Iran plans to hold a tender for allocating the frequency band needed for providing fifth generation technology (5G) by mobile operators, says the country’s telecoms regulator, despite concerns that the move could lead to a monopoly in the field.
A deputy head of Iran’s Communication Regulatory Authority said that holding an auction for allocation of the 3,500 MHz band had been finalized following months of deliberation and studies by the regulator.
Nastaran Mohseni said Iran would have problems developing 5G in 3,300-3,400 MHz because its access to equipment needed in those spectrums have been hampered by US sanctions.
Mohseni defended the decision and said it would entail more transparency as recommended by the International Telecommunication Union.
However, Iran’s largest mobile operator MCI criticized the planned auction and said operators in the country should be able to share the 5G frequencies.
Morteza Taheribakhsh, who serves as MCI’s head of technical and network development, said on Monday that winning the tender might lead to a monopoly over 5G services in Iran by second operator MTN Irancell.
Taheribakhsh said the move would delay the smooth development of 5G services in the country, adding that the regulatory authority is only caring about maximum income that could be gained from leasing the spectrum.
Both the MCI and the MTN Irancell have already tested 5G in laboratory and in small locations in the capital Tehran as they plan to offer limited commercial 5G services in the near future.