Switzerland has confirmed plans to sell-off new mobile spectrum in the first half of next year, a move likely to establish it as only the second country in Europe (after Germany) to auction the 800MHz ‘digital dividend’ band. Cellular News reports that the invitation to tender for the new spectrum has been scheduled to coincide with the expiry of Switzerland’s GSM and 3G licenses in 2013 and 2016, respectively. The wide range of new licenses on offer – including the 800MHz band – will be awarded on a technology-neutral basis, but are likely to be used for LTE. The Swiss regulator (OFCOM) noted that the early allocation of frequencies (valid until 2028) will enable licensees to “plan for the long term and to make their investments on a solid foundation.” It is also hoped that additional frequencies will enable operators to meet the demand for mobile broadband services.

Switzerland’s existing mobile operators (Orange, Sunrise, Swisscom, and In&Phone) and any potential new market entrants that wish to participate in the auction have until 18 March 2011 to submit their details to OFCOM. In it they must specify the maximum amount of spectrum they wish to purchase within the individual bands; they must also lodge a bank guarantee in the amount of the minimum bid for the frequencies they are applying for, and must also prove that they can meet the statutory licensing requirements. The auction will be held in the first half of 2011 and the licences issued afterwards. The names of the candidates, the winners, the acquired frequencies and the auction price will only be published after the conclusion of the auction.