Due to exceptional circumstances, Spain, Cyprus, Lithuania, Hungary, Malta, Austria, Poland, Romania and Finland were all awarded derogations having missed the 1 January 2013 deadline.
There were 14 total requests for postponement meaning that Slovakia and Slovenia were refused their applications, while Greece, Latvia and the Czech Republic require additional evaluation.
Neelie Kroes, European Commission Vice President said: “We have agreed to temporary and limited 800MHz derogations for nine countries. This is a pragmatic and final concession. Every delay in releasing spectrum hurts our economy and frustrates citizens.”
The EC added that Belgium and Estonia were late with the initial deadline, although they haven’t asked for derogation, while Bulgaria has notified the EC that it will have to continue its use of the band for public and defence purposes.
