Release of 21.04.2021
- Rapid rollout: A1 already supplying 3.8 million Austrians with 5G
- Spectrum purchase for A1 Slovenia for EUR 42.4 million
- A1 Bulgaria awarded main 5G license in the 3.6 GHz spectrum for EUR 2.4 million
More important than ever is to unleash the potential of digitalization in times like these. A high-qualitative, reliable and robust physical and digital infrastructure is the backbone of all network systems of the A1 Group countries across the CEE.
“The potential of digital technologies for sustainable positive future opportunities continues to be the focus of the A1 Telekom Austria Group’s corporate strategy. The enormous importance of system-critical digital infrastructure such as that of the A1 Telekom Austria Group for economic and social development has not only been known since the COVID-19 crisis. All the more reason for us to push ahead with our 5G rollout plans, to guarantee future-proof top-class network infrastructure”, Alejandro Plater, COO of A1 Telekom Austria Group, comments on the strategic moves.
Rapid rollout: A1 already supplies 3.8 million Austrians with 5G
A1 already supplies more than 3.8 million people throughout Austria with the new 5G mobile communications generation. Since the beginning of the year alone, A1 has put around 1,000 new 5G sites into operation, bringing ultra-fast mobile broadband to both major cities and rural regions. Combined with Austria's largest fiber network, which already extends over more than 61,000 kilometers, the A1 "5Giganet" combines the best broadband technologies.
A1 Group CEO Thomas Arnoldner: "Only with nationwide, high-quality access to digital media, services and business models can the full potential of digitalization in Austria be unleashed. As a company, we currently bear even more responsibility, because the digital infrastructure, in which we invest around EUR 450 million annually in Austria alone, is the basis for future growth, greater innovative strength and new prospects in rural areas. This secures jobs and brings competitive advantages. With currently around 1,500 5G sites, we are already providing 3.8 million Austrians with 5G and are thus making great steps toward our goal of providing Austria with nationwide 5G coverage by 2023”.
A1 Group purchases spectrum in Slovenia for EUR 42.4 million
A1 Slovenia has acquired spectrum in several bands: 2x10 MHz in 700 MHz, 1x40 MHz in 1.4 GHz, 2x15 MHz in 2.1 GHz, 1x100 MHz in 3.6 GHz and 1x400 MHz in 26 GHz for EUR 42.4 million. The frequencies are valid for 15 years. The A1 Telekom Austria Group will finance the spectrum acquisition from current cash flow.
“By acquiring the spectrum, A1 Slovenia will be able to further enhance and expand the user experience for existing and future customers. Users can look forward to enhanced, 5G-based, ultra-fast, reliable and low-latency services for residential and business customers. The rollout and further development of the powerful A1 network will support the digitalization of Slovenian society, which will benefit in the future from exciting new services such as autonomous driving, e-health, cloud gaming and the development towards Industry 4.0, analyzes Dejan Turk, CEO Cluster Serbia & Slovenia.
A1 Bulgaria has been awarded the main 5G license in the 3.6 GHz spectrum for EUR 2.4 million
A1 Bulgaria has been awarded the main 5G license in the 3.6 GHz spectrum in a tender organized by the Communications Regulation Commission (CRC). The company will pay 2.4 million as initial investment for the spectrum acquisition.
“We took another important step towards the introduction of 5G in Bulgaria. As a technology leader, we have the best set-up network infrastructure for 5G commercial mobile services. With this investment, we guaranteed our customers first-class commercial 5G services starting with the first 5G mobile tariff in the country, which A1 Bulgaria launched just a week after we won the tender. We are on the threshold of a new era in telecommunications, providing all the advantages and benefits”, Alexander Dimitrov, CEO of A1 Bulgaria, comments on the auction.