PRESS RELEASE: CTU to ensure that coverage of white spaces increases by 2034

Prague 21 August 2026 – Based on the conclusions of the review, the Czech Telecommunication Office will maintain the number of rights to use frequencies in the 800 MHz, 1800 MHz and 2600 MHz bands limited. In accordance with the law, it foresees the issuance of new block allocations for O2, T-Mobile and Vodafone. Conditions will include further increasing the number of white spaces covered, covering additional rail corridors and increasing the resilience of networks in crisis situations. A public consultation is now open.

“With the scope of its obligations, ČTÚ aims at the largest possible availability of high-quality mobile services not only in the everyday life of Czech citizens, but also in emergency situations they may encounter,” said Marek Ebert, Chairman of the CTU Council.

What development criteria are still in place and will continue to be in place?

All three above-mentioned operators, as current allocation holders, already have to cover, by the end of 2030, 200 white spaces by their own construction activities and 300 others in which they can share the infrastructure. These criteria remain valid, with the first deadline for checking on compliance falling in 2027. This means that at least 600 new white spaces are guaranteed to be covered by the end of 2030.

What criteria do we plan to redefine?

Between 2031 and 2034, operators will each have to cover additional 200 white spaces with their own new infrastructure and additional 300 with infrastructure possibly shared. These will count on top of the existing ones. By the end of 2034, this would guarantee coverage of at least 1,200 white spaces with newly built infrastructure. In addition, the definition of white space will be even stricter and will now take into account not only the coverage of households, but also of other premises e.g. shops, accommodation facilities and other types of buildings.

How will the resilience of networks be fostered?

By the end of 2029, mobile operators will be required to equip their network to ensure the availability of a defined range of mobile services in crisis situations for at least 80% of the population of the Czech Republic and for designated premises of the Integrated Rescue System, for a period of 6 hours from the moment of power outage.

Which rail corridor will have better coverage?

A new obligation will be imposed to ensure and maintain, for the entire duration of the block allocation, the coverage of the railway corridors in the following range: Prague Main Station – Pardubice Main Station – Česká Třebová – Olomouc Main Station – Přerov – Ostrava Main Station – Bohumín and Česká Třebová – Brno Main Station. The aim is to ensure that mobile signal is available, as of mid-2036, in a significantly higher quality than previously requested.