Ancom, the telecoms regulator in Romania, announced its spectrum auction for 5G suitable frequencies had concluded. Three operators, including the local units of Orange and Vodafone Group, committed a total of €433 million.

The amount spent was well below the €700 million expected from the auction, with spectrum in the 700MHz, 1500MHz, 2600MHz, and 3400MHz to 3800MHz on offer. Orange was the biggest spender, outlaying a total €264.6 million for spectrum in the 700MHZ, 1500MHz, and 3400MHz to 3800MHz bands. Vodafone Romania won spectrum in the 700MHz and 3400MHz to 3800MHz bands, committing €122.5 million, with local player RCS & RDS bidding €45.5 million for 2600MHz and 3400MHz to 3800MHz. In total, 76% of the available spectrum was sold.

As previously announced, Telekom Romania, indirectly owned by Deutsche Telekom through Greece’s OTE Group, did not take part in the auction. There has been long-running speculation that DT is planning an exit from Romania.

Orange hailed the regulator for its professionalism in making so much spectrum available at the national level. “We have made a significant investment to offer customers, the business environment, central and local administrations, but also researchers, an Orange network prepared for the challenges brought by the digital transformation of the next 25 years,” said Liudmila Climoc, CEO of Orange Romania.