Australia raises AUD 544 mln in 1,800 MHz band auction

News Wireless Australia 5 FEB 2016
Australia raises AUD 544 mln in 1,800 MHz band auction

Optus, Telstra, TPG and Vodafone all secured spectrum in Australia's 1,800 MHz band auction, resulting in total proceeds of AUD 543.5 million, the Australian Communications and Media Authority announced. Optus will pay the most, at AUD 196 million for 2x20 MHz in five regions and 2x25 MHz in seven regions. Testra's bids totaled AUS 191 million, TPG Internet AUD 88 million and Vodafone AUD 68 million. 

The auction of regional lots of 2x5MHz each started in November last year and ran for 29 working days. The new frequencies are expected to help the operators strengthen 4G coverage throughout the country; the 1,800 MHz band is already used extensively in major cities. The technology-neutral licences will be issued in May 2017 and be valid until June 2028. 

Categories:

Mobile

Companies:

Optus,  Telstra,  Vodafone,  Australian Communications and Media Authority,  TPG

Countries:

Australia

Tags:

Government telecommunications licensing, Wireless, Wholesale

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