Vodafone Spain has acquired 2×10 MHz of spectrum in the 700 MHz band from the Spanish Ministry of Economic Affairs and Digital Transformation (‘MINECO’) for €350 million (reserve price for the acquired block).
The total amount will be payable in a single instalment following the conclusion of the auction process. In addition, a licensing fee of €15.5m will be payable each year.
The spectrum acquired has initial holding rights until 2041, with an automatic renewal with no additional fees for a further 20 years (until 2061), subject to meeting the licence obligations.
Vodafone Spain will use the spectrum to continue offering one of the leading mobile experiences in Spain through its ‘built right’ approach to 5G, expanding its footprint and offering better coverage, including indoor buildings.
Colman Deegan, CEO of Vodafone Spain, said: “Vodafone welcomes the improved conditions offered by the government for this spectrum auction, which represents an important step towards achieving a sustainable, economically viable sector necessary for continued investment in connectivity.”
“The new 5G frequencies acquired today will enable Vodafone Spain to accelerate the deployment of our leading 5G network in the coming months, ensuring that consumers and businesses can take advantage of digital transformation opportunities to support economic recovery after the pandemic.”
Vodafone is a telecommunications company in Europe and Africa. Its expertise and scale gives its customer a unique opportunity to drive positive change for society.
Vodafone is the largest mobile and fixed network operator in Europe and a leading global IoT connectivity provider. Its M-Pesa technology platform in Africa enables over 48m people to benefit from access to mobile payments and financial services.
It operates mobile and fixed networks in 21 countries and partner with mobile networks in 49 more. As of 31 March 2021, it had over 300m mobile customers, more than 27m fixed broadband customers, over 22m TV customers and connects more than 123m IoT devices.
