North Macedonia’s Agency for Electronic Communications (AEC) has announced a public tender for radio frequency spectrum in the 700 MHz, 1800 MHz, and 3.x GHz bands. This move supports the country’s 5G rollout plans and aims to improve mobile connectivity by introducing new network operators into the market. The tender includes one license for each band, all offering national coverage valid for up to 12 years.
Applicable Operators
In an effort to ensure healthy competition and avoid market concentration, the AEC will only consider applications from new entrants. Existing operators, A1 Macedonia and Makedonski Telekom, are not eligible to participate in this process. The goal is to foster a more diverse telecom ecosystem and increase investment in underserved areas.
Spectrum Bands Available
The public tender will include the following bands:
- 700 MHz: 2×10 MHz (703–713 / 758–768 MHz)
- 1800 MHz: 2×10 MHz (1775–1785 / 1870–1880 MHz)
- 3.5 GHz (3.x GHz): 100 MHz (3500–3600 MHz)
All licenses will be granted for nationwide use and are technology-neutral, meaning operators may deploy any compliant mobile technology, including 5G.
License Conditions and Obligations
Successful applicants will be required to meet several coverage and performance obligations throughout the license period:
- By end of 2026: At least one city must have 5G coverage.
- By end of 2028: Major transportation corridors must be covered with uninterrupted 5G signal.
- By end of 2030: All cities in the country must be covered with uninterrupted 5G.
- By end of 2032: Every citizen must have access to 5G with a minimum download speed of 100 Mbps.
License holders will also need to begin using their assigned spectrum within one year of receiving approval and provide access to passive infrastructure upon reasonable request.
Technical Requirements and Spectrum Use
The 3.5 GHz license requires operators to use the Frame A (“DDDSU”) synchronization scheme as recommended by ECC REC(20)03. Alternative synchronization methods may be approved but must not interfere with neighboring operators. Preferred clock synchronization should follow GNSS standards outlined in ECC Reports 216 and 296.
License Duration and Fee Structure
Licenses will vary in duration to align with existing approvals:
- 700 MHz (A1): Valid until 2037
- 1800 MHz (B1): Valid until 2033
- 3.5 GHz (C1): Valid until 2037
Applicants will be required to pay both a one-time fee and an annual fee for spectrum use. The one-time minimum fees set by the AEC are:
- 700 MHz: €2,320,000
- 1800 MHz: €210,000
- 3.5 GHz: €4,200,000
These fees were calculated based on past licensing procedures and pricing benchmarks from other European markets, adjusted for Macedonia’s purchasing power and telecom development stage.
How To Apply
Interested parties without existing public telecom networks or frequency licenses in North Macedonia must submit a letter of expression of interest to the AEC by May 16, 2025. Applications must be submitted to the AEC’s official address in Skopje.
The public tender will be followed by a competitive bidding process. If approvals are granted and conditions unmet (e.g., failure to use assigned spectrum within one year), the license may be revoked under Article 147 of the Law on Electronic Communications.
For this article’s source information and any product certification guidance, please contact Global Validity.
Quick Country Facts
Macedonia
Certification Body: Agency for Electronic Communications (AEC)
Certification Type: Mandatory
License Validity: Indefinite
Application Language: English
Legal License Holder: Manufacturer
In-Country Testing Requirement: Testing Not Required
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