T-Mobile Austria starts 5G network build-out

• 57 million euros for 110 MHz spectrum throughout Austria
• First 5G network to be launched within a few weeks of the frequency assessment
• In its final configuration 5G provides around 10 Gigabit per second

The completion of the 5G frequency auction on 7th March 2019 – and the usage rights acquired – equip T-Mobile Austria with the foundation to expand the 5G communications standard throughout Austria. In this auction, T-Mobile Austria acquired 110 MHz of spectrum throughout the country (11 packages of 10 MHz each in 12 regions), for a total price of €57 million. This was announced by the company following the conclusion of the auction and the regulator’s announcement of the results on Thursday (7th March 2019). In total, 438 out of a total of 468 frequency packages (39 packages of 10 MHz each, in twelve regions) were auctioned across Austria, for a total price of around €188 million. The auction lasted over three weeks.

Immediately after T-Mobile Austria receives the official frequency auction documents – expected at the end of March – the company will commission the first 25 5G mobile radio-stations throughout Austria, mainly in rural regions. The exact locations will be announced at launch.

"With this frequency-spectrum auction, T-Mobile Austria has laid a solid foundation for the fastest possible 5G deployment in Austria. With our investment of €57 million, we are making a clear commitment to Austria's digital future. In just a few weeks we will be able to offer the first customers mobile broadband at fiber-optic speed over 5G," says T-Mobile CEO Andreas Bierwirth on the results of the 5G frequency auction. "Thanks to our successful bidding strategy, we were able to ensure homogeneous frequency coverage throughout Austria. The homogeneity allows us to guarantee maximum performance in the 5G network. Having been awarded the best network in Austria in the last connect test, we will continue to do everything we can to offer our customers the best network in the country". In addition to the three established mobile operators, four other companies have purchased licenses in individual regions at the auction.

Expansion strategy: network diversity

5G mobile broadband coverage will keep pace with the performance of the fibre network in the future. 5G will provide fast connectivity for regions where laying cables would be time-consuming and costly. Instead of connecting a household to the internet via landline, 5G can ensure that broadband internet is delivered to the home over the air.

"Our expansion strategy is based on diverse networks. In rural areas, 5G and LTE will bring internet even to remote valleys in Austria. In suburban areas, hybrid and DSL will also provide high-performance internet. In cities, our fiber-optic cable network– in combination with other technologies – will satisfy today's appetite for data " says Bierwirth.

T-Mobile Austria will incorporate the experience gained from the first 5G locations in 2019 into further Austria-wide 5G expansion. T-Mobile Austria will provide special 5G routers for the first "friendly customers". The first 5G smartphones are expected over the course of 2019. 5G-enabled smartphones and tablets are expected to be available in a greater model variety and quantity by 2020.

5G for connecting people, animals and things

The fifth generation of mobile communications is far more than just the further acceleration of mobile internet. The Internet of Things, Industry 4.0 and Smart Cities, with intelligent, autonomous vehicles, robots and drones, will in the future be operated reliably over the 5G network. At home, in companies or schools, 5G will ensure that very large amounts of data are transported as required by virtual and augmented reality applications or high-definition 8K television. Our mobile networks will benefit not only from high data rates of up to 10 Gigabit per second, but also from minimal reaction times (latency). According to studies, there will be 50 billion connected devices worldwide by 2020, around seven devices per person. "This network requires reliably fast infrastructure. A highway with enough space for everyone – people, animals and things," says Bierwirth.

Around one billion euros invested between 2018 and 2021

T-Mobile Austria's investments reached a new record high of €229 million in 2018. Between 2018 and 2021 the company will invest a total of around €1 billion to ensure efficient mobile and fixed.broadband infrastructure for Austria. Bierwirth continues: "We are committed to a long-term investment offensive in Austria. Our customers’ data volume, which is growing exorbitantly, must be transported reliably, and we also want to keep improving our services. Our ultimate promise for Austria's digital future: "We want to be the best for internet, entertainment and service."