The first Czech UMTS (3rd generation) mobile licenses will be issued in a tender in 2001, according to the Ministry of Transport and Communications. The Cabinet should decide in September whether to hold an auction or a “beauty contest” (a beauty contest would be the more advantageous alternative for the mobile operators). Existing mobile operators will be permitted to bid (i.e., Cesky Telecom’s EuroTel, Ceske radiokomunikace’s RadioMobil, and TIW’s Cesky Mobil). Contrary to original statements, at least three licenses will be offered initially, according to the ministry.
(Ondřej Daťka)