Nkom officially opens 3.8GHz-4.2GHz band for local 5G network deployments

Norway’s National Communications Authority (Nasjonal kommunikasjonsmyndighet, Nkom) has confirmed that the 3.8GHz-4.2GHz band has been made available for the deployment of local 5G networks. In a press release regarding the development the regulator noted that, having conducted pilots during 2022, companies can now apply for licences offering up to 80MHz in the aforementioned band for the construction of non-public 5G infrastructure in a geographically limited area. Concessions are valid for up to ten years, with annual fees ranging from NOK200 (USD20.3) for a 20MHz block of ‘low-power’ spectrum, rising to NOK3,800 for an 80MHz ‘medium-power’ block.

According to Nkom, the newly established regulation governing local 5G networks in the 3.8GHz-4.2GHz bands ‘lowers the barriers to get the Norwegian industry into exploring what 5G can offer in solving their wireless communication needs’.