Schiphol Airport and the Port of Rotterdam Authority are taking legal action to ensure they have enough 5G spectrum. The faster frequency is necessary to automate processes.
In Minister Adriaansens’ National Frequency Plan (Economic Affairs) from the end of 2022, the companies would receive too little spectrum. The distribution of the 3.5 GHz frequency is currently quite limited on a national level. The ministry rejected an alternative offer from the two parties.
Automation
The companies both provide a concrete example of the need for 5G. Schiphol’s baggage platform, for example, would need the speed to automate the process. 5G can also simplify the processing of sensor data in the port of Rotterdam. In terms of innovation, the Port Authority sees opportunities for automating shipping, which can only be achieved by using the new frequency.
If the ministry does not act, there will still be an auction for the extra frequency bands. The cabinet hopes to generate at least 176 million euros in revenue. Due to the lawsuit, this auction may be delayed. The space that was allocated without an auction was based on the registration date: Schiphol and the Port Authority had simply knocked on the government’s door too late.
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