The National Communications Regulation Commission (NCRC) announced it would sell three national and two regional licenses for radio frequencies for use in WiMAX internet and data networks at an open auction. The starting price for a national license will be $215 ths, regional licenses $7-13 ths, depending on the region. The NCRC said about 50 companies would take part. Alexander Paraschiy: This is very welcome news as it is the first time radio frequencies for any purpose are to be sold to the highest bidder at an open auction. However, we think the number of participants will be lower, as only a handful of local groups have the financial resources and the interest to develop WiMAX networks.