Press Releases

In the spectrum auction whose bidding stage ended today, Vodafone Portugal won a total of 123 MHz (2×49 MHz FDD 25 MHz TDD) in the 800 MHz, 900 MHz, 1800 MHz and 2600 MHz frequency bands. Vodafone Portugal was the operator which invested the most in acquiring frequencies usage rights in this auction, corresponding to the largest amount of spectrum, thereby reinforcing its bid for undisputed leadership in network performance and quality of service to its customers.

The spectrum acquired in the 800 MHz, 1800 MHz and 2600 MHz bands will enable the Company to provide mobile communications services based on 4G/LTE technology. The spectrum in the 900MHz band will further improve the coverage and quality of service, using 3G/HSPA technology, especially inside buildings.

With the bidding period over, the phases of consignment and assignment of frequency usage rights to operators now follow.

Vodafone submitted the best offer in 2 lots of 2×5 MHz in the 800 MHz band, 1 lot of 2×5 MHz in the 900 MHz band, 2 lots of 2×5 MHz and 1 lot of 2×4 MHz in the 1800 MHz band, 4 lots of 2×5 MHz in the 2600 MHz FDD band and 1 lot of 1×25 MHz in the 2600 MHz TDD band, totalling 146 million euros.

After being the first operator in Portugal and one of the first operators worldwide to launch 4G-ready equipment, it will shortly be starting to offer services over this technology that will initially enable transmission speeds up to 150Mbps download and up to 50Mbps upload.

As with previous mobile communications technologies, Vodafone plans to lead the development of 4G technology in Portugal, aiming to provide new and better services to its customers and responding to the rising speed and volume data demands (resulting from growing mobile Internet access) and new services via smartphones, tablets, laptops and other devices.

The additional spectrum usage rights and continuous investment in the network will enable Vodafone Portugal continue to contribute to the development of Portugal, the wellbeing of people and the productivity of businesses by ensuring that its customers receive the best and most advanced mobile communications services supported on the best network.