The last major blockade on the rollout of super-fast mobile internet in the Netherlands has been lifted. The Rotterdam court today dismissed a lawsuit filed by nine companies against the Ministry of Economy and Climate’s plan to auction frequencies for the new G5 network.
Telecommunications companies VodafoneZiggo, Odido and KPN, as well as companies such as Schiphol and the Port of Rotterdam, were disappointed that the ministry wanted to expand the 5G network. All of them sought to gain a legitimately better position in the so-called 3.5 GHz band.
After several hearings, the court rejected the complaints and ruled the objections inadmissible. In the ruling, the judge wrote that all parties had “very different interests.” “It is not possible for the minister to please all parties. Therefore, the minister needs to make political and technical decisions,” the summary says.
Previous blockade
At the beginning of October, another obstacle was solved. Friesland-based satellite company Inmarsat withdrew its objection after agreeing to the terms of moving to Greece. The company organizes maritime communications, also known as “112 at sea”. This may be disrupted by 5G.
In response, the responsible minister’s spokesman, Adriaansens, said he was satisfied with the decision. “The Netherlands is the last European country that has not yet implemented 5G. “We run the risk of falling behind technologically.” If companies have not yet contacted the Commercial Appeals Board (CBb), the auction may be held after the new year.
Phone providers have been offering 5G in the 700 MHz band for some time. It has a long range but slower speed. With the 3.5 GHz band, the speed should increase significantly.
Source: NOS
Roy Brown is a renowned economist and author at The Nation View. He has a deep understanding of the global economy and its intricacies. He writes about a wide range of economic topics, including monetary policy, fiscal policy, international trade, and labor markets.
