Improving the coverage and capacity of 4G and 5G mobile networks calls for significant investments by the national mobile-network operators (MNOs) in the Netherlands. In addition, 2G and 3G networks will gradually be phased out, and the Dutch Telecommunications Act will be amended, as a result of which, new options for spectrum lease will be included, among other amendments.
These developments have raised questions among these operators regarding their opportunities for collaborations regarding the sharing of mobile infrastructure. With these guidelines, the Netherlands Authority for Consumers and Markets (ACM) seeks to provide clarity to MNOs.