Albania, Hungary In Spectrum Allocation Mode

Albania and Hungary are considering spectrum allocation plans to spur private investment in each country's telecom industry. Hungary is developing plans to sell licenses to operate third-generation, universal mobile telecommunications system networks, and expects to release details of the plan by the end of the year. The Information Technology and Telecoms Ministry said it expects 3G services will be launched within 18 months after it awards the licenses. The agency indicates it would implement the licenses in a way that increases the number of mobile providers and enables concession fees to be paid gradually and proportionally to traffic. In Albania, the government is considering allocating a third wireless operation license to state-owned Albtelecom. The telco is being privatized, and the government expects that adding a GSM license to its holdings will increase bids for investing in the operation.