3G auction Czechs out

The Republic ducks mobile mess...

Czech mobile operators have refused to stump up for 3G licenses, despite the government introducing a 'book now, pay later' policy. Cesky Mobil, Eurotel, RadioMobil all refused to pay the first round fee of 6.7bn Czech korunas (£126m) and were not tempted by government offers to pay half the licence fee now and half in five years time. None of the three companies were prepared to pay more than 2bn korunas. The government is hoping other foreign operators will want to get involved.