This is what Philenews reported on Tuesday, adding that the permit process specifies that the tender will grant licences between the frequency spectrum available on the 700 MHz and 3.6 GHz bandwidths.

The tender, announced by the deputy ministry of research, innovation and digital policy, through the digital communications department, offers a 20-year license to develop and operate 5G networks.

The radio frequency licensing for the 5G networks is an obligation for all EU member states.

The 5G networks are a revolutionary technology, which is expected to play a central role in enhancing EU competitiveness in the global market, accelerating digital transformation and promoting green growth.

The European network is expected to create around two million jobs.

The 5G network will offer opportunities in various sectors, such as energy, health, agriculture, industry, and transport.

It will facilitate all sectors of the economy, providing improved services which will enhance the daily life of citizens, with self-drive cars, industrial robotics, tele-medicine, smart cities, Internet of Things, to name but a few devices to operate on 5G technology.

Nonetheless, the tender comes in the wake of several attacks on mobile phone antennas on the Mediterranean island with conspiracy theorists believing mobile telecom installations are linked to Covid-19.

A number of mobile telecom installations have been set alight by arsonists recently.

Source: In-Cyprus