The terms for participating in the auction of radio frequencies to be used in mobile telephony, in particular fourth generation telephony, expired at 12 this morning. The match sees the usual big four lined up on the field: Telecom Italia, Wind, Vodafone and H3G. It seems that the fifth wheel, Linkerm, has abandoned the tender due to financial difficulties. Poste Mobili had instead already announced that it would not submit an application.
The starting price is approximately 2,4 billion euros. At stake are 25 frequency lots grouped into eight blocks. The rights to use them will expire on 31 December 2029. The possibility of renewal is envisaged, while it is forbidden to transfer the use of frequencies unless explicitly authorized by the minister. According to some analysts, Telecom (which gains 1,68% on the Stock Exchange at midday) could spend around 700 million, to then record the figure in the 2012 budget. The Government, on the other hand, intends to collect just this year .
