Digi Group criticises Hungary’s decision to finalize the 5G frequency tender in a fast-track manner

With reference to the announcement issued by the Hungarian Communications Regulatory Authority, Digi Communications considers the decision to finalize the 5G frequency tender in a fast-track manner to be controversial and unfair and also defying the legal action taken by Digi Communications. whose participation to the auction was rejected in September 2019.

“We are deeply disappointed with the decision of the National Communications and Media Authority (NMHH) to conclude this controversial tender procedure. Digi Group has taken actions in court to request the suspension of the procedure and has not received the final verdict so far. We believe the manner in which the authority handled this tender by disregarding our legitimate requests in court contradicts the very mission of this institution which is to ensure effective competition conditions for the ultimate benefit of consumers and users.” said Serghei Bulgac, CEO of Digi Communications.

Digi Group considers that, by discouraging competition and blocking the access of a fourth mobile operator to the spectrum, the Authority drastically reduces chances of consumers to purchase basic services at competitive prices. According to the studies on mobile internet tariffs in EU countries released by the European Commission, in 2019, Hungary was among the countries with the most expensive access to mobile data in Europe. Hungarian consumers pay much higher rates than users in developed markets such as Austria, Germany, the UK or France. 

Taking into account the importance of a frequency auction to be conducted in a fair, transparent manner and in full compliance of the law and consumer interest, Digi Hungary asks the Authority to cancel the auction decision and resume the procedure assuming in full its independent market arbiter role.