Brazil’s telecoms regulator, Anatel, said nine companies registered their interest to participate in the auction of leftover frequencies in the 1.8 GHz, 1.9 GHz and 2.5 GHz bands.

The nine companies are Claro, Clivo Participacoes, Lig Telecomunicacoes, Nextel, Sercomtel, Sky, Telefonica, Tim and TPA Telecomunicacoes for the A and B lots.

There is no list of bidders for type C lots as there is no prior registration required. The C lot is aimed at small and medium providers licensed by municipalities.

Bidding will open on 17 December.

Earlier this week, the Brazilian Association of Internet and Telecommunications Service Providers wanted the auction to be postponed. It said there was very little time between publication of the auction notice and the auction itself, which could discourage participants.

Last year, Brazil’s auction of 4G spectrum in the 700MHz band generated less revenue than expected after just three of the four nationwide operators bid for licences.