Last checked at 22 Jul 2021 07:00
21 JULY 2021
VODAFONE SPAIN ACQUIRES 2x10 MHZ OF SPECTRUM TO EXPAND 5G SERVICES
Vodafone Spain has acquired 2x10 MHz of spectrum in the 700 MHz band from the Spanish Ministry of Economic Affairs and Digital Transformation ('MINECO') for €350 million (reserve price for the acquired block).
The total amount will be payable in a single instalment following the conclusion of the auction process. In addition, a licensing fee of €15.5m will be payable each year.
The spectrum acquired has initial holding rights until 2041, with an automatic renewal with no additional fees for a further 20 years (until 2061), subject to meeting the licence obligations.
Vodafone Spain will use the spectrum to continue offering one of the leading mobile experiences in Spain through its 'built right' approach to 5G, expanding its footprint and offering better coverage, including indoor buildings.
Colman Deegan, CEO of Vodafone Spain, said: "Vodafone welcomes the improved conditions offered by the government for this spectrum auction, which represents an important step towards achieving a sustainable, economically viable sector necessary for continued investment in connectivity."
"The new 5G frequencies acquired today will enable Vodafone Spain to accelerate the deployment of our leading 5G network in the coming months, ensuring that consumers and businesses can take advantage of digital transformation opportunities to support economic recovery after the pandemic."
Vodafone Spain has the following spectrum holdings before and after the auction:
| Existing Holding | Purchased | Post-purchase |
700 MHz |
| 2x10 MHz | 2x10 MHz (exp 2041+20yrs) |
800 MHz | 2x10 MHz (exp 2031) |
| 2x10 MHz (exp 2031) |
900 MHz | 2x10 MHz (exp 2028) |
| 2x10 MHz (exp 2028) |
1800 MHz | 2x20 MHz (exp 2030) |
| 2x20 MHz (exp 2030) |
2.1 GHz | 2x15+5 MHz (exp 2030) |
| 2x15+5 MHz (exp 2030) |
2.6 GHz | 2x20+20 MHz (exp 2030) |
| 2x20+20 MHz (exp 2030) |
3.6 GHz | 90 MHz (exp 2038) |
| 90 MHz (exp 2038) |
- ends -
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About Vodafone
Vodafone is a leading telecommunications company in Europe and Africa. Our purpose is to "connect for a better future" enabling an inclusive and sustainable digital society. Our expertise and scale gives us a unique opportunity to drive positive change for society. Our networks keep family, friends, businesses and governments connected and - as COVID-19 has clearly demonstrated - we play a vital role in keeping economies running and the functioning of critical sectors like education and healthcare.
Vodafone is the largest mobile and fixed network operator in Europe and a leading global IoT connectivity provider. Our M-Pesa technology platform in Africa enables over 48m people to benefit from access to mobile payments and financial services. We operate mobile and fixed networks in 21 countries and partner with mobile networks in 49 more. As of 31 March 2021, we had over 300m mobile customers, more than 27m fixed broadband customers, over 22m TV customers and we connected more than 123m IoT devices.
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Vodafone is also taking significant steps to reduce our impact on our planet by reducing our greenhouse gas emissions by 50% by 2025 and becoming net zero by 2040, purchasing 100% of our electricity from renewable sources by 2025 and by July 2021 in Europe, and reusing, reselling or recycling 100% of our redundant network equipment.
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