The relationship between utilities and mobile networks is getting closer as the former group looks to use 5G for smart grid and other systems, while contributing infrastructure, and even direct funding, to ease the costs of build-out. Such bonds have been seen particularly in Japan, but the converging interests are starting to be reflected in European regulatory policy too. For instance, in Denmark, it will be the energy agency, the DEA or Energistyrelsen, not the telecoms regulator, which will auction 450 MHz spectrum this year. The agency will offer one licence in the low band spectrum, and says the allocation will be designed not to maximize auction revenues, but to ensure the spectrum is used effectively throughout the country. Denmark…