Poland 5G Development

The development of 5G networks in Poland will open sales opportunities for a wide range of products and solutions, ranging from security solutions and network products to accessories for end-user equipment. Mobile operators in Poland have been testing 5G technology and have begun preparations for building 5G networks. While early pilot projects were mostly based on Huawei technology, in later initiatives the operators have focused on Ericsson and Nokia. In addition, Polkomtel, of the Cyfrowy Polsat Group, announced moving forward with building the first 5G network in Poland but this has turned out to be a network based on 2600 MHz TDD technology, which is an advanced version of the existing LTE technology, allowing data transmission with the speed exceeding 500 Mb/s. 

In March 2020, the Polish telecom regulator, the Office of Electronic Communications (UKE) opened the first 5G frequency auction, inviting financially sound companies with experience in Poland to participate. The government hopes to raise over $700 million from the trial auction. For the auction, UKE offers four blocks of 80 MHz each in the 3,400-3,800 MHz range, with a starting price of $115 million for each block. Licenses will be valid until the end of May 2035. Winning bidders must meet coverage obligations including: deploying at least ten base stations in the regional center selected within six months of receiving appropriate permits; launching at least 250 base stations nationwide by the end of 2023; Launching an additional 500 base stations (minimum) by the end of 2025.

For the 700 MHz bandwidth, once it becomes available, the government is expected to apply a public-private approach and make this frequency available to the Polish 5G wholesale operator.  In October 2019, the four leading mobile operators (Cyfrowy Polsat, Orange, Play and T-Mobile), the state-owned telecom operator Exatel and the Polish Development Fund (PFR) signed a memorandum of understanding to establish the Polish 5G which will manage the 700 MHz network, making it available to all operators.  Integration of the 700 MHz infrastructure would considerably lower the cost and allow the operators to focus on the 3.4-3.8 GHz and 26 GHz networks.  The business plan for Polish 5G is yet to be developed but the goal is to launch a country-wide wholesale 700 MHz network in 2023. This is pioneering solution, yet to be consulted with the European Commission.

For more information, please contact
Maria Kowalska, Commercial Specialist
U.S. Commercial Service, Warsaw
Email: Maria.Kowalska@trade.gov