Regulator stops Czech auction over pricing worries

The Czech regulator has pulled the plug on an auction for 800MHz, 1800MHz and 2600MHz spectrum after bids rocketed out of control.

At the time of cancellation, bids had already topped CZK20bn (€780m) and were still rising. While this sounds like good news for the Czech treasury, the regulator has taken the very sensible approach of reigning in spend to stop the charges being passed on to consumers.

“Such excessive prices of the auctioned frequencies would have to negatively translate into excessive charges for fast mobile internet,” the CTU said. “We therefore consider it necessary to step in and prevent future negative consequences for the customers.”

A new auction will likely take place within a couple of months, when the CTU has had to opportunity to put pricing safeguards in place.

Vodafone Czech Republic, T-Mobile Czech Republic, Telefonica Czech Republic, and PPF Mobile Services are all confirmed bidders.