Czech internet set for speed boost as regulator opens new frequency band

Internet speeds in Czechia should see a new boost in the coming years after the Czech Telecommunication Office (ČTÚ) approved the opening of a high-frequency band for commercial use, paving the way for faster wireless networks and expanded 5G coverage.

The 26 GHz band, which becomes available from July 1, will be used for modern high-capacity networks, including 5G services, fixed wireless access, and private industrial networks. Regulators say it will be particularly useful in dense urban areas, logistics hubs, and large industrial sites where high-speed wireless connectivity is essential.

Officials are also preemptively reassuring the public that the technology is safe, stressing that the radiation involved is non-ionizing and complies with strict health limits.

The decision by ČTÚ represents one of the largest recent expansions of radio spectrum available for commercial telecommunications use in Czechia. The regulator says the newly opened 26 GHz band allows for very high data transmission speeds, making it suitable for next-generation connectivity.

The band is expected to support both public and private 5G networks, as well as fixed wireless access (FWA) systems, which can provide an alternative to traditional cable or fiber connections. This could be particularly important in areas where laying fiber infrastructure is difficult, costly, or slow to deploy.

Industrial and logistics companies are also expected to benefit. The spectrum can be used for local “campus” networks in factories, warehouses, and transport hubs, where stable, high-speed wireless communication is needed for automation and connected systems.

According to ČTÚ, the technical conditions for the band follow European harmonization standards while also reflecting the needs of the Czech market. The regulator says this should allow not only major telecom operators but also smaller companies and private projects to access the technology.

The new rules also include improved access to information about how frequencies are already being used, which ČTÚ says will increase transparency and make it easier for companies to plan new networks.

By publishing data on existing licenses and usage, the regulator aims to reduce interference risks and speed up coordination between operators deploying new infrastructure in overlapping areas.

Officials say this should improve predictability in the market and help accelerate the rollout of high-speed wireless services across the country.

ČTÚ has already reported early interest from both large telecom providers and smaller players preparing local and industrial network projects.