Decision No. 02 of 2026 – Revision of Spectrum Licence Fees for the 2100 MHz Band in Vanuatu

The Telecommunications, Radiocommunications and Broadcasting Regulator (TRBR) has issued Decision No. 02 of 2026 – Revision of Spectrum Licence Fees for the 2100 MHz Band in Vanuatu.

The Decision follows a targeted consultation with telecommunications operators and relevant stakeholders on the appropriate pricing of the 2100 MHz band. After considering the submissions received, the Regulator determined that the 2100 MHz band remains a high-value International Mobile Telecommunications spectrum band supporting current 4G services and future mobile broadband technologies.

Under the Decision, the annual spectrum licence fee for the 2100 MHz band will be revised to VT 90,000 per MHz, effective from 1 January 2027. This aligns the 2100 MHz band with the fee applied to other high-value IMT spectrum bands in Vanuatu.

Existing spectrum assignments and channel arrangements within the 2100 MHz band remain unchanged under this Decision. Matters relating to future band planning, channel arrangements and spectrum assignment will be considered separately as part of the upcoming review of the relevant spectrum licensing and regulatory framework.

Decision No. 01 of 2026 on the Planning and Fees for the 2100 MHz Band in Vanuatu

The Office of the Telecommunications and Radiocommunications Regulator (“the Regulator”) previously issued Decision No. 01 of 2018 on the planning and allocation of the 2100 MHz spectrum band (1920–1980 MHz / 2110–2170 MHz) for mobile broadband services in Vanuatu.

Since that time, the telecommunications market in Vanuatu has continued to develop, and the 2100 MHz spectrum has become increasingly valuable for 4G services and potential 5G deployment in urban areas. Additionally, TRBR is in the process of standardizing spectrum fees for International Mobile Telecommunications (IMT) bands, with the 900 MHz and 700 MHz bands currently set at VT 90,000 per MHz. In comparison, the 2100 MHz band has been charged at VT 27,000 per MHz since 2018.

The Regulator hereby determines that any frequency band considered to be a high-value band for IMT or other advanced wireless technologies shall be charged at a standardized rate of VT 90,000 per MHz. The Regulator reserves the right to review and amend this rate in accordance with the Telecommunications and Radiocommunications Regulation Act 2009 and the Radio Apparatus Licence and Spectrum Licence (Fees) Regulation.

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