsat
8. Moody’s upgrades Eutelsat’s debt rating
9. Rivada Space Networks wins spectrum dispute

Categories: Articles, Broadband