Would-be participants in Australia’s upcoming auction of spectrum in the 1800 MHz band have until 1 October to submit their applications, the government announced late last week.
The Australian Communications and Media Author ity (ACMA) plans to auction off 1800 MHz airwaves in regional Australia in November. It will also sell off airwaves in the same band that were left over following the recent reissue of expiring spectrum licences.
The available spectrum has been split into 147 lots, with reserve prices calculated on the basis of A$0.08/MHz/pop, "a figure chosen to maximise the overall public benefit with a view to ensuring the efficient allocation and use of the spectrum," the ACMA said.
Starting prices for the airwaves vary by region: at the bottom of the list, Darwin and Regional South Australia carry reserve prices of A$106,000 (€67,000) and A$137,000 respectively, while in South Queensland (Maryborough) and Adelaide prices start at A$917,000 and A$1.13 million (€715,000).
Auction participants will be able to acquire a maximum of 2 x 25 MHz of available spectrum, a rule the ACMA says will "promote diversity and competition" among spectrum holders.
It notes that the auction format will enable new licensees to gain access to the 1800 MHz band.
The ACMA points out that there is growing demand for 1800 MHz spectrum in regional Australia, driven primarily by the availability of LTE equipment in the band for the delivery of mobile broadband services. As such, the authority has been working on a plan to allocate the airwaves for the past few years.
