India's Spectrum Auction Reaches $8.5 Billion in Bids:

India's radio spectrum auction is still ongoing, having lasted longer than expected and prices are inching ever closer the rates paid back in 2010 for the 3G licenses.

The third round on Friday took place with demand still exceeding supply in Assam, J&K, MP, West Bengal, UP (E) and UP (W), and Delhi seeing a marked surge in interest.

At the end of Thursday, total bids came in at around Rs 52,689 crore (US$8.5 billion), made up of Rs 30,754 for the 1800Mhz spectrum and Rs 21,935 crore for the 900Mhz spectrum.

The high prices being offered will be a relief to the government following the two previous auctions which barely covered the reserve prices.

The price of 900 Mhz spectrum in Delhi jumped by nearly 80% to Rs 639.24 crore per megahertz as compared to the reserve price of Rs 360 crore. In Mumbai, the 900 Mhz spectrum increased by 72 percent to Rs 563.09 crore per Mhz and in Kolkata by 54 percent to Rs 192.71 crore.

Bulgaria's Max Telecom Starts Demonstrations of its LTE Network:

Bulgaria's Max Telecom has carried out demonstrations of its LTE network, that it plans to launch commercially within the next few months.

The service, which operates in the 1800Mhz spectrum will overlay its existing WiMAX network, which will be maintained, for the time being.

In the very beginning its LTE network will cover 6 key cities in Bulgaria - Sofia, Ruse, Pleven, Sliven, Stara Zagora, and Bansko.

"Our strategic plans are focused on full 4G LTE coverage indoor and outdoor. The company has a 5-year rollout plan of the network, starting with the biggest cities and covering the resorts. For the launch Max Telecom will have at least 20% coverage of the Bulgarian population", stated Peter Covell, CEO of the company.

The company also confirmed that it plans the introduction of voice services over 4G LTE (VoLTE) during the later half of 2014, and be widely available at the end of this year or in 2015.

Max Telecom is working with Nokia Solutions and Networks (NSN) to deploy its network.

No Bids in Irish 1800Mhz Spectrum Auction:

The Irish telecoms regulator, ComReg has said that it received no bids for the blocks of 1800Mhz spectrum that it was auctioning off.

Therefore, all Lots remained unsold in the Award Process.

ComReg said that it retains its discretion regarding how it might treat the unsold Lots
however the unsold spectrum will not be allocated for a reasonable period, and, in any event, will not be allocated for a period of at least another year.

Neotel Launches Fixed Wireless LTE Network:

South Africa's second landline network operator, Neotel has launched its own LTE network to provide fixed wireless based internet services.

The Neo Broadband branded service uses a fixed installation to connect business offices via Neotel's LTE network, which operates over its 1800Mhz spectrum.

Sunil Joshi, MD & CEO of Neotel said "Neotel is using its LTE network to deliver efficient, stable, low contention, unshaped and uncapped internet to its business and retail customers as well as for last mile requirements. By using fixed wireless deployment Neotel can optimise the number of connections to each tower thereby delivering better speeds, consistent user experience and minimal disruptions."

The initial coverage is focused in Gauteng and offers download speeds of 2 Mbps, 5Mbps and 10 Mbps on an unshaped, uncapped package ranging from R999 to R2899 per month. As the network footprint expands, Neotel will offer additional packages as well as make the service available in other regions in a phased manner.

With the addition of NeoBroadband powered by LTE in its product portfolio, Neotel is now positioned to offer a wide range of broadband services ranging from 1 Mbps up to 100 Mbps using different access technologies such as Fibre, WiMAX and now LTE.