The Korea Communications Commission (KCC) plans to hold 700MHz auctions in the second half of the year and expects fierce competition for the band from the country’s three mobile operators as well as broadcasters.

The Korea Times reported that KCC also wants to give the country’s operators an early start in the race to 5G.

The Times said KCC’s move follows the route taken by regulators in the US and Europe to auction off 700MHz spectrum.

The country’s three main broadcasters have lobbied for exclusive rights to the 700MHz band, but mobile operators of course are against this. Mobile operators said they would be prepared for the auction but noted the sale would put additional pressure on their bottom-lines.