Denmark (country regulation overview)

The Danish government and the regulator, the National IT and Telecom Agency (NITA), are focusing on increasing broadband adoption in Denmark and have set a target of 100% broadband coverage at speeds of 100Mbps by 2020. In line with this objective, the NITA has already allocated spectrum in the 2.5GHz band and plans to allocate 450-470MHz spectrum in 2010, primarily for mobile broadband purposes.

The NITA is also evaluating the options of digital dividend and frequency re-farming in the 900MHz and 1800MHz bands. These service- and technology-neutral frequencies decrease the necessity for upgrading the technologies frequently. We anticipate that this will help operators reduce costs, thereby encouraging investments in mobile broadband and value-added services. Furthermore, we believe that the introduction of LTE technology using the 2.5GHz band will enable service providers to launch higher-speed mobile broadband services, and help Denmark maintain its lead in terms of broadband penetration within the EU region.

In addition to its focus on the mobile data market, the NITA took some key decisions in the past year to develop fixed-line wholesale broadband markets in Denmark. It has obligated the incumbent, TDC, to provide access to cable ducts and optical fiber, and also offer broadband services over fiber and cable-TV networks to alternative operators.

While the government’s target of 100% broadband coverage looks somewhat ambitious, we believe that the NITA’s proactive approach to develop both fixed and mobile broadband markets can help achieve this goal.