The Communications Commission has declared Magticom the winner of combined lot N1 in the second auction for the implementation of 5G mobile internet. The total cost of the lot was GEL 48,802,257. The operator has already paid 30% of the total amount into the state budget and obtained a license for the use of 700 MHz and 3410-3710 MHz frequency bands for a period of 15 years. The remaining 70% must be paid by Magticom within a year after obtaining the license. 

Magticom has also applied for separate lots in the 700, 800, 3410-3710 and 2600 MHz frequency bands, with the auctions set to take place on 21, 22 and 23 October. After obtaining the relevant license, the operator will be obliged to gradually cover densely populated settlements, tourist areas, ports, airports, railway stations and main highways in Georgia with 5G networks over the next 7 years. Magticom must build the 5G network in accordance with the technical norms of the European Union, which will ensure the quality and security of the network. 

The auction was announced for a total of 17 lots that included 700, 3410-3710 and 2600 MHz frequency bands. These included two combined lots, including one specific and one abstract lot, that were similar in terms of coverage obligations and price. Both combined lots consisted of bands of two different ranges on the frequency spectrum (700 and 3410-3710 MHz), and included identical coverage obligations for populated areas. Additionally, 4 auctions were announced for 800 and 2100 MHz frequency band licenses. The combined lots no longer included the obligation of allowing access to MVNOs. However, both combined lots that included the obligation of allowing access to MVNOs came with a 20% discount on the initial fee. Magticom purchased the combined lot N1 without the mandatory access. 

Cellfie Mobile was the only operator who took part in last year’s 5G auction and obtained the license to implement 5G technology. The company has already implemented 5G in Zugdidi, Bakuriani, Gudauri, Batumi, Kobuleti, Shekvetili, Gonio and Kvariati, and actively continues to expand coverage. As it is vitally important for the Commission to facilitate the implementation of new technologies, it took the request of operators into account and allowed them to participate in the second auction in order to implement 5G technology and provide customers with high-quality services. 

5G is a new generation of wireless internet technology that will significantly increase mobile internet speed compared to the existing technologies, decrease interruptions and take key sectors such as communications, healthcare, education, business, agriculture and infrastructure to a new level, which will in turn strengthen the country’s economy.