On 14 December 2022, the Main Stage of the Multi Band Spectrum Award process (the “MBSA2”) concluded with the identification of four Winning Bidders paying circa €448 million to the State for the issue of long-term spectrum rights, until 13 February 2042, in the 700 MHz, 2.1 GHz, 2.3 GHz and 2.6 GHz bands (see Document 22/105).
The four Winning Bidders are:
On 12 January 2023, the specific frequency locations to be assigned to each of the Winning Bidders was determined (see Document 23/06).
On 19 January 2023, following the submission of complete applications, a MBSA2 Liberalised Use Licence was issued to each Winning Bidder with a commencement date of 20 January 2023.
Since 2 April 2023 all MBSA2 spectrum rights have commenced.
The MBSA2 spectrum rights are ideal for the provision of new 5G services, as well as the advancement of other fixed and mobile WBB services, such as 4G (LTE) or FWA services.
Figure 1: MBSA2 frequency assignments in the 700 MHz, 2.1 and 2.6 GHz FDD bands
Figure 2: MBSA2 frequency assignments in the 2.3 and 2.6 GHz TDD bands
Document 24/11 and Document 24/11a – Multi Band Spectrum Award (MBSA2): DotEcon’s Award Assessment
On 13 February 2024, ComReg published an Information Notice, Document 24/11, introducing DotEcon’s Award Evaluation report published separately as Document 22/11a
Amendment No.2 to MBSA2 Regulations – Amendments to the technical conditions for the 2.3 GHz Band
On 29 November 2023, ComReg made, with the consent of the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications, Eamon Ryan, The Wireless Telegraphy (Liberalised Use and Related Licences in the 700 MHz Duplex, 2.1 GHz, 2.3 GHz and 2.6 GHz Bands) (Amendment No. 2) Regulations 2023 (S.I. No. 594 of 2023).
These regulations amend The Wireless Telegraphy (Liberalised use and related Licences in the 700 MHz duplex, 2.1 GHz, 2.3 GHz and 2.6 GHz bands) Regulations 2021 (S.I. No 264 of 2021).
The amendment aligns the licence conditions in the MBSA2 Licences related to the 2.3 GHz Band with the latest Electronic Communications Committee (“ECC”) Decision (14)02, amended 10 March 2023 where in addition the licence conditions allow for the deployment of 5G New Radio (“NR”) and Active Antenna Systems (“AAS”) base stations, and for deploying AAS base stations with 4G/Long-Term Evolution (“LTE”) technology.
Document 23/79 – Response to Consultation and Decision –Amendment of MBSA2 technical conditions for the 2.3 GHz Band
On 28 August 2023, ComReg published its decision and response to consultation on amending the technical conditions for the 2.3 GHz Band. To implement the decisions in Document 23/79, ComReg will now engage with the Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications and seek consent from the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications to make the amending MBSA2 regulations as outlined in Annex 2 of Document 23/79.
Document 23/54 – Consultation – Proposed amendment of MBSA2 technical conditions for the 2.3 GHz Band
On 20 June 2023, ComReg published its consultation on amending the technical conditions for the 2.3 GHz Band, following the publication of an amendment to ECC Decision (14)02 by the ECC. The consultation will run for four weeks closing 18 July 2023.
The RurTel Transition Plan – On 14 April 2023, ComReg adopted the RurTel Transition Plan for the transition of RurTel services out of the 2.3 GHz and 2.4 GHz Bands by Eir. Further information is set out in Document 23/39 and a non-confidential version of the RurTel Transition Plan is set out in Document 23/39a.
A non-confidential version of the RurtTel Transition Plan is also set out in Microsoft Excel format in MBSA2(23)013 (updated on 6 August 2024). ComReg will update this Excel file in respect of any future updates to the transition plan, as required.
Document 23/35 – Information Notice – Multi Band Spectrum Award (MBSA2) update: Commencement of all MBSA2 spectrum rights Supporting new 5G investments and its substantial benefits
On 17 April 2023, ComReg published this Information Notice:
In the MBSA2 High Court proceedings, ComReg obtained reports from economic experts Dr. Dan Maldoom and Professor J. Peter Clinch with regard to the economic impact of a delay in the award of MBSA2 rights. These reports included consideration of the likely economic benefits from the widespread deployment of 5G. Redacted versions of those reports dealing with the expected economic benefit to Ireland from the widespread deployment of 5G are published alongside this Information Notice as follows:
Amendment of MBSA2 Licences – Between 25 February 2023 and 2 April 2023, the MBSA2 Licences of Eir, Three and Vodafone were amended to commence the remaining spectrum rights in the 700 MHz and 2.1 GHz bands. This commencement of these spectrum rights was subject to:
On 20 March 2023, a 2.1 GHz Band Liberalised Use Licence was issued to Eir for the period 02 April 2023 to 11 March 2027.
Document 23/13 – The 2.1 GHz Band Transition Plan
On 10 February 2023, ComReg published Document 21/13, notifying interested parties of the 2.1 GHz Band Transition Plan.
Amendment of Three’s MBSA2 Licence – On 1 February 2023, following a request from Three Ireland (Hutchison) Limited (“Three”) and to allow for an orderly and timely transition in the 2.1 GHz Band, ComReg amended Three’s MBSA2 Liberalised Use Licence to commence rights of use in the 2.1 GHz Band:
Amendment of Three’s MBSA2 Licence – On 26 January 2023, following a request from Three Ireland (Hutchison) Limited (“Three”), ComReg amended Three’s MBSA2 Liberalised Use Licence to commence Three’s rights of use in the 700 MHz Band on 26 January 2023.
Issue of MBSA2 Liberalised Use Licences – Following the submission of complete applications, on 19 January 2023 ComReg issued MBSA2 Liberalised Use Licences to each of the Winning Bidders, i.e. Eir, Imagine, Three and Vodafone. Each of these licences commenced on 20 January 2023 and expires on 13 February 2042.
Document 23/06 – Information Notice – Final Assignment Plan
On 12 January 2023, ComReg published Document 23/06, an Information Notice notifying interested parties of the Final Assignment Plan for the Multi Band Spectrum Award.
Document 22/115 – Information Notice – ComReg to complete Spectrum Award
On 21 December 2022, ComReg published Document 22/115, an Information Notice notifying interested parties that on 21 December 2022, the Court of Appeal:
i. delivered its judgment in respect of ComReg’s appeal of the Stay ordered by the High Court (and Three’s cross-appeal on certain aspects of same);
ii. made an Order which lifted the Stay; and
iii. ordered Three to pay ComReg’s costs relating to both the High Court and Court of Appeal Proceedings.
Consequently, there is now no impediment to ComReg completing all the remaining stages of the MBSA2 process and issuing licences for long-term (circa 19 years) spectrum rights of use in the 700 MHz, 2.1 GHz 2.3 GHz 2.6 GHz bands.
Document 22/113 – Information Notice – Three granted leave to withdraw its Appeal and ordered to pay ComReg’s costs
On 20 December 2022, ComReg published Document 22/113, an Information Notice notifying interested parties that Three Ireland have been granted leave to withdraw its Appeal of Decision 11/20 and ordered to pay ComReg’s costs.
Document 22/112 – Information Notice – Completion of Assignment Round determining the Provisional Assignment Plan and start of Negotiation Phase
On 19 December 2022, ComReg published Document 22/112, an Information Notice providing the Provisional Assignment Plan of the Multi Band Spectrum Award Process and notifying the start of the Negotiation Phase.
Document 22/105 – Information Notice – Multi Band Spectrum Award – Results of Main Stage
On 14 December 2022, ComReg published Document 22/105, an Information Notice providing the results of the Main Stage of the Multi Band Spectrum Award.
Document 22/92 – Information Notice – Multi Band Spectrum Award – Court of Appeal varies the High Court stay order thereby allowing ComReg to run the auction
On 9 November 2022, ComReg published Document 22/92 an information notice notifying interested parties that:
Interim B 2.1 GHz Band Liberalised Use Licence
Following application by Three, ComReg granted an Interim B 2.1 GHz Band Liberalised Use Licence to Three in October 2022. This licence commences on 2 October 2022 and expires on 15 October 2022.
Amendment to MBSA2 Regulations
On 27 September 2022, ComReg made, with the consent of the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications, Eamon Ryan, The Wireless Telegraphy (Liberalised use and related Licences in the 700 MHz duplex, 2.1 GHz, 2.3 GHz and 2.6 GHz bands) (Amendment) Regulations 2022 (S.I. No. 483 of 2022).
These regulations amend The Wireless Telegraphy (Liberalised use and related Licences in the 700 MHz duplex, 2.1 GHz, 2.3 GHz and 2.6 GHz bands) Regulations 2021 (S.I. No 264 of 2021).
Document 22/70 – Information Notice – Multi Band Spectrum Award – ComReg lodges appeal against High Court order granting stay on implementation of the Auction
On 2 August 2022, ComReg published Document 22/70, an information notice notifying interested parties that on Monday 25 July 2022, ComReg lodged an appeal against the order granting the stay on the commencement of the Auction. On Friday 29 July 2022, the Court of Appeal made directions setting the appeal down for hearing on Wednesday 19 October 2022.
Document 22/63 – Information Notice – The potential issue of short-term rights in the 2.1 GHz band and possibly in other spectrum bands included in the Multi Band Spectrum Award
On 22 July 2022, ComReg published Document 22/63, an information notice on the potential issue of short-term rights in the 2.1 GHz band and possibly in other spectrum bands included in the Multi Band Spectrum Award.
Document 22/62 – Information Notice – Multi Band Spectrum Award – High Court grants stay on commencing the Auction
On 22 July 2022, ComReg published Document 22/62 notifying interested parties that the High Court has granted a stay on the commencement of the Auction.
Interim B 2.1 GHz Band Liberalised Use Licence
On 12 July 2022, ComReg published the application form for an Interim B 2.1 GHz Band Liberalised Use Licence (Document 22/60).
Interim A 2.1 GHz Band Liberalised Use Licence
On 12 May 2022, ComReg published the application form for an Interim A 2.1 GHz Band Liberalised Use Licence (Document 22/38).
Following application by Three in June 2022, ComReg granted an Interim A 2.1 GHz Band Liberalised Use Licence to Three on 18 July 2022. This licence will come into effect on 25 July 2022 and will expire on 15 October 2022.
2.1 GHz Band Liberalised Use Licences
On 31 May 2021, ComReg published the application form for a 2.1 GHz Band Liberalised Use Licence (Document 21/57).
In June 2021, Three and Vodafone applied for and were each granted a 2.1 GHz Band Liberalised Use Licence.
Regulations
On 28 May 2021 – ComReg, with the consent of the Minister for Environment, Climate and Communications Mr Eamon Ryan, made the following regulations
Document 21/56 – Phase 1 Questions & Answers and related matters
On 28 May 2021 ComReg published Document 21/56, an Information Notice, containing the publication of questions properly submitted to the Multi Band Spectrum Award and ComReg’s final responses to same.
Alongside this document, ComReg has published updated versions of the editable PDF Phase 1 and Phase 2 Application Forms as Documents 21/40aR and 21/40bR respectively.
In response to Phase 1 Questions submitted to it, ComReg is also making available two spreadsheets showing:
Multi Band Spectrum Award – Presentations on Award Process and Auction Rules
On 7 May 2021, and in accordance with Section 3.3 and Table 17 of the Information Memorandum (Document 21/40), ComReg published a presentation pack on the Award Process and Auction Rules to provide as much clarity as possible on same. For ease of viewing, the presentation is split into five sessions and are available at the following links:
These presentations are also available in PDF format here.
Documents 21/40a and 21/40b – Writable PDFs of Annex 3a and 3b of Document 21/40
On 6 May 2021 ComReg published Annex 3a and 3b of Document 21/40 as writable PDFs. These are available as Documents 21/40a and 21/40b respectively.
Document 21/40 – Multi Band Spectrum Award – Information Memorandum and Draft Regulations – The 700 MHz Duplex, 2.1 GHz, 2.3 GHz and 2.6 GHz Bands
On 16 April 2021, ComReg published Document 21/40, an Information Memorandum on the Multi Band Spectrum Award.
ComReg also published 3 other documents:
As per paragraph 2.71 of Document 21/40, a Licensee which obtains Spectrum Blocks in the range 2305 to 2330 MHz is required to coordinate with any MBSA2 2.3 GHz Band Transition Licensee before the deployment of base stations within the coordination area identified in Document 20/122b (as may be updated by ComReg). The .SHP files for this are available for download here – Coordination Area SHP file.
As per paragraph 2.73 of Document 21/40, a Licensee which obtains Spectrum Blocks in the 2.6 GHz Band must, among other things, ensure protection of all aeronautical primary radars operating in the 2700 – 2900 MHz frequency range by complying with the technical conditions detailed in the MBSA2 Licence Regulations. These include a coordination zone of 1 km around each radar location, in-band power flux density (pfd) limits, and out-of-band pfd limits. the radar location files are available for download here – Radar Location Files (updated on 25 September 2023).
Document 21/04R – Appeal by Three in relation to Multi Band Spectrum Award – The 700 MHz Duplex, 2.1 GHz, 2.3 GHz and 2.6 GHz Bands
On 20 January 2021, ComReg published an information notice notifying interested parties of an appeal of its Decision as set out in Document 20/122. On 29 January 2021, ComReg published a revision to this Information Notice.
Document 20/122 – Multi Band Spectrum Award – Response to Consultation and Decision
On 18 December 2020, ComReg published its response to consultation and Decision – The 700 MHz Duplex, 2.1 GHz, 2.3 GHz and 2.6 GHz Bands
ComReg published alongside this document:
Document 20/94 – Non-Confidential Submissions to ComReg Document 20/78
On 7 October 2020, ComReg published Document 20/94 – non-confidential submissions to ComReg Document 20/78.
Document 20/78 – Non-Confidential Submissions to ComReg 20/56
On 26 August 2020, ComReg published Document 20/78 – non-confidential submissions to ComReg Document 20/56. ComReg noted that should any interested party wish to make comment, ComReg would appreciate receipt of any submission by Wednesday 9 September 2020.
Document 20/68 – Non-Confidential Submissions to ComReg Document 20/32
On 24 July 2020, ComReg published Document 20/68 – non-confidential submissions to ComReg Document 20/32.
Document 20/63 – Extension to the consultation period for Document 20/56
On 15 July 2020 ComReg published Document 20/63, extending the time period to 12:00 hours on Monday 17 August 2020 for submissions to ComReg Document 20/56.
Document 20/56 – Information Notice
On 6 July 2020, ComReg published Document 20/56, an Information Notice requesting views from interested parties on auction formats including potential alternative options or modifications to ComReg’s proposed auction format on the Proposed Multi Band Spectrum Award for the 700 MHz Duplex, 2.1 GHz, 2.3 GHz and 2.6 GHz bands.
ComReg has also published non-confidential submissions to ComReg Document 19/124. These submissions are available in Document 20/56s.
Document 20/32 – Draft Information Memorandum and Draft Regulations
On 13 May 2020, ComReg published Document 20/32, a Draft Information Memorandum and Draft Regulations on the Proposed Multi Band Spectrum Award for the 700 MHz Duplex, 2.1 GHz, 2.3 GHz and 2.6 GHz bands.
ComReg has also published, in Annex 12 of Document 20/32, a DotEcon Report on Exposure Pricing.
Interested Parties have until 12:00 hours on 24 June 2020 for the submission of comments on Document 20/32.
On 20 December 2019, ComReg issued Document 19/124, a response to consultation and Draft Decision on a Proposed Multi Band Spectrum Award for the 700 MHz, 2.1 GHz, 2.3 GHz and 2.6 GHz Bands.
ComReg published alongside this document six independent Consultants Reports:
ComReg also published Document 19/124g, the non-confidential submissions received to Document 19/59R, and other relevant material.
Annex 10 of Document 19/124 sets out the outdoor coverage obligations at specific locations including the description of the geographic coordinates. The Boundary Files as referenced in Annex 10 are provided below.
Specific Locations Boundary Files
On 18 June 2019, ComReg issued Document 19/59 (updated on 5 July 2019 as Document 19/59R), a response to consultation and further consultation on a Proposed Multi Band Spectrum Award for the 700 MHz, 2.1 GHz, 2.3 GHz and 2.6 GHz Bands.
ComReg is publishing alongside this document five independent Consultants Reports:
On 19 June 2019, ComReg published Document 19/59f, the non-confidential submissions to Document 18/60, Document 14/65 and other relevant material.
On 30 November 2018, ComReg published the results of three studies which together discuss some of the challenges, solutions and actions to improving connectivity in Ireland. The three reports published are:
ComReg also published an independent report – Document 14/102 – Spectrum Award – 2.6 GHz band with possible inclusion of 700 MHz, 1.4, 2.3 and 3.6 GHz bands