Spain

event 20.01.2025 person Admin Spain

In December 2024, Spain underwent a major transformation in its mobile spectrum configuration following the merger of Orange and MasMovil into a new entity, MasOrange. This change has resulted in a redistribution of key spectrum assets among major telecom players, including DS Mobile (Digi Spain, RCS&RDS) and Telefónica.

The Merger and Spectrum Redistribution

With the creation of MasOrange, both MasMovil and Yoigo ceased to exist as independent entities. Consequently, spectrum assets in the 1800 MHz (B3), 2100 MHz (B1), and 3600 MHz (N78) bands have been reallocated as follows:

MasOrange Spectrum Holdings

MasOrange now controls the following frequencies:

• B3 (1800 MHz): 1855.10 - 1879.90 (24.8 MHz)*
• B1 (2100 MHz): 2120.00 - 2140.00 (20 MHz)*
• N78 (3600 MHz): 3600.00 - 3700.00 and 3420.00 - 3460.00 (100 + 40 MHz)
• B7/B38: Regional bands previously held by R Cable Galicia, Euskaltel, and Telecable Asturias

Telefónica's New Spectrum Acquisition

Telefónica has acquired:

• N78 (3600 MHz): 3480.00 - 3500.00 (20 MHz)

Digi Spain's Spectrum Purchase

Digi has obtained:

• B3 (1800 MHz): 1845.10 - 1855.10 (10 MHz)*
• B1 (2100 MHz): 2110.00 - 2120.00 (10 MHz)*
• N78 (3600 MHz): 3460.00 - 3480.00 (20 MHz)

Returned Spectrum

Additionally, 10 MHz from the N78 band (3700.00 - 3710.00 MHz) has been returned to the Spanish government.

(*Uplink frequencies for B3 and B1 have also been adjusted accordingly.)

Digi's Transition Period and Network Deployment

Digi has granted MasOrange a grace period to facilitate the gradual shutdown of Yoigo's network. By April 2025, Digi will be free to launch its own network, utilizing Telefónica's infrastructure under either a MORAN (Multi-Operator Radio Access Network) or MOCN (Multi-Operator Core Network) configuration, depending on location.

Impact on Spain's Telecom Market

The restructuring of the spectrum landscape is expected to:

• Enhance competition by enabling Digi to expand its presence.
• Improve 5G deployment with better utilization of N78 frequencies.
• Streamline network operations through spectrum consolidation.

As the Spanish telecom industry adapts to these changes, users can expect enhanced network performance, increased coverage, and competitive mobile service offerings in the near future.

Relevant details have been reflected in our database and can be found here: https://www.spectrum-tracker.com/Spain

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