HAKOM conducted a public consultation from 18.10.2019 to 20.1.2020 on the future allocation of 700 MHz, 1500 MHz, 3.6 GHz and 26 GHz frequency bands, after which it published its
views. The next radio spectrum allocation will include 700 MHz, 3.6 GHz and 26 GHz frequency bands, while other available frequency bands allocated to mobile communications networks will be awarded depending on the market interest and EC recommendations.
Since the interest expressed in these frequency bands is greater than the available resources, the public auction is imposed as the most appropriate procedure for the award. By setting adequate rules and conditions of the auction it is possible to achieve targeted coverage of users and assure investments in areas that specifically want to be covered (islands, rural and mountainous areas, roads, railways, etc.), while the fees are determined only by the market, i.e. by the auction participants offering the price they are willing to pay, with the reserve price set by HAKOM. Depending on the conditions set, the participants may also compete within the tendering procedure over the type and level of the license commitments, which may affect the final amount of the fee for the awarded RF spectrum in the auction. This will certainly be one of the key factors in the planned auction.
A public consultation will be held on the model and parameters of the public auction and the conditions of use of radio spectrum granted, where the interested public will have the opportunity to become acquainted with HAKOM's intentions and to comment. This includes specific obligations such as covering poorly covered areas, roads, railways, national roaming, investments, etc. In accordance with the obligations and interests of the Republic of Croatia, target areas will be determined. Also, in the same procedure it will be decided on the time and dynamics of payment of fees into the state budget.
At the latest during carrying out public consultation on the RF spectrum award procedure, HAKOM will conduct public consultations on radio frequency assignment plans for 700 MHz, 3.6 GHz and 26 GHz frequency bands, where technical conditions for the use of radio frequencies will be determined, as well as the division of the territory of the Republic of Croatia into the areas for granting licenses for use of the RF spectrum. The licenses to be issued will be technology neutral.
When allocating 700 MHz it is also necessary to take into account the needs and to ensure a sufficient amount of spectrum for the PPDR (Public Protection and Disaster Relief) network, which relates to emergency services, civil protection, firefighting and similar services. Technical realization of the PPDR network should meet specific user requirements for critical and non-critical communications and increase the efficiency of emergency services in performing their tasks.