Brussels, 19 December 2013 – Today, Mobistar announces it has secured
a 120 million euros revolving credit facility amortizable over a three year
period. The newly agreed credit line with Atlas Services Belgium S.A.
allows for a total of 120 million euros to be drawn. This new credit facility,
which comes on top of the existing ones, will mainly serve to pay the
recently acquired 800 MHz spectrum, which was acquired for an amount
of 120 million euros.
Operators could choose between two methods of payment: either pay the
unique spectrum fee as a lump sum, or pay by annual installments. Mobistar has
decided to pay the spectrum fee as a lump sum in December 2013. The license
is valid for 20 years and covers a frequency block of 2x10 MHz in the 800 MHz
band. The acquisition of this spectrum is a crucial part of Mobistar’s strategy for
an accelerated deployment of the 4G-technology in Belgium. The 800 MHz
license will enable Mobistar to offer its customers the best indoor coverage, also
in rural areas. This additional spectrum will allow Mobistar to get ready for the
massive growth in mobile data services expected over the coming years and to
offer a homogeneous customer experience in 4G. Mobistar acquired the lot with
the most ambitious coverage obligations and confirms herewith its target to
deploy the best 4G network in Belgium.