Czechs launch first auction of 4G mobile frequencies

The Czech telecommunications watchdog CTU has launched its first auction of fourth generation mobile telephony frequencies, with a fourth mobile operator likely to enter the market, its website said on Friday. "CTU has done its best for the auction to be transparent, professional, and to accelerate the development of new mobile high-speed broadband services," CTU head Pavel Dvorak said. Three frequencies were freed up after a successful switch from analogue to digital TV broadcasting, the watchdog said. The CTU is also considering selling a license to a fourth mobile operator with the launch of LTE (Long Term Evolution) fourth generation mobile networks on a market now dominated by Telefonica 02, T-Mobile and Vodafone. The deadline for bids is September 10, with winners to be picked early next year.