TUSR, Slovakia’s telecoms regulator, is now accepting online bids in a multi-band auction of 4G spectrum. Operators can submit their offers for wireless frequencies in the 800MHz, 1800MHz and 2.6GHz bands until 7 October.

According to auction rules, operators’ LTE networks need to cover at least half of Slovakia’s population by the end of 2018.

In the auction consultation process, Slovakia’s three mobile network operators – Orange, Slovak Telekom and Telefonica-owned O2 – each expressed interested in participating.

Other companies showing an interest include Slovanet (a Slovakian triple-play services provider); Towercom (a Slovak TV and radio broadcasting services provider); and VelaTel Global Communications (a telecoms holding company).

According to media reports, PPF – one of the largest private equity firms in Central and Eastern Europe – is also eying an entry into the Slovakian mobile market. Moreover, the firm is reportedly keen to enter the Czech mobile market via the country’s upcoming 4G auction.

It is expected that some 1800MHz spectrum will be reserved for a fourth player to compete with Slovakia’s “big three”.

According to Q2 2013 figures from GSMA Intelligence, Orange is the biggest operator in Slovakia with 2.8 million subscribers, followed by Slovak Telecom (2.3 million) and then O2 (1.4 million).