CAIRO (WiMAX Day). In the run-up to the auction of 3.5 GHz spectrum in Egypt, a spokesman for Vodafone Egypt has confirmed that it will be bidding in the auction. Vodafone, the largest GSM network in Egypt, was one of several companies that responded to the consultation paper issued by the National Telecommunication Regulatory Authority (NRTA) in August. The NRTA intends to issue 3.5 GHz licenses in the near future, and is presently studying an auction of 2.5-2.6 GHz spectrum.

In its response to the NRTA, Vodafone requested a delay in the auction of licenses until more WiMAX standards are adopted, as well as the implementation of “legal and technical measures that will prevent the usage of WiMAX licenses for voice applications.”

Vodafone also proposed to the NRTA that there should be no restriction on the use of 3.5 GHz spectrum for backhaul or transit services, but that the spectrum should be limited to “only the specific WiMAX nomadic standard–802.16d.”

According to the NRTA, it does not foresee the possibility of any restrictions on the 3.5 GHz spectrum that would limit either the ability of its use in voice applications or with any specific technology standards.