Spain’s big three mobile operators – Telefonica, Orange and Vodafone – last week secured LTE spectrum in the 800MHz and 2.6GHz bands as part of an auction that raised EUR1.65 billion for the Spanish government. Vodafone paid EUR518 million for 20MHz in the 800MHz band and 40MHz in the 2.6GHz band, and also plans to re-farm some of its 900MHz GSM spectrum for LTE services. Telefonica said it had won five frequency blocks in the 800MHz, 900MHz and 2.6GHz spectrum but details of its holdings, and those of Orange, were not disclosed. Earlier in the year, Orange and TeliaSonera/Yoigo won the first round of LTE sales and, according to a Dow Jones Newswires article today, a further round of 4G auctions is expected in the autumn that plan to raise up to EUR2 billion.

Last week five Italian operators submitted requests to participate in Italy’s upcoming 4G (LTE) spectrum auctions. Italy’s four main mobile operators – Telecom Italia (TIM), Vodafone, Wind and 3 – plus broadband provider Linkem, have declared their interest. The Italian government is looking for the auction to raise at least EUR2.4 billion, with a forecast of EUR3.1 billion if all the frequencies up for grabs are sold, according to Industry Minister Paolo Romani. The auction is expected to be completed by 30 September this year.