5G: The 2021th generation technology in Greece is postponed for 5 (and we will see…)

New technology 5th generation (5G) Although it has made its presence felt on the planet, it will be too late to reach our country.

Ο The reason lies in the 5th generation (5G) mobile telephony licenses, which will be issued no later than the end of 2020.

In particular, the 700 MHz frequency band, which plays a central role in 5G mobile services, remains occupied by television channels and the Ministry of National Defense. Thus, the process is expected to include, at least initially, the 3,6 GHz and 26 GHz bands.

The tender for the assignment of 5G frequencies in the above two zones is estimated to take place in the fourth quarter of 2020, while the 700 MHz frequency band will be available in the second year, probably in the summer of 2021, a fact that displeases the companies in the industry.

At the same time, this year's state budget does not include any revenue from 5G licenses. This happens for two reasons. Firstly because any disbursement will take place in 2021 even if the tender is held in 2020 and secondly because the government does not intend to pressure mobile companies to maximize the price of licenses. In this way, the development of 5G networks will not be undermined - financially -.

Besides, this has been supported by the competent Minister of Digital Government Kyriakos Pierrakakis in the telecommunications sector, stating that "If mobile companies reduce the cost of services provided, then the government will not seek to maximize revenue from the availability of 5G mobile licenses».

Although 5G is moving at a slow pace, the same will not apply to developments in the telecommunications sector, for which 2020 is subject to change. Initially, the US-China rivalry for the new generation networks makes open the possibility for a fourth interested party to enter the Greek market through Forthnet or through Vodafone and Wind. In fact, the issue was on the agenda of the Prime Minister in the US.

And how does Greece relate to the US-China rivalry? The Greek side is moving within the framework of the "protection" of the Commission for the new generation networks, at a time when The Americans are pushing to exclude Chinese Huawei from the country. In the run-up to the US presidential election, the White House leadership will intensify the pressure, as part of its domestic and foreign policy.

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