Five operators have applied to bid for licences to provide mobile voice and internet services on six spectrum frequencies ranging from 800MHz to 2600MHz.

Dutch spectrum agency Agentschap Telecom is planning to run the online auction from 31 October, with the licences valid for 17 years. The duration of the auction will depend on how long it takes operators to register their bids.

The current spectrum licences expire in February 2013.

Agentschap Telecom said that the winners of the licences will be able to decide what services to offer and what technology they use to do so. The agency hopes this will encourage the introduction of new services and innovation.

Two out of three reserved licences will go to new entrants, as the government aims to boost competition in the sector.

The three existing mobile network operators – KPN, T-Mobile Netherlands and Vodafone Netherlands – are thought to be among the bidders, according to Telecompaper, while Tele2 Netherlands and cable operators Ziggo and UPC are also likely to take part.

According to Wireless Intelligence figures, the Netherlands currently has 19.8 million mobile connections with KPN leading the market with 9.8 million. 4G LTE services have yet to be launched by any operator in the country.