On March 24, 2025, the long-awaited auction of coverage bands in the 700 MHz and 800 MHz bands, referred to as the “5G 2.0” auction, began. For the telecommunications market in Poland, this is a strategic event that could completely change the landscape of mobile services in our country.

What are the 700 MHz and 800 MHz frequencies?

The 700 MHz frequency, until recently used mainly by terrestrial TV, is characterized by very good propagation properties. This allows operators to cover vast areas with signals, especially outside large cities. This makes the band ideal for building wide-area 5G networks, with applications including autonomous vehicles, telemedicine and smart energy management systems.

The 800 MHz band, on the other hand, is to be used primarily for the further development of 4G networks, which are still the foundation of telecommunications services in Poland.

Who can participate in the auction?

The four largest mobile operators in Poland are eligible to participate in the auction of the 700 MHz and 800 MHz bands. Each operator can bid for the seven available blocks, labeled A through G. The first six blocks (A through F) cover the 700 MHz frequencies, while block G is for the 800 MHz band.

Why is this auction so important?

The delay in the auction process in Poland relative to other European countries has made the competition particularly important. As early as 2016, the European Commission predicted the use of the 700 MHz band by 2020. Only now do Polish operators have a real chance to secure a competitive advantage in next-generation mobile services.

“It depends on the strategy and determination of the operators in the auction who will gain the upper hand in the 5G market. The results will have a huge impact on the future of telecommunications in Poland.” – market experts stress.

First day of auction: surprising operator preferences

The first bids from operators showed an interesting trend. Despite the huge importance of the 700 MHz band, it was the 800 MHz frequency that attracted more interest during the first day of the auction. The starting price for each block was 356 million zlotys, but operators initially decided to take a cautious approach.

It is worth noting that the situation could change dynamically in the following days of the auction. Operators, recognizing the strategic importance of the 700 MHz band, may further intensify competition.

What does the result of this auction mean for the average user?

For the end user, the result of the auction mainly means faster development of network infrastructure, better coverage in rural areas and access to modern technologies such as smart cities and telemedicine.

The results of the auction are worth following, as they will affect our daily lives much faster than you might think.