Dutch government begins auction of 5G frequencies

  Dutch government started an auction Monday of new 5G wireless frequencies, with telecom companies bidding so y can provide customers with faster mobile communication networks.

government says online auction of 700, 1,400 and 2,100 megahertz frequencies could last days or longer and will raise a minimum of 900 million euros ($1 billion).

A 3,500 megahertz frequency will be auctioned off at a later date because its use for 5G networks could interfere with work of a satellite communications interception facility in rrn Nerlands used by Dutch intelligence ncies. Dutch Ministry of Ecomic Affairs says it will t comment on auction until it is completed.

auction is for bandwidth used by providers and does t directly involve infrastructure for 5G networks that has been focus of intense international debate. U.S. has sought to persue allies to shun Chinese telecom gear maker Huawei as a 5G infrastructure supplier over fears that Chinese government could use it for spying or sabot. Huawei has consistently denied accusations.