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Czech Republic: Merger restrictions keep PPF out of mobile spectrum auction

By  |  September 30, 2013

Mobile operator PPF Group has decided it will not participate in the government’s 4G wireless spectrum auction due to merger restrictions for bidders, say reports.

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    The frequency auction has barred participants from merging with rivals for the next 15 years according to a PPF spokesperson. The restrictions are part of efforts to prevent hikes in wireless prices.

    According to reports, the Czech Republic endured a failure of a similar auction last March when telco watchdog CTU resolved that bids surpassing $1.05 billion could potentially lead to a spike in wireless prices.

    But PPF has called the 15-year merger restrictions “not practically or economically sensible” as the company anticipates major changes in the market following the auction.

    Both Telefonica Czech and T-Mobile Czech AS confirmed last week they had registered for the auction.

    Full Content: Bloomberg

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