Kosovo Allocates 2.1 GHz spectrum to leading operators

event 21.06.2025 person Admin

Kosovo

Kosovo has taken a major step in strengthening its mobile communications infrastructure through the recent allocation of valuable 2.1 GHz spectrum. In a tender process led by the country’s telecom regulator, two major operators were granted exclusive licenses to use 2×20 MHz in the 2100 MHz band—a frequency essential for expanding 4G and building out 5G services.

Spectrum Winners: Kosovo Telecom and IPKO

Kosovo Telecom, the state-owned operator, secured frequencies in the 1960–1980 MHz (uplink) and 2150–2170 MHz (downlink) bands. IPKO Telecommunications, a subsidiary of Telekom Slovenije, was granted the 1920–1940 MHz uplink and 2110–2130 MHz downlink blocks.

The licenses are valid for a period of 20 years, starting on May 1, 2025, enabling long-term network development and stability.

2.1 GHz Band Utilization in Kosovo

According to Visar Halimi, Director of Frequency Management at ARKEP, another operator had previously been licensed for 2×10 MHz in the 2.1 GHz band. This brings the total authorized capacity in the 2100 MHz range to 2×50 MHz.

In addition to the 2.1 GHz allocation, Kosovo is preparing to free up spectrum in the 700 MHz band, currently used by broadcasters. This low-band spectrum is ideal for wide-area 5G deployment and improved signal penetration.